Santa Claus is coming to town for Christmas pictures

Bassett Place Mall– Complete package details available at the Santa reception and photo area. Visiting hours: http://bit.ly/1QcEjHw

Cielo Vista Mall-Holiday photos with Santa receive a complimentary bag of Grandma’ Chocolate Chip Cookies, the official cookie of Santa Claus through Dec. 24th.

Animal Rescue League– Saturday, December 12 &19th, Sunday December 13 and 20th. For a $10 donation you receive a picture and card of your pet/s with Santa. ARL will have treats and toys for the animals and treats for the humans! Pictures will be taken from 12-4.

Rae Gilmore Community Center-8501 Diana Dr. 6:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Free – Information (915) 751-4945
Parents, bring your camera or cell phone to take pictures of your children with Santa Claus. Candy canes will be given to all kids.

Santa and The Grinch at the Zoo– The El Paso Zoo will celebrate the holidays with Santa at the Zoo and his delivery of special treats to animals on December 13, 2014. Zoo visitors will have the chance to meet Santa (11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) and the Grinch (1:30 – 4 p.m.) to take pictures with them for $6. Click here for information: http://bit.ly/1Np9DSt

The Outlet Shoppes At El Paso– Photos with Santa click here for hours :http://bit.ly/1N2CkkB

Mesilla Valley Mall Breakfast with Santa -Kids 12 & Under can have Breakfast with Santa on December 12 & 19 at 8 a.m. Tickets are available in the mall management office Monday – Friday 8am – 5 pm.

Ticket includes two chairs at the event, a t-shirt, goodie bag, breakfast for the child, a meet & greet with Santa and a chance to win a Santa sack filled with toys! Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A.

Mesilla Valley Mall Paws & Claus Night-Bring your four legged furry friend to have a photo with Santa on Sunday, December 13th from 6 – 8 p.m. Click here for more holiday events at Mesilla Valley Mall: http://bit.ly/1nNfJ12

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ — The beloved TV classic soars onto the stage this holiday season 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8-9, at the Plaza Theatre, presented by Jam Theatricals and El Paso Live present. Tickets: $37.50 to $52.50. Information: 231-1111, ElPasoLive.com/Broadway or on Facebook at Broadway in El Paso.

Winter Ball on the Border — El Paso Choral Society hosts the “Songs and Arias” fundraising event at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Camino Real Hotel’s Ballroom. Details to be announced. Information: epchoralsociety.org.

Handel’s Messiah — El Paso Choral Society will present Handel’s Messiah with orchestra and professional soloists at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. The performance will also feature Finzi’s Magnificat and Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto. Prentice Loftin, EPCS Music Director, will conduct, and orchestra concertmaster is Dr. Stephanie Meyers. The soloists are Natanya Washer, soprano; Stephanie Sanchez, alto; Hugo Vera, tenor; and Levi Hernandez, bass. Tickets: $10-$40 (Ticketmaster).

Christmas Street — The 42nd annual fund-raiser for the Paso Del Norte Children’s Development Center is Tuesday, Dec. 8, at El Paso Country Club, 5000 Country Club Place. Several lavish custom-designed Christmas trees will be on display. The Tour of Trees luncheon is at 11 a.m. The annual Gala is at 6 p.m. The event includes music, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Information, ticket prices: 544-8484, ext. 101. Web: pdnchildrens.org.

‘Gifts are Memories’ — It’s Not Over hosts a free festival with 1,000 free toys for elementary children 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7744 N Loop, with pony rides, books, face painting, games, activities for children and adults, and cartoon and super-heroes characters. Information: 540-1317 or in Facebook at itsnotoverbyj.

Magoffin Holiday Open House — The annual holiday season event at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with and art show, music, dancing, food and a visit from Santa. Dress warm for outside activities. Admission is $2. Information: 533-5147.

‘Navidad on the Border’ — The 21st annual musical homage to the community’s Mexican Navidad and American Christmas traditions is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at EPCC’s Administrative Service Center Auditorium, Building A. Presented by El Paso Community College Senior Adult Program. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Complimentary tickets available through the Seniors Adult Program: 831-7801.

