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LOS ALAMOS WINTERFEST: Dec. 5-7, 2025

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WinterFest Weekend in
Los Alamos, New Mexico

WinterFest Weekend is a family-oriented holiday event that celebrates winter in Los Alamos, New Mexico. A number of businesses and organizations host events including the Holiday Lights Parade, Affordable Arts Sale, Holiday Farmers' Markets, the North Pole Workshop, and Breakfast with Santa! ​​

Registration for the 12/6 Holiday Lights parade closed 11/24.
 
While WinterFest 2025 takes place Dec. 5-7, activities will be posted throughout the month of December. 

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This was compiled in 2024, so some products may no longer be available, but it provides a sampling of what can be found locally.

Schedule of Events

Are you a business or institution that would like

your event featured here? Events are posted

at the discretion of Los Alamos MainStreet and

are not guaranteed to be posted. 

Friday, Dec. 5, 2025

10 a.m.-6 p.m. 2025 Los Alamos County Employee Art Showcase, Step Up Gallery Mesa Public Library

Join in the upper rotunda at the Mesa Public Library featuring the work of current and retired Los Alamos County employees. Go here for more information.

1- 3 p.m. Community Art Program: Lino Block Printed Tea Towels, Los Alamos Arts Council

Design, carve, & print your own image onto blank tea towels to make a perfect DIY gift this holiday season. The workshop is recommended for teens aged 12 and up.  $15/per person. Go here for more information.

1-7 p.m. 32nd Annual Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world. All are welcome; admission is free. The public is invited to display their nativities - deliver and set up 12/5 from 7-11 a.m. Pick up your nativity 12/6 from 4-5 p.m. For more information, please contact:  bobstephens@mail.com

7-8 p.m. December Night Sky, Los Alamos Nature Center (PEEC) Planetarium

Take an interactive tour of the current night sky and learn about which planets, constellations, star clusters, and more are visible. Also, see what to look forward to in the sky throughout the winter months.  Events in the planetarium are not recommended for children under age 5.  Admission: $8/adult, $6/child, $20/family.

7-9 p.m. Sugar Plum on "the Hill", Duane Smith Auditorium

Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos' twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet, where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. 

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. For more information, please visit www.danceartslosalamos.org.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025

​​

8-11 a.m. Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos Presents: Breakfast with Santa, Betty Ehart Senior Center

Kick off a jolly holiday season with a hot breakfast and photo opportunity with Santa Claus! No cost to attend, but we will be collecting non-perishable food for LA Cares, and financial donations to the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos projects with the African Library Project.  Please click here to reserve a timeslot: https://k03096.site.kiwanis.org/santa/

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 32nd Annual Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world. All are welcome; admission is free. The public is invited to display their nativities - deliver and set up 12/5 from 7-11 a.m. Pick up your nativity on 12/6 from 4-5 p.m.  For more information, please contact:  bobstephens@mail.com

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 56th Annual Earth Treasure Show, Pajarito Masonic Lodge

The 56th Annual Earth Treasure Show is hosted by the Los Alamos Geological Society. Many dealers will sell minerals, fossils, jewelry, and more. There will be a children's craft table and the Wheel of Fortune for kids to try their luck. We will have silent auctions sponsored by the club. Peruse the many cases of mineral specimens from around the world!
Admission is free. Go here for more information.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. YMCA Winter Vendor Market

Shop from a variety of different small business owners. Handmade crafts and products are available. Contact the YMCA at 505.662.3100 for more information.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2025 Los Alamos County Employee Art Showcase, Step Up Gallery Mesa Public Library

Join in the upper rotunda at the Mesa Public Library featuring the work of current and retired Los Alamos County employees. Go here for more information.

11-11:30 a.m. Mars: The Ultimate Voyage, Los Alamos Nature Center (PEEC) Planetarium

Ever wondered what it will take for astronauts to travel to the Moon, Mars and beyond? On this long journey, what challenges will astronauts face? How will they stay motivated and healthy on their spacecraft so far away from Earth? The new, Bell original planetarium show Mars: The Ultimate Voyage, explores these questions and more! Events in the planetarium are not recommended for children under age 5. Admission: $8/adult, $6/child, $20/family

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Community Art Program: Wreath Making Workshop, Los Alamos Arts Council

Join Jessi as she walks you through making your own festive holiday wreath! Hang it over your own hearth, or give it as a gift to someone you love.
$25 per adult, $10 per child. For more information, go here.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bizarre Bazaar, Unitarian Universalist Church

Frito pies, vendors, face painting, crafts, silent auction, and more. For more information, go here.

1-3 p.m. Forest Bathing: An introduction by Kristine Coblentz, Mesa Public Library

Join us for a Forest Bathing experience: Inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, this session is an opportunity to slow down, unplug, and experience the surrounding environment through all of your senses. For more information, go here.

 

1-4 p.m. Hot Cocoa and pictures Santa Paws and LAFD, Ashley Pond Park

Bring all to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with Los Alamos Firefighters and pictures with Santa Paws.
All is by donations, and all donations will support Watermelon Ranch Animal Rescue.

Have a teen who loves helping others or wants to get involved in the community? Stop by to learn how the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls helps young women build confidence, leadership, and a heart for service.

Contact Amanda at ahenry@waterwaynm.com for more information. 

1:30-4:30 p.m. Cozy Family Crafternoons at the Library, Mesa Public Library & White Rock Library

On WinterFest weekend, cozy on up to the library and find one of our crafts to make.  The library will provide materials for crafts and you are always welcome to bring your own–knitting, writing holiday cards, anything portable!  There will be hot drinks, cookies, and a crackling (on-screen) fire. Go here for more information.

2-4 p.m. Sugar Plum on "the Hill", Duane Smith Auditorium

Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos' twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet, where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. 

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. For more information, please visit www.danceartslosalamos.org.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Santa's Workshop at Fuller Lodge

Get ready for a jolly good time with Los Alamos County Recreation Staff! Bring the whole family to Fuller Lodge for some festive fun: Decorate cookies, make holiday crafts, write a letter to Santa, snuggle a 5-ft bear, and take a photo with Santa. Admission is FREE!

 

5:15-5:45 p.m. Tree Lighting Event, Los Alamos County Municipal Building

Join us for the Holiday Tree Lighting! Enjoy hot cocoa and marshmallows as we light up our tree in the Municipal Building Lobby, just before the Holiday Light Parade.

6 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade, Central Ave.

Come downtown to watch floats glide down Central Ave., followed by the annual tree lighting at Ashley Pond Park. Registration closesd Nov. 24. This year's theme is "Red, Green, or Christmas?"

 

The HMS Implacable, the Los Alamos Chapter of the Royal Manticoran Navy, is running the annual Doreen M. Gunkel Memorial Toys for Tots drive from October 4th through December 6th, culminating with our "Fill the Float" entry in this year's Holiday Lights Parade.  This year the officers and crew of the HMS Implacable hope to help Los Alamos exceed last year's record donation of 3,250 toys. Parade attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to add to the float during the parade.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 56th Annual Earth Treasure Show, Pajarito Masonic Lodge

The 56th Annual Earth Treasure Show is hosted by the Los Alamos Geological Society. Many dealers will sell minerals, fossils, jewelry, and more. There will be a children's craft table and the Wheel of Fortune for kids to try their luck. We will have silent auctions sponsored by the club. Peruse the many cases of mineral specimens from around the world!
Admission is free. Go here for more information.

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fundraiser Brunch & Tea Tasting, Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse

A vegan and gluten-free brunch benefitting the Los Alamos Arts Council and their partners at Samizdat Bookstore and the New Mexico Performing Arts Society. Recipes from cookbooks available at the bookstore inspire this 5 Course meal. Tickets are $75/per person and are available for advance purchase here.

 

1-3 p.m. Community Art Program: Paper Holiday Decorations, Los Alamos Arts Council

In this hands-on family class, we’ll explore the joy of making festive paper ornaments and garlands that add a personal touch to your holiday décor.
$10 per adult, $5 per child. For more information, go here.

1-5 p.m. 2025 Los Alamos County Employee Art Showcase, Step Up Gallery Mesa Public Library

Join in the upper rotunda at the Mesa Public Library featuring the work of current and retired Los Alamos County employees. Go here for more information.

1:30-4:30 p.m. Cozy Family Crafternoon, Mesa Public Library

On WinterFest weekend, cozy on up to the library and find one of our crafts to make.  The library will provide materials for crafts and you are always welcome to bring your own–knitting, writing holiday cards, anything portable!  There will be hot drinks, cookies, and a crackling (on-screen) fire. Go here for more information.

2-4 p.m. Sugar Plum on "the Hill", Duane Smith Auditorium

Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos' twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet, where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. 

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door. For more information, please visit www.danceartslosalamos.org.

Other Holiday Events

 

Nov. 15 - Dec. 23 “Affordable Arts” Exhibit, Fuller Lodge Art Center
It’s here!  Everyone’s favorite time of year at the Fuller Lodge Art Center has arrived.  Each year, hundreds of new and returning artists bring us a variety of arts, crafts, goodies, and gadgets to make your holiday shopping season simple and special. LAAC Members and Artists Reception, November 14th, 5-7 p.m. For more information: www.losalamosartscouncil.org

Nov. 22 - Dec. 12 Northern New Mexico Toy Drive

Together We Give - Transforming Lives One Toy at a Time. Toy collection for the 2025 Northern NM Toy Drive which supports nearly 6000 children across Northern NM. Drop Locations across Los Alamos County! For more information and to donate: www.exittoydrive.com

Nov. 29 Small Business Saturday

Enjoy a tax-free shopping experience for all your holiday needs, while supporting local businesses.  Participating businesses will be highlighted in the Los Alamos Daily Post and on social media.

Dec. 4, 2025 - Jan 7, 2026 Los Alamos County 2025 Employee Art Showcase, Step Up Gallery at Mesa Public Library

All Los Alamos County employees and retired employees are invited to show their artistic talent in this exhibit. Opening reception will be held December 6, 2-3:30 p.m. For more information, go here

​​

Dec. 9 Community Art Program: Polymer Clay Ornaments, Los Alamos Arts Council

5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join Lissie for an evening of fun creating holiday ornaments using polymer clay (aka oven-bake clay). Students will be able to create 2-3 ornaments during the class. 

Ages 13+, $60/class. For more information, go here. 

Dec. 10, 12, & 13 Gingerbread House Building, Family Strengths Network

Toddlers’ families are supplied with plenty of graham crackers to build a simplified gingerbread house; school-aged children, teens, and adults are supplied with a house-building kit.  Everyone enjoys homemade royal icing and decorating materials from a candy buffet. Go here for more info.
Sessions:
Toddlers-December 10th from 10:00 to 12:00, $15 per kit
After School - December 10th from 3:30 to 5:30, $30 per kit
Teens & Adults - December 12th from 5:00 to 7:00, $30 per kit
Families - December 13th from 9:30 to 11:30 & 12:00 to 2:00, $30 per kit

Dec. 11 Holiday Farmers' Market - Los Alamos Fuller Lodge

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Baked goods, beans, honey, ristras, local meat, wreaths, tamales, jam, stocking stuffers, and artisans, with live music and more! 

Dec. 13 Children's Christmas Bazaar, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, 3900 Trinity Drive

9 a.m.-12 p.m. The annual TOTH Children’s Christmas Bazaar is a unique thrift store experience designed for kids in kindergarten through 6th grade. Here, children can select surprise Christmas gifts for loved ones from a curated collection of gently used items. Gift wrapping is included, ensuring a seamless and festive shopping experience for both children and parents. Register each shopper at: latoth.org, For questions, email: ccb.toth@gmail.com or call (505) 662-5107

Dec. 13 Holiday Farmers' Market - White Rock Visitor's Center

10 a.m.-2 p.m. ​Baked goods, beans, honey, ristras, local meat, wreaths, tamales, jam, stocking stuffers, and artisans, with live music and more! 

