Schedule of Events

Los Alamos WinterFest 2024

Friday, Dec. 6 - Sunday, Dec. 8.

 

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. 

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Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

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12-7 p.m. 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 12/6 from 9:30-11:30 am. Pick up your nativity 12/7 from 4-5 p.m.)

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1 p.m. Winter Wonderland Printmaking Workshop, Los Alamos Nature Center

Using a variety of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, and other seasonal elements, participants will learn how to create unique prints on cards—perfect for sending out thoughtful holiday greetings! Admission: $40/member, $45/non-member. Go here for more info.

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12-7 p.m. 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 12/6 from 9:30-11:30 am. Pick up your nativity on 12/7 from 4-5 pm.)

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4-6 p.m. 2024 Winter/Holiday Group Art Exhibition, The Karen Wray Art Gallery

Opening reception is from 4-6 p.m. on December 6th.  Exhibition runs from Dec. 6, 2024- January 4, 2025.

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6-11 p.m. Northern New Mexico Toy Drive, Ugly Sweater Party, Fuller Lodge

Join us for the best party of the year! This year Katy P and The Business will be helping us rock our ugly sweaters, and raise money for the Northern NM Toy Drive! Advance tickets are $25. A new, unwrapped toy brought to the event is also appreciated!
Wear your ugliest sweater and raise money for the Northern NM Toy Drive. We also have great prizes for the best ugly sweater and raffles. and a silent auction!  Go here for more info.

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7-9 p.m. RATcracker on "the Hill": Part 2, The Search for Gwen Groves, 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. The Rat Queen has taken over the Land of Sweets, and the heroes must find the magical Nutcracker doll to rescue the Spy and Gwen Groves before it is too late! 

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

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7 p.m. December Night Sky, Los Alamos Nature Center 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 4.  Admission: $8/adult, $6/child. Go here for more info.

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Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

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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/

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9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Everything Christmas Sale, United Church Thrift Store, Graves Hall, 2525 Canyon Road

Come find lots of gently-used holiday treasures including jewelry, Christmas lights, trees, ornaments, clothes, dishes, decorations, candles, cards, and much, much more!  All proceeds benefit missions in Northern New Mexico.

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9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Children's Christmas Bazaar, Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, 3900 Trinity Drive

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. More information is available on the Facebook event page.

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9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 55th Annual Earth Treasure Show at Pajarito Masonic Lodge

55th Annual Earth Treasure Show hosted by the Los Alamos Geological Society. Admission and parking are free. Many dealers will sell minerals, fossils, jewelry, and much 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. There will be cases of mineral specimens from around the world displayed.

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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.

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10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 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 12/6 from 9:30-11:30 am. Pick up your nativity 12/7 from 4-5 p.m.)

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1-4:30 pm Cozy Family Crafternoons@ 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 info. 

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2 p.m. Fractals!  At Los Alamos Nature Center

Celebrate WinterFest with a viewing of the full dome movie Fantastic Fractals!  Fantastic Fractals is the spectacular, award-winning planetarium show that takes viewers on a tour of the fractals in nature and zooms through infinitely complex mathematical fractals. Featuring original music, the show is both educational and highly entertaining. Events in the planetarium are not recommended for children under age 4. Admission: $8/adult, $6/child

Go here for more info.

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2-4 p.m. RATcracker on "the Hill": Part 2, The Search for Gwen Groves, 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. The Rat Queen has taken over the Land of Sweets, and the heroes must find the magical Nutcracker doll to rescue the Spy and Gwen Groves before it is too late! 

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

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2-4 p.m. Lads and Lasses of Enchantment Sing Christmas Carols,  Smiths Marketplace Los Alamos

Before you head in to get your groceries, stop and listen to a selection of Christmas Carols from the Los Alamos Chapter Barbershop Chorus. While you are there, drop a donation in the Salvation Army bucket to help individuals in need this holiday season.

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3-4:30 p.m. Slow Travel New Mexico, Mesa Public Library

As the winter doldrums begin to set in, and the holiday season overwhelms, come to the Library for this free program to slow down and discover a new way of travel. The authors of Slow Travel New Mexico will share a lively and inclusive presentation about slow travel. Find inspiration to spread your wings and explore the most interesting corners of New Mexico - plan your next adventures! 

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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!

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

Join the Los Alamos County Council for the Lighting of the Holiday Tree. Come inside and enjoy hot cocoa and marshmallows at we flip the switch to light up the Municipal Building Lobby before the start of the Holiday Light Parade.

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6 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade

Come downtown to watch floats glide down Central Ave., followed by the annual tree lighting at Ashley Pond Park. Interested in registering a float? You can do so here. Registration closes Nov. 26. This year's theme is "Winter Brilliance."

 

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 28th through December 7th, 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 2,152 toys. Parade attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to add to the float during the parade.

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7 p.m. Holiday Pops Concert at Crossroads Church

Join us for the Holiday Pops Concert, where the spirit of the season comes alive with festive music! Enjoy beloved selections from The Nutcracker, performed by talented DALA soloist dancers. Sing along to some of your favorite carols, and don’t miss the drawing for a chance to conduct the orchestra. After the concert, enjoy cookies and treats. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the holidays!

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Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024

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10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 55th Annual Earth Treasure Show at Pajarito Masonic Lodge

55th Annual Earth Treasure Show hosted by the Los Alamos Geological Society. Admission and parking are free. Many dealers will sell minerals, fossils, jewelry, and much 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. There will be cases of mineral specimens from around the world displayed.

​

2-4 p.m. RATcracker on "the Hill": Part 2, The Search for Gwen Groves, 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. The Rat Queen has taken over the Land of Sweets, and the heroes must find the magical Nutcracker doll to rescue the Spy and Gwen Groves before it is too late! 

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

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Other Holiday Events

 

Nov. 9 - 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.  For more information: www.losalamosartscouncil.org

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

Together We Give - Transforming Lives One Toy at a Time. Toy collection for the 2024 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

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Nov. 30 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.

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Dec. 7-8 3RD Line Hockey Tournament

Calling all adult hockey players! Come experience a one-of-a-kind hockey tournament with players from all around the world! It's the perfect opportunity to start a new adventure, no matter your skill level. This program's format allows individuals to join without being a part of a team. Individuals can compete alongside and against opponents of varying abilities. The draft system will make for an unforgettable experience, and you'll be sure to have a blast over the course of the two-day tournament.
Contact the Ice Rink for details. To register, visit: www.3rdlinedraught.com  

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Dec. 11-14 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 11th from 10:00 to 12:00, $15 per kit
After School - December 11th from 3:30 to 5:30, $30 per kit
Teens & Adults - December 13th from 5:00 to 7:00, $30 per kit
Families - December 14th from 9:40 to 11:30 & 12:00 to 2:00, $30 per kit

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Dec. 12 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! 

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Dec. 13-15 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, SALA Event Center

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a heartwarming holiday comedy that follows the chaotic yet hilarious journey of the Herdman family—six unruly siblings known for their bad behavior—as they stumble into the town’s annual Christmas pageant. For show times and tickets: https://sala.losalamos.com/

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Dec. 14 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! 

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Dec. 14 Home Alone 2 and Hot Chocolate, Los Alamos Nature Center

4-6:30 p.m. Join PEEC for a cozy night featuring a hot chocolate bar and a screening of the beloved holiday movie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.  
Admission is $8; Register here.

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Dec. 14 LACW Holiday Prism Concert, Crossroads Bible Church

7 p.m. Los Alamos Community Wind’s concert in the round annual showcase of holiday and seasonal music. 
Free admission (suggested donation of $15/guest)

 

Dec. 16 Canvas Painting of El Santuario Farolitos, Betty Ehart Senior Center

1-3:45 p.m. Join local artist, Suzanne Egan, for an afternoon of canvas painting!  Easy, fun, and open to the public. Registration opens Dec. 1st. 
$30 for Senior Center members
$35 for non-members

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Dec. 19 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. 21 Dance Arts Los Alamos- Winter Mixed Repertoire Showcase, Duane Smith Auditorium

7 p.m. Enjoy an evening of jazz, tap, modern, hip hop, musical theater, contemporary, and swing dance performances. Tickets online and at the door. For more information please visit www.danceartslosalamos.org

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Dec. 21 Skate with Santa, Los Alamos Ice Rink

3:30 -5 p.m. Santa always takes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit the ice rink.  He is bringing his elves to greet boys and girls, and hand out candy canes!  Santa and his elves will pose for pictures on and off the ice. 
$2.50 for ages 5 & under
$6.50 for ages 6+
Includes skate rental and admission. Go here for more info.

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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

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Dec. 31 “Noon” Year’s Eve, Mesa Public Library & White Rock Library

10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Activities, music, and fun to ring in the New Year at noon.  This fun activity is scheduled for both the Mesa Public Library and the White Rock Library branch.  Show up to your nearest library at noon for a party! Go here for more info.