Lights on the Lake — The display of holiday lights at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta, returns Dec. 12-Jan. 4. The lights will be next to the lake, and lit from sundown to 10 p.m. each night. Food vendors available on weekends. Car entry fee is $2 Friday through Sunday, free Monday through Thursday.

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe — The annual three-day religious festival in Tortugas, N.M. is Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10-12. The festival is the biggest event of the year in Tortugas, a small village near Mesilla Park that’s home to the Tortugas Indians. Events are centered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Information: (575) 526-8171.
The fiesta begins Thursday with a procession taking the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the little chapel to the community house rosary and vigil.
The pilgrimage to the Tortugas “A” Mountain is Friday with a procession at 5 a.m. from Casa del Pueblo to the church. At sundown, pilgrims will light luminarias along the mountain path.
A fiesta Mass is at 8 a.m. Saturday followed by Danzante Dances, traditional fiesta dinner an afternoon procession.
To get there: Take Interstate 10 to Las Cruces, exit on University Avenue and go under the freeway; turn left at the stop sign and continue on Main, going through two signals. Turn left on Tortugas Drive and then turn right on Parroquia.

Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of Guadalupe Pueblo — Events celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe are Dec. 10-12 at St. Genevieve’s Church and Parish Hall, 100 South Espina and 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., in Las Cruces. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-9649.
A procession of the virgin is Thursday and Friday from the hall to the church.
A Mass for the Virgin de Guadalupe will be celebrated Saturday, followed by dancing by the matachines (Los Danzantes) and Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe members.
The Virgin de Guadalupe is kept in the church until New Year’s Day, when she will be taken out at 2 p.m. in a procession accompanied by dancing and pageantry. She is then taken home until next December.

St. Anthony’s Festival for Our Lady of Guadelupe — St. Anthony’s Seminary, Crescent and Hastings in Central El Paso, will host events in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 10-12, including pilgrimages, masses and a bazaar. The public is welcome. Information/times: 566-2261.

Church programs

‘The Spirit of Christmas’ — Cielo Vista Church’s 24th annual large-scale holiday pageant of music and drama celebrating the Christmas season programs is Dec. 10-13 at the church, 3585 Lee Trevino. The pageant celebrates past Christmases along with some of the greatest stories of the Bible told through a dramatic musical presentation. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: $5, available in advance at the church office or online at cielovista.org. Information: 595-0288.
The church also offers a “Discover the Tabernacle Tour” Dec. 8-13. Tours of the full-scale replica of the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Tabernacle are offered on the hour 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments, and the Tabernacle were built by Israelites during their wandering in the desert. Tickets: $2.

‘Living Christmas Tree’ — First Baptist Church, 805 Montana, presents the 51st annual Christmas concerts, “A New Beginning, at 7 p.m. Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-13. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. The event usually sells out early. Tickets: $5 at the church office; $6 online at FBCep.com. Tickets available at the door, only if seats available. Information: 533-1465.
The concerts are complete with a live Christmas chorus comprised of over 160 students and adults, performing traditional and new holiday music. It is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country.

‘Venite!’ — Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird, will host its annual Christmas music presentation at 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 13. Prelude is at 6:30 p.m. The original musical is based on the documentary “The Star of Bethlehem” by Rick Larson. The story joins the journey of the wise men following the star to the Child, and features a look at the heavens through the scriptures and modern technology. Admission is free. Information: 584-3912 or coronadobaptist.org.

‘A Classic Christmas’ and ‘Bethlehem Live’— CrossPoint Church, 11995 Montwood, presents its annual holiday gifts to the community Dec. 11-13 with two types of presentations this year. Admission is free. Information: 857-7492 or crosspointelpaso.com.
‘A Classic Christmas’ drama is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, in the church’s new worship building. Enjoy vignettes from such Christmas classics as “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Christmas Carol” and “the Nativity Story.”
Bethlehem Live is 6 to 9 p.m. all three days, in the church parking lot, with the live performance of four to five stations including the Wise Men, the Inn, the Shepherds and the Nativity. Pony rides, food and drink concessions and a Christmas Craft Marketplace are also offered.

Bazaars and fairs

La Via Sunday Market — La Via Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts a farmer’s market featuring local food producers noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, with art, crafts, jams and jellies, food trucks, wine and more. No outside alcohol allowed. Dog friendly. Admission is free. Information: (575) 502-4074 or lavinawinery.com.
Basket and Stocking Stuffer Sunday is Dec. 13. Visitors can bring their own basket and fill it with all the goodies from the market or purchase one from the vendors.

Christmas Arts and Craft Fair — Sacred Heart Parish, 602 S. Oregon, hosts the fair to coincide with Virgen de Guadalupe Feast Day, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13. Times to be determined. Information: James Martinez, 603-8424, jmartinez@sacredheartelpaso.org or sacredheartelpaso.org.

Happy Hippie Holidaze Open House — The Hal Marcus Gallery, 1308 N. Oregon, hosts its 45th annual Happy Holidaze Open House arts and craft fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with local vendors, appetizers, and live entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to come in hippie garb. Admission is free. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
Vendors include: Jewelry by Adelaide
Ali Pagel, Cactus Mary, Barbara Duchouquette & Barbara Burgess, Chino & Yoli Zapata, Estela Flores, Gene Keller, Kathy Anderson, Linda McLain, Lolly Rancich, Nienna, Rebecca Ayers, Sandra Lee, Soozen Lee, Vegetarian Society of El Paso, and Vicki Drennan (Bickie’s Bears).
Performances by Gene Keller are 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.; The Cowboy Gospel Band noon to 1 p.m.; Nienna 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and Jorge Guzman 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Sunland Art Gallery — 5034-D Doniphan, in Placita Santa Fe. The co-op gallery features works by local artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: Cil Abeyta, 584-3117 or 474-0053.
The gallery’s Christmas Open House is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with small items for holiday gift giving and 2016 calendars, as well as ornaments on their Christmas tree. Original art, paintings and photographs, jewelry, prints and cards and gift items are a part of the gallery, all by 17 local artists. Also available is Loteria El Paso by Candy Mayer.

Vinton Farmer’s Market — The fall market with fresh produce and handcrafted items runs is Saturday, Dec. 12 (in conjunction with the Christmas village), in Vinton. Vendor space available. Information: 886-5104.

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing — The 14th annual market runs Saturdays year-round at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Well behaved pets on leash welcome; brunch available for purchase on patio 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market — The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s market for area artists and farmer’s market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in the Union Plaza District along Anthony Street. Information: 212-1780 or elpasoartsandculture.org.

ON STAGE

‘The Last Five Years: The Musical’ — UTEP Dinner Theatre’s new Side Dish Student Productions, presents Jason Robert Brown’s off-Broadway hit Dec. 4-13, at UTEP Dinner Theatre, 2nd Floor Union Building West, UTEP Campus. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 ($12 faculty, staff, alumni association members, children age 4-12,Non-UTEP Students, Military and Groups of 20 or more, $10 UTEP students with Valid ID (1 per ID). Information: 747-6060 or utep.edu/udt.
A Drama Desk winner, “The Last Five Years” was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 best shows of 2001. The emotionally powerful and intimate musical is about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

‘A Kids-N-Co. Christmas Spectacular’ — Kids-N-Co. presents a holiday performance sponsored by El Paso Community Foundation as part of its Jewel Box Series Dec. 12-13, at the Philanthropy Theatre in the Plaza Theatre’s Annex, written and directed by Tanisha Lewis, and co-directed by Mira Carreon. The magic and wonder of Christmas told in a story full of old and new Christmas favorites and a few dances. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $16; available on Ticketmaster. Information: 351-1455 or epcf.org.

‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ — El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents the Steve Martin about an imaginary meeting of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso through Dec. 12. Directed by Mario Rodriguez-Alvarado. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors; $7 students and military). Information: 532-1317 or elpasoplayhouse.com.
The plays put Einstein and Picasso in a Paris in 1904, when both men were on the verge of unveiling their greatest works. This was the first full-length play by Martin, best known as a stand-up comedian and actor.

