NMSU campus to glow with thousands of luminarias, music and hot cocoa for 40th-annual holiday tradition

Karmina Conde, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - New Mexico State University will host its 40th annual “Noche de Luminarias,” or “Night of Lights,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, on the NMSU campus. The luminarias will be displayed throughout the NMSU campus, starting at the Pan American Center down to Hadley Hall.

“This is a beloved tradition that brings together the campus and community to celebrate the warmth and beauty of the holiday season,” said Michelle Grandjean, associate director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs.

Corbett Center Student Union will offer activities from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy $8 dining at Taos Restaurant, free hot cocoa and cider, cookie decorating, a letter to Santa writing station hosted by the Associated Students of NMSU and craft stations from the NMSU Foundation and Residence Hall Association. Free photos with Santa will be available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The west parking lot will feature train rides, and the Corbett outdoor stage will have an inflatable obstacle course. The Aggie Lounge will have performances by the NMSU Choirs, school cheer teams and NMSU’s Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi Orgullo de Nuevo México.

The Pan American Center will have a craft market, an inflatable obstacle course and photos with the Grinch from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be dance and school choir performances on the outdoor stage.

At the NMSU Bookstore, visitors can enjoy holiday shopping, gift wrapping and a letter to Santa writing station from 5 to 8 p.m.

“We hope everyone enjoys the beautiful display of lights and the festive atmosphere,” Grandjean said.

The luminarias are purchased through the Las Cruces High School Band for its annual fundraiser. Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, Auxiliary Services, ASNMSU and the NMSU Bookstore sponsor this year’s event.

If you are interested in volunteering at the event, contact Grandjean at m_rogers@nmsu.edu.

Karmina Conde writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached at karmina8@nmsu.edu.