 

Dec. 13 Tabletop Game Day - Mesa Public Library

1-4:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to bring their board games or choose from the more than 125+ board games the library owns. Members of the library staff and volunteers will be hanging out hoping to play games with people at Mesa Public Library mostly in The Zone on the lower level.

Free popcorn and drinks in The Zone area! For more information, please go here.

Dec. 13 Craft and Family Movie - White Rock Public Library

2-4:30 p.m. Come to the library at 2 pm to get started on a movie-themed craft with the whole family. This month's movie, How to Train Your Dragon will start at 2:30pm.  We invite you to sit back (with one of our snacks and drinks) and enjoy! For more information, please go here.

Dec. 13 Dance Arts Los Alamos- Winter Mixed Repertoire Showcase, Duane Smith Auditorium

2-3:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, musical theater, contemporary, and swing dance performances.  Featuring special guests, Coro de Cámara in a collaborative work with Modern Repertoire.

Tickets online and at the door. For more information, please visit www.danceartslosalamos.org

Dec. 13 Making Spirits Bright - Coro de Cámara, United Church of Los Alamos

4 p.m. Celebrate the season with Coro and guests through festive holiday music and merriment.

Adults $20-$30, Children under 18: free. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go here.

Dec. 13 Holiday Pops Concert - Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra, Crossroads Bible Church

7 p.m. Enjoy The Polar Express, Gabriel’s Oboe, The Nutcracker, and more — with dancers, tubas, and a surprise guest conductor! For more information, please visit losalamossymphony.org

Dec. 14 En Pointe School of Dance Christmas Recital, Duane Smith Auditorium

4 p.m. Enjoy performances of ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, Bollywood, belly dance, and more. Tickets are $15 for one or $25 for two.  For more information, please visit www.enpointedanceinlosalamos.com

Dec. 16 Community Art Program: Card Making, Los Alamos Arts Council

3-6 p.m. Bring the whole family to make your own fun holiday cards! Pop-up cards, stamped cards, painted paper cards and more. We will have a variety of supplies you can play with to make a one-of-a-kind card creation.
$10 per adult, $5 per child. 
For more information, go here. 

Dec. 18 Holiday Farmers' Market - Los Alamos Fuller Lodge

9 a.m.-1 p.m. Baked goods, beans, honey, ristras, local meat, wreaths, tamales, jam, stocking stuffers, and artisans, with live music and more!​​

Dec. 24 Luminaria Skate, Los Alamos Ice Rink

5-7 p.m., Start a holiday tradition with family and friends by spending Christmas Eve at the ice rink.  Luminarias, holiday music, and lights will transform the rink! Admission includes coffee and cocoa. 

More info: https://www.losalamosnm.us/Events-Directory/Luminaria-Skate

Dec. 26-28 2025 Holiday Classic- Los Alamos Hockey Association, Los Alamos Ice Rink

The Los Alamos Hockey Association Holiday Classic Hockey Tournament will take place Dec. 26-28, 2025, at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink.  This event is expected to draw players, families, and friends from all over New Mexico as well as Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. 

To register for the event as well as event organizer contact information, go to: www.lahockey.org/holidayclassic

 

Dec. 28 Max Gomez and Friends, Live in Los Alamos, Fuller Lodge

7-10 p.m., Annual holiday musical performance. All ages, doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets available here

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Photo Credit- Los Alamos County

WinterFest Sponsors

Interested in being a sponsor? Contact Jacquelyn Connolly at 505-661-4844 or jacquelyn@losalamos.org.

Copyright of Los Alamos Commerce and Development Corporation

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