1 See the lights.

River of Lights, Albuquerque

More than a mile and a half of pathway takes visitors through 800-plus light installations at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden during River of Lights, which opens on Saturday. The monumental holiday light experience includes sculptures, tunnels, and millions of glittery lights that will make even the grumpiest Grinch smile. For 27 years now, setup starts in September, as employees build everything from flowers to dinosaurs, use more than 100,000 zip ties to secure lights, and build wildly creative sculptures and installations to entice seasoned attendees. Visit daily from 5 to 10 p.m. through December 30.

Luces en el Río & Christmas Tree Lighting, Las Vegas

Local businesses set light displays along the Las Vegas Riverwalk, which follows the mellow Gallinas River, during this merry and bright Christmas celebration that’s also known as Lights on the Gallinas. It’s open every day beginning at sunset through January 6. Before the Riverwalk on Friday, head to Plaza Park and see Las Vegas light its Christmas tree at a ceremony from 5 to 6 p.m.

Festival of Lights, Ratón

On Friday, the holiday lights come on in Ratón as it hosts a holiday parade right after the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. The festive tree turns on for the first time at Ripley Park before attendees head to see twinkle-light covered floats hanging out on First Street between Clark Avenue and Rio Grande Avenue. A static parade, this format gives visitors plenty of time to ogle the floats. Ratón turns off its streetlights from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving the parade extra glow as the winter night is lit with a kaleidoscope of color.

Holiday Lighting on the Santa Fe Plaza, Silver City

More than 30,000 colorful lights illuminate the historic plaza as the City Different celebrates with caroling, entertainment, hot chocolate and cookies on Friday from 4:15 to 8 p.m. Don’t miss Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive in a vintage fire truck for the Holiday Plaza Lighting.

Lighted Christmas Parade, Silver City

At the junction of Broadway and Bullard streets, this 34th annual holiday parade and float competition begins at 7 p.m. The theme is “Celebrate,” so expect a party, tons of Christmas-light-covered vehicles, and good tidings. The floats are judged based on three criteria: appeal to children, lighting, and originality. Winners receive gift certificates to enjoy local businesses. 

Discover unique treasures from over 40 local artists at the New Mexico Artisan Market. Photograph courtesy of New Mexico Artisan Market.

2 Shop ’ til you drop. 

Indigenous Futures 4Ever, Santa Fe

On Friday and Saturday, this market takes over the Santa Fe Railyard for the first time. Featuring unique, handmade works by 30 Indigenous artists who create in mediums ranging from ceramics to clothing, Indigenous Futures 4Ever offers shoppers a chance to buy things they won’t find anywhere else. Not only will shopping this market by 4Kinship allow gifters to find one-of-a-kind presents to put under their trees, it gives attendees the opportunity to support Native makers’ creativity and futures.

New Mexico Artisan Market, Albuquerque

One of the most anticipated annual holiday shopping experiences, the New Mexico Artisan Market is expertly curated. Happening in the holiday-bedecked Hotel Albuquerque, more than 40 artists from throughout the state bring a trove of treasures for shoppers to peruse. From hand-printed kitchen towels to handmade silver and turquoise jewelry, there’s a wide range of price points and gifting options. Buying goods directly from the person who made them is an experience far richer than clicking checkout in your online cart. The market is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Get tickets here. 

Small Biz Saturday, Los Alamos

Los Alamos is rewarding shoppers who spend at small businesses on Saturday with the Blue Bucks Promotion, which gives buyers the chance to win cash prizes. The Chamber of Commerce website will have a spot for shoppers to enter receipt numbers that will put them into a raffle to win up to $1,000. More than 90 shops in Los Alamos and White Rock are part of the promotion, which ends December 9. Find all the details here.  

Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Market, Albuquerque

Shop artworks by 180 artists at Expo New Mexico during this three-day juried market. Paintings featuring New Mexico’s sage scattered hills, little copper sculptures of big bears, handmade ceramic mugs, and photos of the star-soaked night sky are just a few of the things you’ll find.

Independent Artists Holiday Market, Silver City 

The Murray Hotel Ballroom hosts this market featuring 20-plus artists from the Silver City Arts Association. The goal is to have items under $50, so there’s something for every gifter to nab for their giftee. Shop the market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Experience a festive Western wonderland at Ruidoso's Flying J Ranch during White Mountain Christmas.

3 Hang out at the North Pole. 

In Ruidoso, the Flying J Ranch turns into a holiday paradise each year when they host White Mountain Christmas. The property goes all out, decorating in festive lights and installations. An entire Western Village is on-site, decked out in holiday cheer, as well as winter hayrides and a Santa’s workshop. Spend an evening at the Christmas Music Stage and enjoy a ranch-style meal followed by a performance.

Kickstart your holiday spirit with The Nutcracker at Albuquerque's Kiva Auditorium this Friday. Photograph courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.

4 See a classic holiday ballet. 

Seeing The Nutcracker really sets the holiday mood. It’s onstage at the Kiva Auditorium in Albuquerque with two performances on Friday, featuring an international cast of skilled dancers, massive puppets, intricate and luxurious costumes, and the famed Tchaikovsky soundtrack, which will be in your head for the rest of the season. Who doesn’t love the stunning dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies? Get tickets here.

Cycle through a sparkling wonderland in Old Mesilla and Mesilla Park. Photograph courtesy of Southwest Expeditions.

5 Spark holiday magic on wheels.

Join a guided lighted bike tour through Old Mesilla and Mesilla Park on Nov. 30, Dec. 6, and Dec. 21 with Southwest Expeditions. Decorate your bike with Christmas lights and enjoy a relaxed 4.72-mile ride with holiday music. Afterward, warm up with mulled wine by the fire pit. Tickets are $38, or bring your own bike for $28. Remember to bring festive lights and a helmet! A prize is up for grabs for the jolliest cyclist.

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