1 Hit the holiday markets.

Holiday Pop-Up Art Market

Beginning Saturday and running through December 21, the holiday market at ARTS123 Gallery in Gallup features 19 local artists selling everything from stocking stuffers to showstoppers. “You’re also supporting the local economy and keeping our community vibrant,” says Rose Eason, executive director at GallupARTS.

The market includes ornaments, handprinted tote bags, carved goat milk soaps, hand-sewn bags, kachinas, woodwork, beaded jewelry, silver and turquoise jewelry, and greeting cards. “We have one participant who makes acrylic nails that are super artistic and beautiful,” Eason adds.

The market expands on December 14 with 10 participating artists from an ARTS123 Gallery group show selling their holiday goods. The pop-up is open during the gallery’s regular business hours.

Taos Folk Winter Pop Up

The Stables Gallery turns into a satellite North Pole during the Taos Folk Winter Holiday Pop Up event. Filled with handmade gifts and goods from more than 60 Taoseño artists, the market offers shoppers a ton of gifting options including locally made ceramics, jewelry, lotion, books, wall art, scarves, naturally dyed garments, and more. Shop 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 24.

Indulge in local flavors and artisan crafts at the 10th annual HomeGrown Food Show & Gift Market, featuring over 60 vendors at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum this weekend. Photograph courtesy of the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum.

2 Find a delectable present.

You know what everyone loves to receive? A snack. The 10th annual HomeGrown: A New Mexico Food Show & Gift Market gives shoppers the perfect opportunity to find an edible delight grown or made in the Land of Enchantment. More than 60 vendors blossom at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum this weekend, selling everything from salsa and nuts to sauces and wines. There will also be arts vendors with handmade ceramics and jewelry, and Doña Ana County 4H members will sell decorated mini Christmas trees. The market is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Discover ceramics from over 20 regional artists at the Contemporary Clay Fair this weekend at the Santa Fe Woman’s Club. Photograph courtesy of the Contemporary Clay Fair.

3 Peruse a plethora of pottery.

A biannual affair, the Contemporary Clay Fair takes place this weekend at the Santa Fe Woman’s Club. More than 20 regional artists sell ceramics on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Started in 2004, the fair is unique because some of the potters offer pieces made by other artists alongside their own, allowing for a wider variety.

Experience the rich history and delicious flavors of horno cooking at Fort Selden's Horno Thanksgiving demonstration.

4 Bake traditional breads.  

Hornos—those ingenious Indigenous outdoor ovens made from adobe bricks that can be used to cook everything from bread to veggies and meat—are like the ancient archetype of a wood-fired pizza oven. You can see one in action at the Fort Selden Historic Site in Radium Springs on Saturday during their Horno Thanksgiving cooking demonstration at 10 a.m.

The on-site horno will be used to bake bread, chicken and dumplings, and apple crisps, along with cowboy coffee and hot chocolate. “This event forces us to slow down and think about a slower time in our history,” says Emily Wilson, instructional coordinator at Fort Selden. “It’s an opportunity to experience history hands-on with your family.”

Horno expert Dave Harkness, who has been working with and repairing the adobe ovens for over 20 years, and interpretive ranger Michael Bailey discuss the history of the horno and the importance it played in the lives of soldiers and local communities. “Attendees will get to see how the Fort Selden soldiers would have celebrated their Thanksgiving,” Wilson says. Of course, attendees also get to eat the delicious dishes.

Dive into the future of Indigenous arts at the Native American Student Art Show, showcasing nearly 200 works by young artists exploring the theme "Water is life," now on view at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

5 See Indigenous students make statements.

Almost 200 works are on view in the Artists Circle Gallery at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center during the Native American Student Art Show. Opening Saturday, the exhibition gives viewers a peek into the future of Indigenous arts, featuring an array of pieces by talented kindergarteners through high school seniors from around the state. Responding to the phrase “Water is life,” the students created paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and drawings exploring water’s meaning via their own perspectives. See it through February 6, 2025.

Read more: For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.