Holiday markets
Festivals and fairs give a festive air to end-of-the-year gift buying
The closing weeks of the year will bring a flurry of activity at the local markets and craft fairs scheduled all over the Albuquerque area.
Whether you love the tradition of watching the giant Christmas tree lighted in Old Town, or browsing for a gift from one of the small independent shops or wandering the artists stalls at one of the many seasonal events, there will be plenty to chose from.
Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival
Nov. 23-25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday,
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; at Expo New Mexico’s Manuel Lujan Building, 300 San Pedro NE.
Sample the works of 185 artists and crafts people from all over the country, including many who are new to the event. Items on display include jewelry, fine art, photography, leather, glasswork, woodworking, pottery and paintings in a wide range of prices.
As you stroll around, you can try specialty foods like local salsas, breads, candies and homemade pastas in the culinary arts aisle. Victorian carolers and mariachi groups will provide musical entertainment. One day pass $8, kids under 12 free, threeday Festival pass $11.
Traditional Winter Spanish Market
Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 Fourth SW.
The winter version of the longtime summer market features dozens of exhibitors who make traditional and innovative Spanish Colonial-style artwork like retablos, tinwork and weavings. Visitors can
meet the artists and learn about their traditions while enjoying local music, food and demonstrations. General admission is $6 for individuals or $10 for two.
Twinkle Light Parade
Dec. 1, 5:15 p.m.
This free family-friendly holiday event will roll west on Central Avenue through Historic Nob Hill from Washington Street to Girard Boulevard showing off the wildest, sparkliest vehicles imagination can conjure.
North Fourth Stop and Shop
Dec. 1-2, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday.
About 25 retail shops along a 5.5-mile stretch of North Fourth Street between the North Fourth Arts Center at 4904 Fourth SW near Griegos Road and Cravin Cookies, at 10420 N. Fourth St., will be participating in this annual opportunity to explore what local merchants have to offer. You will be able to browse antiques, rustic furniture, soaps, pottery, Western wear, home décor, jewelry, artwork, feed stores or check out a brew yard. Each shop will have refreshments and specials. Balloons and numbers will mark participating and sponsoring shops. A route map will be available at participating stores. Sponsored by the Village of Los Ranchos.
Nob Hill Shop and Stroll
Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.
Traditionally this has been a one-day event. This year it will be a series of events on the first three Thursdays of December. Central Avenue (historic Route 66) will be closed to motor vehicle traffic from Girard to Washington to allow shoppers to enjoy strolling and browsing the local businesses in the historic Nob Hill area. Shops, galleries, antique stores and restaurants will be open late.
The first Thursday event will kick off with a treelighting at the business plaza at Carlisle and Central Ave. The second Thursday local businesses will be teaming up with local charities and the third event will revolve around food and drink. Details will be posted at nobhillmainstreet.org.
Old Town Holiday Stroll
Dec. 7, 5-9 p.m.
Free for everyone to come and stroll around the Old Town Plaza and the shops along the surrounding streets. The annual lighting of Albuquerque’s largest Christmas Tree is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Plaza Don Luis. The tree is created from more than 100 small trees that are packed into a frame. The Aceves family, which owns Plaza Don Luis, puts together the tree and the decorative garlands. Check cultureabq.com for details.
Rail Yards Holiday Market
Dec. 14-16, noon-4 p.m.; at 777 First SW. Enter at a gate near the corner of First and Hazeldine SW.
This will be the fifth annual holiday market to be co-presented by the Downtown Growers’ and Rail Yards Markets. Nearly 200 vendors will be selling their wares, which range from local New Mexican food, farm produce and handmade artisan gifts. Kids can have fun for free in the Children’s Zone. No entry fee. Free parking and shuttle service will be available from parking garage at Second and Gold. There is parking onsite for a $1 donation to the nonprofit Barelas Community Coalition.
Albuquerque Garden Center Holiday Fair Plant and Craft Sale
Dec. 7-8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; at the Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE.
If you’re looking for some fresh greenery to decorate your home, this is the place to come. Shoppers can buy Christmas cacti, wreaths, poinsettias and garlands, enjoy Christmas music and sample local food items. The craft sale will have plenty of holiday-related decorations, ornaments and other gift items. Admission and parking is free.
Winter Indian Market
Dec. 15-16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; at La Fonda in Santa Fe.
Take a trip to Santa Fe to gift shop works by Native American artists at the Winter Indian Market held in the historic La Fonda on the Plaza. The event features works by 150 artists selling jewelry, pottery, paintings, weavings and ornaments, many of them with holiday themes. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction. One-day pass for Saturday or Sunday, $10. Two-day pass $15. Tickets available at the door or in advance online at swaia.org/ events.
Neighborhood fairs
Monte Vista Elementary Mercado and Festival of Wreaths, Dec. 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 3211 Monte Vista NE
Eisenhower Middle School Five Star Craft Show, Dec. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 11001 Camero Road NE
St. Pius X Christmas Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 15-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 5301 St. Joseph Drive NW