Feel the holiday excitement in Las Cruces! Discover all the top festive events and activities with our guide. For both Las Cruces locals and visitors, our guide is the ultimate resource for holiday activities.
Popular during this season is the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market, where visitors can explore unique handcrafted art and cultural expressions from talented Native artists. Bringing the community together, the New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop features the distinctive tradition of dropping a giant chile at midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. And the Fireworks and Torchlight Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, lighting up the streets in a vibrant celebration. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Las Cruces
- New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop
- Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market (Santa Fe)
- Fireworks and Torchlight Parade (Angel Fire)
- Noche de Luminarias
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day with Matachines Dances (Pojoaque Pueblo)
- Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza (Mesilla)
- Bonfire Dances (Pojoaque Pueblo)
- Night Skiing and Snowboarding (Angel Fire)
- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas on Mainstreet (Alamogordo)
See these and even more events listed below!
Las Cruces Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and movie screening.
Description:
The City of Las Cruces hosts its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza de Las Cruces, featuring thousands of colorful lights, live music, giveaways, refreshments, and activities for the entire family. The event includes food trucks and visits with Santa Claus, culminating with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Rio Grande Theatre screens the beloved family movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Noche de Luminarias
What to Expect:
Large-scale luminarias display with various activities.
Description:
Noche de Luminarias is a festive event at New Mexico State University featuring thousands of twinkling lights and luminarias, family-friendly activities, live music, holiday crafts, and refreshments.
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: Noche de Luminarias
Las Cruces Holiday Markets and Shopping
Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market
What to Expect:
Unique opportunity to experience and acquire exceptional Native American art.
Description:
The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market is a special Native American Art event featuring exceptional Native American art, with top artists showcasing their work and unique pieces available for acquisition.
Where: Santa Fe | More Info: Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market
Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus and shop from local vendors.
Description:
The Holiday Market in Angel Fire offers a variety of local vendors selling Christmas gifts, live music, and great food. Visitors can also meet Santa Claus, making it a delightful shopping experience.
Where: Angel Fire | More Info: Holiday Market
Christmas on Mainstreet
What to Expect:
Synchronized light displays on historic marketplace buildings.
Description:
Christmas on Mainstreet is a festive celebration featuring holiday decorations, live music, and local vendors selling seasonal items.
Where: Alamogordo | More Info: Christmas on Mainstreet
Las Cruces Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza
What to Expect:
Traditional caroling and candlelight vigil in a historic setting.
Description:
Thousands of luminarias line the streets of Mesilla, while carolers sing and vigils are held at the Plaza. Local musical groups lead the crowd in singing old familiar carols around a gaily decked Christmas tree. The event also includes performances by local choir groups and a candlelight vigil by the Mesilla Fire Department to honor fallen service members.
Where: Mesilla | More Info: Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza
Trombone Christmas - Las Cruces edition
What to Expect:
Unique trombone ensemble performance celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
Join trombone players from the region for an open invitation concert featuring high school-level arrangements, promoting fellowship and musicianship.
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: Trombone Christmas - Las Cruces edition
The Nutcracker (Theater)
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker is a classic ballet performance featuring intricate choreography, elaborate sets, and stunning costumes, bringing the timeless tale to life.
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: The Nutcracker (Theater)
Mariachi Christmas
What to Expect:
Traditional mariachi music and cultural festivities.
Description:
The Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference features world-renowned mariachi performances, educational workshops, and cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich heritage of mariachi music.
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: Mariachi Christmas
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day with Matachines Dances
What to Expect:
Traditional Matachines dances honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Description:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day at Pojoaque Pueblo features a vespers procession, mass, and traditional Matachines dances, celebrating the patron saint with cultural and spiritual significance.
Where: Pojoaque Pueblo | More Info: Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day with Matachines Dances
Las Cruces Other Holiday Activities
Night Skiing and Snowboarding
What to Expect:
Unique night skiing experience with groomed trails.
Description:
Angel Fire Resort offers New Mexico's only night skiing and snowboarding on the front side of the mountain, featuring over 50 acres of groomed trails. Enjoy skiing and riding under the stars with varied terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Where: Angel Fire | More Info: Night Skiing and Snowboarding
Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
What to Expect:
Torchlight parade and fireworks display on Christmas Eve.
Description:
Join us at the base of the ski mountain for a spectacular Christmas Eve celebration featuring a torchlight parade of skiers and a fireworks show. