Shop ’til you drop
Holiday fairs, festivals showcase local stores, talent
The countdown starts today.
It’s time to get out there and do your part for the local economy. And what better way than shopping local?
It doesn’t get much more local than this lineup of holiday shopping fairs, festivals and strolls.
Between now and Christmas, there are several large events and many, many smaller neighborhood affairs.
Start your engines.
Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23-24
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25
Manuel Lujan Building at Expo New Mexico, 300 San Pedro NE
Sample the works of 185 artists and crafts people from all over the country, featuring jewelry, fine art, photography, leather, glasswork, woodworking, pottery and paintings in a wide range of prices. Sample 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, three-day Festival pass $11.
30th Annual Winter Craft Show
10 a.m.-4 p.m. FridaySunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 2
Old San Ysidro Church, 966 Old Church Road, Corrales
Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales
Formerly the Old Church Fine Crafts Show, this show features 50 New Mexico artists offering a wide range of gift possibilities, at price points from $5 to $500. Proceeds from the show go to preservation and maintenance of the Old Church. Free admission and parking.
Traditional Winter Spanish Market
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
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 music, food and demonstrations. General admission is $6.
North Fourth Stop and Shop
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1
Noon-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2
Merchants along a 5.5-mile stretch of North Fourth Street north of Griegos Road will be decked out for the holidays. Browse antiques, rustic furniture, soaps, pottery, Western wear, home décor, jewelry, artwork, feed stores or check out a brew yard. 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.
Deck the Hill
20Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. Nob Hill
Replacing the popular Nob Hill Shop & Stroll, this event is taking place over the first three Thursdays of December. Central Avenue 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, “Light It Up,” will kick off with a 6:30 p.m. tree-lighting 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
5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
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. Check cultureabq.com for details.
Albuquerque Garden Center Holiday Fair Plant and Craft Sale
9 a.m.-4 p.m. FridaySaturday, Dec. 7-8
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 holidayrelated decorations, ornaments and other gift items. Admission and parking is free.
Rail Yards Holiday Market
Noon-4 p.m. FridaySunday, Dec. 14-16
777 First SW (enter at 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.
Winter Indian Market
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16
La Fonda in Santa Fe
Take a trip to Santa Fe to shop works by 150 Native American artists at the Winter Indian Market. 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.