Concerts, markets, luminarias and outdoor events across the Mesilla Valley

Damien Willis, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - The second weekend of December brings concerts, holiday markets, wellness programs, art exhibits and winter activities across the Mesilla Valley. Here are several options for Friday through Sunday to help you plan your weekend.

FRIDAY, DEC. 12

Las Cruces Ukes holiday concert

6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Las Cruces Village Social Center auditorium, 2900 Roadrunner Parkway
The Las Cruces Ukes will perform a free holiday concert featuring seasonal songs. The event is open to the public.

Las Cruces Holiday Market

4 to 8 p.m., Downtown Las Cruces
The city’s holiday market continues with local makers, food vendors and seasonal activities.

Holiday Art Market

4 to 7:30 p.m., Las Cruces Clay and Studio
Local artists showcase handmade pottery and seasonal work during this two-day market.

Luminarias: Light up the Desert

5 to 7:30 p.m., Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park
A candlelit trail walk through the nature park’s desert landscape.

Luminaria Mania

4 to 5:30 p.m., Downtown Las Cruces
A short luminaria walk in the downtown core, ideal for families.

Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Tortugas Pueblo
A longstanding community celebration with processions and gatherings.

“Sacred Scenes from the Southwest” opening reception

4 p.m., Mas Art
A new exhibition featuring work by Shirley Ann Eshom.

Christmas Cantata: Rhapsody in Bluegrass

6 p.m., Morning Star United Methodist Church
A seasonal cantata blending bluegrass and choral performance. Also offered Saturday.

Christmas Caroling from Our Campus

6 p.m., NMSU East Mesa Campus
A community caroling event open to the public.

SATURDAY, DEC. 13

Tai Chi for Health at Branigan Memorial Library

10 a.m., Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.
A weekly tai chi session suitable for all skill levels. Admission is free.

Holiday Luminaria Beachwalk and Lighted Boat Parade

5 to 8 p.m., Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Luminarias along the beach followed by a decorated boat parade on the water.

BLM guided outdoor adventures

Ridgeline Trail hike, 9 a.m. to noon
Doña Ana Mountains bike ride, 10 a.m.
Peña Blanca hike, 1 to 4 p.m.
Free ranger-led outings on public lands.

Holiday at the Depot

5 to 8 p.m., Las Cruces Railroad Museum
A family-friendly holiday event with crafts, lights and historical displays.

Christmas Craft Fair and Santa Brunch

8 a.m. to noon, Las Cruces Catholic School
A local craft fair paired with brunch and photos with Santa.

Reina Rosa’s bilingual holiday storytime

10 to 11:15 a.m., Doña Ana Arts Council
A bilingual story hour for children with reading and activities.

Taylor Swift Day

10 a.m. to noon, Las Cruces Public Libraries
Crafts and music for young fans.

Photo Day with Santa Paws

1 to 3 p.m., Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley
Holiday pet photos benefiting shelter animals.

Used LPs and CDs sale

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., KTAL 101.5 FM
A two-day vinyl and CD sale for collectors.

Ghosts of Christmas Past: An Ebenezer Scrooge Evening and Fezziwig Ball

6 to 9:30 p.m., Southwest Expeditions
A Victorian-themed holiday program blending immersive theater and a seasonal ball.

SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Chanukah on the Plaza

4 to 7 p.m., Plaza de Las Cruces
A major community celebration with rides, live music, a petting zoo, crafts, gift vendors and raffles.

Lou Vandenburg Memorial Ride

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aden Hills OHV Off-Road Park
An off-road memorial ride open to participants and spectators.

Temple Beth El Artisan Marketplace

4 p.m., Temple Beth El
A curated selection of handmade gifts and crafts.

Super Secret Improv Show

7:30 p.m., Black Box Theatre
An unscripted performance to close out the weekend.

ONGOING EXHIBITS AND PERFORMANCES

Deming Art Center annual Christmas Boutique

Through December, Deming Art Center, 100 S. Gold Ave.
Handcrafted gifts, decor and artwork from regional creators.

Trinities of Heaven and Earth at NMSU Art Museum

Friday and Saturday, Devasthali Hall, 1308 E. University Ave.
An exhibition exploring spirituality, nature and regional landscapes.

Land of the People at NMSU Art Museum

Friday and Saturday, Devasthali Hall
Works centered on identity, culture and place.

Holiday shopping and dining in Mesilla

Through the weekend, Mesilla Plaza
Shops and restaurants offer seasonal goods and holiday atmosphere.

Downtown Las Cruces galleries and shops

Through the weekend
Galleries and boutiques remain open with seasonal specials.

The Nutcracker Ballet

ASNMSU Center for the Arts, Dec. 12–14 and 19–21
A traditional holiday production featuring local dancers.

Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas”

Las Cruces Community Theatre, through Dec. 21
A community staging of the classic musical.

HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

Lights of Love at Cancer Center Park

Nightly, 3851 E. Lohman Ave.
Trees and pathways are decorated in honor of loved ones.

NMSU Holiday Lights on the Horseshoe

Nightly, 1780 E. University Ave.
The university’s central lawn is wrapped in lights each December.

Mesilla Plaza holiday lights

Nightly, Mesilla Plaza
The historic plaza glows with lights and luminarias.

East Mesa neighborhood displays

Nightly, High Range and Sonoma Ranch corridor
Neighborhood streets known for strong holiday displays.

Damien Willis is founder and editor of Organ Mountain News. If you have a personal story to share or a lead we should follow up on, reach out at OrganMountainNews@gmail.com or connect with him on X at @damienwillis.