THE SANTA FE DESERT CHORALE believes in the power of music—especially during the holidays—to connect with loved ones and make cherished memories. “It’s the thing, especially chorale music,” says artistic director Joshua Habermann. “Singing together is a tradition we’ve had for centuries. Especially when the nights are long and the light is short and people gather together.”
The Desert Chorale’s annual holiday festival gathers more than 20 vocalists from across the country to perform beloved carols and Renaissance music at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, in Santa Fe, and Immanuel Presbyterian Church, in Albuquerque. “It’s like an all-star team,” Habermann says. “The music is exceptional, and the relationships between singers are really strong.” Here’s a preview of what you can expect.
Renaissance music. “These songs sound incredibly beautiful in the cathedral,” says Habermann of selections that include Jean Mouton’s “Nesciens Mater.” “They are these soaring ancient songs.”
Contemporary carols. “We sing songs people love and associate with this time of year,” he says of the repertoire, which often includes “White Christmas” and “Silent Night.”
Spanish language songs. “We want to represent the local culture,” he says. Selections include “El Nacimiento” from Ariel Ramírez’s Navidad Nuestra. “We collaborate with instrumentalists, but the choir is the star of the show.”
CAROLS & LULLABIES LUMINARIA
12/13–12/21
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe; and Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Albuquerque.
The sunset adds to the magic of Christmas on the Pecos.
Photograph by NMTD.
CHRISTMAS ON THE PECOS
Through December 30
Delight in the season at Christmas on the Pecos, in Carlsbad. Climb aboard Rudolph or Noel, the boats that take guests on a 45-minute journey past illuminated docks, islands, and homes. On land, catch a ride on the 16-passenger Pecos Express train and enjoy themed weekends, including Balloons on the Pecos, through December 30.
Light up the night during the Albuquerque Old Town Tree Lighting.
Photograph courtesy of City of Albuquerque.
The World Of Baumann Marionettes
12/3
Author Ellen Zieselman discusses Gustave Baumann’s marionettes at the New Mexico Museum of Art, in Santa Fe.
Lighting Ledoux
12/5
Farolitos and live performances on Ledoux Street welcome the holidays in Taos.
Old Town Holiday Stroll
12/5
Check everyone off your list at this shopping evening with live music and a tree lighting at Old Town Plaza, in Albuquerque.
Los Alamos Winterfest
12/5–12/7
Breakfast with Santa, a North Pole workshop, and a stocking full of family fun lasts the weekend.
Festival of Lights
12/6
Light-strewn automobiles and floats parade to Wingfield Park, where the fun continues with ice-skating and the Christmas light trail.
Twinkle Light Parade
12/6
Gather round in Albuquerque’s Nob Hill, where twinkly floats follow a mile-long stretch of historic Route 66.
Christmas in the Foothills
12/6
Shop a market of handmade goods from area artisans at the Hillsboro Community Center.
Madrid Christmas Parade
12/6
The quirky community procession in the former mining town includes costumed animals, Solo the Yak, and Santa.
Winter Spanish Market
12/6–12/7
Shop a collection of artists who create traditional Spanish arts at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center.
Santa Fe Symphony’s Sounds of the Season
12/7
A program of holiday favorites, including Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, highlights this concert at the Lensic.
The Klezmatics bring a lively spin to Hanukkah classics.
Photograph courtesy of Adrian Buckmaster Design/Ann Nikolaenko.
Noche de Luminarias
12/8
Write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, and ooh and aah at the luminarias on the New Mexico State University campus, in Las Cruces.
String of Lights Holiday Market
12/12
Artists and makers set up little shops inside the Railyard Market Pavilion in Santa Fe.
T or C’s Old-Fashioned Christmas
12/12
Truth or Consequences throws a merry and bright parade and Christmas tree lighting with late night shopping from local businesses.
Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk
12/13
Luminarias and bonfires set the beach all aglow as participants share posole, cookies, green chile stew, cider, and hot chocolate.
The Nutcracker
12/13–12/14
Aspen Ballet presents all the magic of this beloved Tchaikovsky classic at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, in Santa Fe.
Rail Yards Holiday Market
12/13–12/14 & 12/20–12/21
One of the best places to find handmade gifts in Albuquerque comes back for two weekends this year.
Chanukah Night Glow
12/14
Nine hot-air balloons form the shape of a menorah at Balloon Fiesta Park, in Albuquerque, where attendees can enjoy traditional Jewish foods and music.
Las Posadas
12/15–12/25
Taking place in local churches and homes, Las Posadas reenacts the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter before baby Jesus was born.
The Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah
12/17
A revolutionary Yiddish ensemble, this group infuses tradition with contemporary themes at the Lensic, in Santa Fe.
A Baroque Christmas
12/20–12/21
Classic compositions by Telemann, Bach, and Handel ring in the season at the New Mexico Museum of Art, in Santa Fe.
Christmas in the Mountains
12/20–12/21
Celebrate the season in Red River with a holiday market and a light parade on Main Street.
Christmas at the Orchard
12/21
Buy pecan pies for the holiday table and enjoy a selection of vendors at Gants Family Orchard, in Cuchillo.
The annual Las Posadas procession lights up Taos Plaza.
Photograph courtesy of Taos News.