‘A Christmas Carol’ — The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents their annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic Dec. 13-20, in UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Wise Family Theatre. Adapted by Chuck Gorden and directed by Austin Savage. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $14 ($11 seniors, military, group, UTEP alumni and non-UTEP students; $9 UTEP students; ages 4-12). Information: Information: Information: 747-5118, theatredance.utep.edu or on Facebook.Come along for the journey of reflection and redemption as Scrooge learns the true meaning of holiday spirit.

[newsletter@epscene.com] El Paso Scene Weekly Dec. 7-13?

[newsletter@epscene.com] El Paso Scene Weekly Dec. 7-13

Actions

Randy Limbird
12:20 PM
Newsletters
To: newsletter@epscene.com

randy@epscene.com

El Paso Scene Weekly Dec. 7-13, 2015

To subscribe or unsubscribe, please go to www.epscene.com/newsletter.php

For other weekly digests and monthly listings, go to www.epscene.com

MUSIC & DANCE

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical’ — The beloved TV classic soars onto the stage this holiday season 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 8-9, at the Plaza Theatre, presented by Jam Theatricals and El Paso Live present. Tickets: $37.50 to $52.50. Information: 231-1111, ElPasoLive.com/Broadway or on Facebook at Broadway in El Paso.

Tricky Falls — 209 S. El Paso. All shows are all-ages (16 and older), unless listed otherwise. Listings also cover shows in Bowie Feathers. Information: 351-9909 Online tickets at trickyfalls.com and ticketfly.com.
• My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult — The industrial goth rock legends’ Elektrik Messiah Tour is 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8. Tickets: $20.
• An evening with Machine Head — The metal titans perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Tickets: $24.
• Bash CD release concert — The rock band celebrates the release of their 5th full-length album, “Bash V,” at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets: $10.

Bianca Del Rio — The Season 6 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars in the one-person comedy special, “Rolodex of Hate,” at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Plaza Theatre. Adult content. Tickets: $20 to $50 (Ticketmaster); limited VIP meet and greet tickets are $75.
Global accolades along with a national tour brought the New Orleans entertainer once known as Roy Haylock into the public eye. Bianca Del Rio headlined this year at El Paso’s Pridefest.

Carlos Mencia — The superstar standup comic performs Dec. 10-12, at the Comic Strip, 1201 Airway. Showtime is 8 p.m. Thursday, and 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets: $27.50 (general admission) $47.50 VIP Thursday and Friday and Saturday late show; $32.50 (general admission) $52.50 VIP Friday and Saturday early show; available from ticketweb.com. No free passes accepted. Information/showtimes: 779-5233 or laff2nite.com.
“Mind of Mencia” debuted on Comedy Central in early 2005. It became one of the strongest shows in the network’s history, averaging about 1.5 million total viewers.

Winter Ball on the Border — El Paso Choral Society hosts the “Songs and Arias” fundraising event at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at Camino Real Hotel’s Ballroom. Details to be announced. Information: epchoralsociety.org.

Piano Recital – Students of Julie Crucian perform in recita at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Judge Marquez Library, 610 N. Yarbrough. Admission is free. Information: 247-0937.

Handel’s Messiah — El Paso Choral Society will present Handel’s Messiah with orchestra and professional soloists at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. The performance will also feature Finzi’s Magnificat and Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto. Prentice Loftin, EPCS Music Director, will conduct, and orchestra concertmaster is Dr. Stephanie Meyers. The soloists are Natanya Washer, soprano; Stephanie Sanchez, alto; Hugo Vera, tenor; and Levi Hernandez, bass. Tickets: $10-$40 (Ticketmaster).

ALSO THIS WEEK

Christmas Street — The 42nd annual fund-raiser for the Paso Del Norte Children’s Development Center is Tuesday, Dec. 8, at El Paso Country Club, 5000 Country Club Place. Several lavish custom-designed Christmas trees will be on display. The Tour of Trees luncheon is at 11 a.m. The annual Gala is at 6 p.m. The event includes music, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Information, ticket prices: 544-8484, ext. 101. Web: pdnchildrens.org.

‘Gifts are Memories’ — It’s Not Over hosts a free festival with 1,000 free toys for elementary children 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7744 N Loop, with pony rides, books, face painting, games, activities for children and adults, and cartoon and super-heroes characters. Information: 540-1317 or in Facebook at itsnotoverbyj.

Magoffin Holiday Open House — The annual holiday season event at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with and art show, music, dancing, food and a visit from Santa. Dress warm for outside activities. Admission is $2. Information: 533-5147.

Titovets School of Art Show & Sale — The school hosts its 15th annual show 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at Woman’s Club of El Paso, 1400 N. Mesa, featuring works of various subject matter, styles and sizes by new and established artists who are students of Sasha and Lyuba Titovets. Admission is free. Information: 539-9015 .

‘Navidad on the Border’ — The 21st annual musical homage to the community’s Mexican Navidad and American Christmas traditions is noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at EPCC’s Administrative Service Center Auditorium, Building A. Presented by El Paso Community College Senior Adult Program. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Complimentary tickets available through the Seniors Adult Program: 831-7801.

Lights on the Lake — The display of holiday lights at Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta, returns Dec. 12-Jan. 4. The lights will be next to the lake, and lit from sundown to 10 p.m. each night. Food vendors available on weekends. Car entry fee is $2 Friday through Sunday, free Monday through Thursday.

An opening lighting ceremony is 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with Christmas carols and other music, and a Mini Cooper car parade featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and elves.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe — The annual three-day religious festival in Tortugas, N.M. is Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10-12. The festival is the biggest event of the year in Tortugas, a small village near Mesilla Park that’s home to the Tortugas Indians. Events are centered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Information: (575) 526-8171.
The fiesta begins Thursday with a procession taking the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the little chapel to the community house rosary and vigil.
The pilgrimage to the Tortugas “A” Mountain is Friday with a procession at 5 a.m. from Casa del Pueblo to the church. At sundown, pilgrims will light luminarias along the mountain path.
A fiesta Mass is at 8 a.m. Saturday followed by Danzante Dances, traditional fiesta dinner an afternoon procession.
To get there: Take Interstate 10 to Las Cruces, exit on University Avenue and go under the freeway; turn left at the stop sign and continue on Main, going through two signals. Turn left on Tortugas Drive and then turn right on Parroquia.

Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of Guadalupe Pueblo — Events celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe are Dec. 10-12 at St. Genevieve’s Church and Parish Hall, 100 South Espina and 1025 E. Las Cruces Ave., in Las Cruces. Admission is free. Information: (575) 524-9649.
A procession of the virgin is Thursday and Friday from the hall to the church.
A Mass for the Virgin de Guadalupe will be celebrated Saturday, followed by dancing by the matachines (Los Danzantes) and Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe members.
The Virgin de Guadalupe is kept in the church until New Year’s Day, when she will be taken out at 2 p.m. in a procession accompanied by dancing and pageantry. She is then taken home until next December.

St. Anthony’s Festival for Our Lady of Guadelupe — St. Anthony’s Seminary, Crescent and Hastings in Central El Paso, will host events in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 10-12, including pilgrimages, masses and a bazaar. The public is welcome. Information/times: 566-2261.

Church programs

‘The Spirit of Christmas’ — Cielo Vista Church’s 24th annual large-scale holiday pageant of music and drama celebrating the Christmas season programs is Dec. 10-13 at the church, 3585 Lee Trevino. The pageant celebrates past Christmases along with some of the greatest stories of the Bible told through a dramatic musical presentation. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets: $5, available in advance at the church office or online at cielovista.org. Information: 595-0288.
The church also offers a “Discover the Tabernacle Tour” Dec. 8-13. Tours of the full-scale replica of the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Tabernacle are offered on the hour 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments, and the Tabernacle were built by Israelites during their wandering in the desert. Tickets: $2.

‘Living Christmas Tree’ — First Baptist Church, 805 Montana, presents the 51st annual Christmas concerts, “A New Beginning, at 7 p.m. Friday, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-13. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. The event usually sells out early. Tickets: $5 at the church office; $6 online at FBCep.com. Tickets available at the door, only if seats available. Information: 533-1465.
The concerts are complete with a live Christmas chorus comprised of over 160 students and adults, performing traditional and new holiday music. It is one of the longest-running events of its kind in the country.

‘Venite!’ — Coronado Baptist Church, 501 Thunderbird, will host its annual Christmas music presentation at 7 p.m. Friday and Sunday, Dec. 11 and 13. Prelude is at 6:30 p.m. The original musical is based on the documentary “The Star of Bethlehem” by Rick Larson. The story joins the journey of the wise men following the star to the Child, and features a look at the heavens through the scriptures and modern technology. Admission is free. Information: 584-3912 or coronadobaptist.org.

‘A Classic Christmas’ and ‘Bethlehem Live’— CrossPoint Church, 11995 Montwood, presents its annual holiday gifts to the community Dec. 11-13 with two types of presentations this year. Admission is free. Information: 857-7492 or crosspointelpaso.com.
‘A Classic Christmas’ drama is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday, in the church’s new worship building. Enjoy vignettes from such Christmas classics as “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,” “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” “Christmas Carol” and “the Nativity Story.”
Bethlehem Live is 6 to 9 p.m. all three days, in the church parking lot, with the live performance of four to five stations including the Wise Men, the Inn, the Shepherds and the Nativity. Pony rides, food and drink concessions and a Christmas Craft Marketplace are also offered.

Bazaars and fairs

La Via Sunday Market — La Via Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road, hosts a farmer’s market featuring local food producers noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, with art, crafts, jams and jellies, food trucks, wine and more. No outside alcohol allowed. Dog friendly. Admission is free. Information: (575) 502-4074 or lavinawinery.com.
Basket and Stocking Stuffer Sunday is Dec. 13. Visitors can bring their own basket and fill it with all the goodies from the market or purchase one from the vendors.

Christmas Arts and Craft Fair — Sacred Heart Parish, 602 S. Oregon, hosts the fair to coincide with Virgen de Guadalupe Feast Day, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 12-13. Times to be determined. Information: James Martinez, 603-8424, jmartinez@sacredheartelpaso.org or sacredheartelpaso.org.

Happy Hippie Holidaze Open House — The Hal Marcus Gallery, 1308 N. Oregon, hosts its 45th annual Happy Holidaze Open House arts and craft fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with local vendors, appetizers, and live entertainment. Visitors are encouraged to come in hippie garb. Admission is free. Information: 533-9090 or halmarcus.com.
Vendors include: Jewelry by Adelaide
Ali Pagel, Cactus Mary, Barbara Duchouquette & Barbara Burgess, Chino & Yoli Zapata, Estela Flores, Gene Keller, Kathy Anderson, Linda McLain, Lolly Rancich, Nienna, Rebecca Ayers, Sandra Lee, Soozen Lee, Vegetarian Society of El Paso, and Vicki Drennan (Bickie’s Bears).
Performances by Gene Keller are 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.; The Cowboy Gospel Band noon to 1 p.m.; Nienna 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. and Jorge Guzman 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Sunland Art Gallery — 5034-D Doniphan, in Placita Santa Fe. The co-op gallery features works by local artists. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Information: Cil Abeyta, 584-3117 or 474-0053.
The gallery’s Christmas Open House is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, with small items for holiday gift giving and 2016 calendars, as well as ornaments on their Christmas tree. Original art, paintings and photographs, jewelry, prints and cards and gift items are a part of the gallery, all by 17 local artists. Also available is Loteria El Paso by Candy Mayer.

Vinton Farmer’s Market — The fall market with fresh produce and handcrafted items runs is Saturday, Dec. 12 (in conjunction with the Christmas village), in Vinton. Vendor space available. Information: 886-5104.

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing — The 14th annual market runs Saturdays year-round at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, One Ardovino Drive in Sunland Park, N.M. Winter hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Well behaved pets on leash welcome; brunch available for purchase on patio 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information: (575) 589-0653, ext. 3.

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market — The City of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s market for area artists and farmer’s market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday in the Union Plaza District along Anthony Street. Information: 212-1780 or elpasoartsandculture.org.

ON STAGE

‘The Last Five Years: The Musical’ — UTEP Dinner Theatre’s new Side Dish Student Productions, presents Jason Robert Brown’s off-Broadway hit Dec. 4-13, at UTEP Dinner Theatre, 2nd Floor Union Building West, UTEP Campus. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15 ($12 faculty, staff, alumni association members, children age 4-12,Non-UTEP Students, Military and Groups of 20 or more, $10 UTEP students with Valid ID (1 per ID). Information: 747-6060 or utep.edu/udt.
A Drama Desk winner, “The Last Five Years” was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 best shows of 2001. The emotionally powerful and intimate musical is about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show’s unconventional structure consists of Cathy, the woman, telling her story backwards while Jamie, the man, tells his story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

‘A Kids-N-Co. Christmas Spectacular’ — Kids-N-Co. presents a holiday performance sponsored by El Paso Community Foundation as part of its Jewel Box Series Dec. 12-13, at the Philanthropy Theatre in the Plaza Theatre’s Annex, written and directed by Tanisha Lewis, and co-directed by Mira Carreon. The magic and wonder of Christmas told in a story full of old and new Christmas favorites and a few dances. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $16; available on Ticketmaster. Information: 351-1455 or epcf.org.

‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ — El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana, presents the Steve Martin about an imaginary meeting of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso through Dec. 12. Directed by Mario Rodriguez-Alvarado. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors; $7 students and military). Information: 532-1317 or elpasoplayhouse.com.
The plays put Einstein and Picasso in a Paris in 1904, when both men were on the verge of unveiling their greatest works. This was the first full-length play by Martin, best known as a stand-up comedian and actor.

‘A Christmas Carol’ — The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents their annual adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic Dec. 13-20, in UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Wise Family Theatre. Adapted by Chuck Gorden and directed by Austin Savage. Show time is 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $14 ($11 seniors, military, group, UTEP alumni and non-UTEP students; $9 UTEP students; ages 4-12). Information: Information: Information: 747-5118, theatredance.utep.edu or on Facebook.
Come along for the journey of reflection and redemption as Scrooge learns the true meaning of holiday spirit.

SPORTS

McDonald’s Classic Basketball Tournament — The national high school tournament is Dec. 10-12, with 180 of the country’s best student-athletes in boys’ and girls’ basketball from 13 high schools around the country, including El Paso. Most games played at Eastwood High School, with selected games at Bowie, Coronado and Burges. Admission: $3 ($2 students). Information: 373-6708. Full schedule at elpasoclassic.com or on Facebook at McDonald’s Classic – El Paso.
Girls Teams are Burges and Eastwood from El Paso, Hamilton High from Chandler, Ariz., Millennium High School from Goodyear, Ariz. and Morgan Park High from Chicago.
Boys Teams are Bowie, Coronado and Eastwood from El Paso, Balboa City School from San Diego, Diamond Ranch from Pomona, Calif., Dorsey High from Los Angeles, NFL Yet Academy from Phoenix and Pro-Vision Prep from Houston.

El Paso Rhinos – El Paso’s Junior League ice hockey team host the Tulsa Oilers Dec. 11-13 at Sierra Providence Events Center, next to the Coliseum, 4100 E. Paisano. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets; $20 glass seats; $15 center line; $10 bluelines; $5 general admission. information: 479-PUCK (7825) or elpasorhinos.com.

Southern New Mexico

‘Shrek The Musical’ — Las Cruces Community Theatre, 313 N. Main in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall, presents the hit family musical by David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori, Dec. 4-20. Directed by Janet Beatty Payne. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Tickets: $14 ($13 students, seniors, military, $11 per person for groups of 10 or more; $10 age 6 and younger. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
The tale’s unlikely hero is an ogre who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue.

Victorian Christmas Evening — The 31st annual event is 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Silver City Museum, 312 W. Broadway in the historic H.B. Ailman House with holiday music, Christmas cookies, hot apple cider, children’s craft activities and continuous entertainment. The house will be decorated in Victorian style. Admission is free. Information: (575) 538-5921 or silvercitymuseum.org.
Special children’s hour is 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

‘Nutcracker’ — Academy of Ballet presents the Tchaikovsky holiday classic at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11-13 at the Flickinger Center for Performing Arts, 1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo. Tickets: $10-$12.50. Information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com.

Old-Fashioned Christmas — MainStreet Truth or Consequences’ annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Downtown Tree Lighting is 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, in Evelyn Renfro Park with an art hop, bonfires, wagon rides, carolers, prize drawings, Santa Claus and refreshments at downtown Truth or Consequences businesses. Admission is free. Information: (575) 740-3902 or torcmainstreet.org.
Elephant Butte’s 19th luminaria beach walk and parade begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

Chilly Dash and Splash — Las Cruces’ Parks & Recreation Department’s 2nd annual City of Las Cruces “Chilly Dash and Splash” is Saturday, Dec. 12, at Frenger Pool, 800 Parkview Dr. The 5k run (3.2 miles) around Frenger Park begins around 9 a.m. followed by a polar plunge-style dive into the cold waters of Frenger pool at 11 a.m. Registration through Dec. 11, at Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley during normal operating hours. Cost: $20 ($15 run only; $5 plunge only). Information: Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, (575) 541-2782.
Late entries will be taken 7 to 8 a.m. day of event at Frenger Pool. Cost: $25 ($20 run only; $10 plunge only).

Lady of the Mountain — The Half Marathon, relay, 10K and 5K runs begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Griggs Field, Fairgrounds Road and N. Florida in Alamogordo. Entry fee (Dec. 6-11) is $50 for the half-marathon, $90 per relay team; $45 for 10K; $40 for 5K; and $10 for Kids 1-mile run. Discount for registration before Dec. 5. Registration at active.com. Information: ladyofthemountainrun.com.
Proceeds benefit the Lady of the Mountain Scholarship at NMSU-Alamogordo.
Late registration and packet pick up is 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, at First National Bank Atrium, 414 Tenth. No race day registration.

Elephant Butte Beach Walk and Floating Light Parade — Elephant Butte State Park’s annual luminaria walk is 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. The event features about 4,000 luminarias, a boat and RV parade, host campfires with free refreshments, Santa Claus, hayrides, caroling and more. Cost: $5 per car. Information: (575) 740-1777 or elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com.
The Floating Lights Parade and RV Lighting Contest is 6:30 p.m. at the Marina del Sur.

New Horizons Band Winter Concert — The band performs at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at NMSU’s Atkinson Recital Hall, 1075 Horseshoe. The band and the Las Cruces Good Time Singers, perform a short holiday concert “A Not So Silent Night,” and will lead a Christmas singalong. Admission is free. Information: (575) 649-1465,ndyaryan68@gmail.com.

‘Feliz Navidad!‘ — Doa Ana Arts Council presents the Christmas song and dance event at 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-13, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, as part of its New Mexico Heritage Series. The performance features mariachis, folklorico dancers and more from the new producing organization Bella Artes. Tickets: $30. Information: (575) 523-6403 or daarts.org.

‘On Golden Pond‘ — No Strings Theatre Company presents the Ernest Thompson play, directed by Larry Chandler, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Black Box Theatre in Las Cruces. Tickets: $12 ($10 students and seniors 65 and older; $8 all seats Thursday). Reservations: (575) 523-1223.

The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays — The Australian group brings their first holiday program to the U.S. at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Spencer Theater for Performing Arts, Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. Tickets: $39-$79. Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com.

Source:www.epscene.com