Museums and historic sites will present holiday programs showcasing the diverse cultures that make New Mexico unique. Courtesy/NMDCA
NMDCA News:
SANTA FE - 'Tis the season to get out and enjoy New Mexico wrapped in its holiday finest. To help you enjoy this time of togetherness, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) is celebrating the Land of Enchantment's cultural heritage.
"Traditions are a vital part of our state's rich culture, helping us connect with the past while creating meaningful memories for future generations," NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego said. "This holiday season, our museums and historic sites are proud to present an exceptional lineup of programs, showcasing the diverse cultures that make New Mexico unique. We warmly invite you to join us to celebrate the season and share these cherished traditions."
In Las Cruces, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum presents the best food and products the state has to offer for gift giving or personal use at New Mexico HomeGrown on Nov. 23-24. Be sure to also see Farm-La-La at the museum on Dec. 17. The 47-acre museum grounds will flicker with Christmas lights and displays.
While you're visiting the Las Cruces area, enjoy the Taylor Family Collection of Nacimiento Nativity scenes free at Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site's Reynolds Visitor Center in Mesilla from Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025. And in nearby Radium Springs, Fort Selden will glow with more than 900 luminarias for Noche de las Luminarias on Dec. 21.
New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe hosts the Native American Artisans Portal Program Winter Youth Show on Dec. 7-8. Young relatives of Portal artists will display their own artwork in the museum lobby. Entry is free to the show and museum. On Dec. 13, the museum also hosts Holidays at the Palace, where children can visit with Santa. The 48th annual Las Posadas procession takes place on the Santa Fe Plaza on Dec. 8.
The Lights of Gisewa flicker at Jemez Historic Site on Dec. 13-14 in Jemez Springs. The old pueblo and its San Jose' church will sparkle with hundreds of farolitos, and visitors can enjoy Native American arts and crafts, dancers and music.
Farolitos will also glow at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site for the Winter Letters & Farolito Tour on Dec. 7. The event connects visitors to the history of the site through landscape, historic letters, and Native American story telling.
New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo celebrates with Holiday on the Hill on Dec. 14, with live star shows in the planetarium and family-friendly educational activities.
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science in Albuquerque is a destination on Old Town Holiday Stroll hosted by the city of Albuquerque on Dec. 6.
Enjoy Luminito at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque on Dec. 12, with a 20-foot-tall Luminaria/Farolito illuminated on the Plaza Mayor. On Dec. 7, enjoy Baila! Baila!'s Christmas in New Mexico in the Roy E. Disney Center for Performing Arts. Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment takes place on Dec. 20-22 in the Albuquerque Journal Theatre. It puts an 1800's New Mexico twist on the story, showcasing this state's traditions and heritage.
Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and its neighbor, Museum of International Folk Art hold their holiday tradition on Dec. 15, with the Holiday Winter Stroll, a celebration of farolitos, dances, holiday card making, ornament decorating and more.
Holiday Open House at New Mexico Museum of Art is on Dec. 14, with an organ concert, jazz music, and holiday crafts all day. The event is free for everyone.
For more on New Mexico Traditions, head to https://www.newmexicoculture.org/traditions.
About New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs: