There was plenty of holiday spirit in our broader community, this year. There is still one event remaining at the time of posting this: “Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza in Old Mesilla”. See below for details.
This holiday season is burning bright with opportunities to share in the spirit of the season. Las Cruces Digest shines a light on local events that promise to shine right back.
A Las Cruces Digest Report
Friday, December 6th
Old Mesilla Christmas Tree Lighting
- Dates: December 6, 2024
- Price: Free
- Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
For more information, please call 575-524-3262, ext. 116 or visit the Old Mesilla Visitor Center, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla, NM 88046.
Friday, December 6th
“Iluminando Las Montañas”: A Free Family Luminaria Event and Public Lands Celebration! [“AT CAPACITY”]
- Date & Time: December 6, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Drop in anytime or stay for the entire event)
- Location: Dripping Springs Natural Area, 15000 Dripping Springs Rd.
- NOTE: Reported “at capacity”
“Iluminando Las Montañas” is a special event that brings the Las Cruces community together to honor the holiday season and the beautiful public lands we cherish. The tradition of lighting luminarias—paper lanterns that illuminate homes, paths, and gathering places—has deep roots in New Mexico, going back over 300 years. This practice brings warmth and light to the darkest time of the year, fostering community unity and celebration.
Parking: While the event is free, the Dripping Springs Natural Area will maintain the $5 per vehicle day use fee, and they will close their gates promptly at 7:30 pm.
Saturday, December 7th
City of Las Cruces Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place from 6- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at the downtown Plaza de Las Cruces.
This event is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together in the spirit of the season. The evening will feature live performances by Organ Mountain High School Jazz Band and NMSU’s official cover band, Proud Pete.
At 7 PM, we will have the honor of Mayor Eric Enriquez lighting the tree to kick off the official start of the holiday season.
Sunday, December 8th
Luminarias to illuminate NMSU campus Dec. 8 for ‘Noche de Luminarias’
- 39th annual “Noche de Luminarias,” or “Night of Lights,”
- 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.
(NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
New Mexico State University will host the 39th annual “Noche de Luminarias,” or “Night of Lights,” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, following the Aggie women’s basketball game against the University of New Mexico.
“It is a night of lights at New Mexico State University where you can enjoy the glow of luminarias throughout campus,” said Michelle Grandjean, associate director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs.
The luminarias will be displayed throughout NMSU’s campus, starting at the Pan American Center down to Milton Hall and Zuhl Library. Refreshments will be available at Corbett Center Student Union, NMSU Bookstore and the Pan Am Center.
At Corbett Center, there will be a Santa letter writing station from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Participants can decorate cookies and take pictures with Santa from 5 to 7 p.m. Entertainment and a craft market will be at the Pan Am and interactive inflatables will be at Corbett Center outdoor stage. A small train for children to ride will be at Corbett Center’s west entrance.
The luminarias are purchased through the Las Cruces High School Band for its annual fundraiser. They are sponsored by Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, Associated Students of NMSU, NMSU Bookstore, American Indian Programs, Corbett Center Student Union and Pan American Center.
“I am most looking forward to walking through campus and enjoying the beautiful display of lights,” Grandjean said.
Friday, December 13th
Luminarias: Light up the Desert
- Dates: December 13, 2024
- Price: $5-$10
- Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
It’s that time of year again! Join the Asombro Institute for Science Education on Friday, December 13th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for our annual Luminarias: Light Up the Desert event at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Come stroll along our paved ADA-accessible trail lit with over 400 luminarias while darkness settles over the surrounding desert. Enjoy free holiday cookies and hot chocolate, shop for stocking stuffers at our pop-up gift shop, roast a marshmallow over the fire, and view Saturn and Jupiter through a telescope.
A suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family is recommended, though the event is free. Reservations are not required, and all ages are welcome. Asombro staff would like attendees to note that parking is limited. Please bring your patience and willingness to walk!
Location: Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, 56501 N Jornada Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88012
Saturday, December 14th
Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk & Lighted Boat Parade
- Presented By: New Mexico State Parks
- Dates:December 14, 2024
- Price: $5 state park admission fee
- Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Elephant Butte Lake State Park
NM Hwy 195
Elephant Butte, NM 87935 - 575-744-5923
The Luminaria Beachwalk, sponsored by Elephant Butte Lake State Park and Friends of Elephant Butte Lake, features 3000 thousand luminaria lining paths on the beach leading to community-sponsored campsites with posole, chile, cocoa, cookies, s’mores, and more! Donations benefit the 4th of July fireworks show held at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Saturday, December 21st
Fort Selden Noche de Las Luminarias
- At Fort Selden Historic Site
- December 21, 2024, Saturday
- 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Embrace the warmth of the season at Fort Selden Historic Site for the annual holiday event, Noche de Las Luminarias. Enjoy the sights of the holidays as more than 900 luminarias dot Fort Selden, offering a special celebration on the longest night of the year. Walk the luminarias-lined pathways and illuminated ruins (but please be mindful not to enter or touch the ruins). We’ll offer a warm campfire to sit by and make a wish for 2025. Participate in family-friendly activities like a holiday ornament-making craft. Listen to live music by Enchantment Historical Productions Carolers and grab a warm drink or dessert from Munchie Monster food truck. Activities are outdoors, so dress for the weather.
Tickets for timed entry are $7/adults and free for children 16 years and younger. Purchase tickets online at my.nmculture.org/33082/41940.
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza in Old Mesilla
- Dates: December 24, 2024
- Price: Free
The historic village of Old Mesilla is aglow with thousands of luminarias and caroling. (575) 524-3262, ext. 116. www.mesillanm.gov/events/
Bonus Events
Sunland Park
Christmas Lighting Celebration
December 6th
Hatch Valley
Christmas Lights Parade
December 21st (Pending)
Doña Ana Village
Decorate the Plaza with Luminarias
December 20th
