Chile Drop gets $10,000 boost from New Mexico Tourism
Las Cruces’ Chile Drop has received a $10,000 New Mexico Tourism grant to expand the city’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration, which draws thousands each year.
Grant will help expand Las Cruces’ signature New Year’s Eve event
Organ Mountain News report
LAS CRUCES - The Las Cruces Chile Drop is getting a $10,000 boost from the New Mexico Tourism Department to grow the city’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration.
Main Street Las Cruces, formerly the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership, received a Tourism Event Growth and Sustainability grant to support programming and promotion for the Dec. 31 event.
The Chile Drop attracts more than 9,000 people each year and has gained national attention, with coverage from CNN and a USA Today ranking as one of the top three New Year’s Eve events in the United States.
“The Chile Drop is both a night of fun and celebration,” said John Muñoz, president and CEO of Main Street Las Cruces. “I want to thank Vice Chair Jeffrey Stewart for spearheading our submission with our board and community stakeholders. This event will be an unforgettable experience for all, and you do not want to miss this year’s Chile Drop.”
Organizers say this year’s celebration will be bigger than ever, reinforcing Las Cruces’ identity as the Chile Capital of the World. At midnight, the illuminated chile pepper will drop downtown to ring in 2026.
Main Street Las Cruces is a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing downtown through economic development, cultural programming and community partnerships.
MountainView opens new urgent care on Lohman Avenue — A new urgent care facility expands access to medical services on Las Cruces’ east side.
Las Cruces first grade teacher Nancy Orta named 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year — Nancy Orta of Sonoma Elementary earns statewide recognition for her teaching excellence.
NMSU names Joe Fields as new Athletics Director — Joe Fields takes the helm of Aggie athletics following a national search.
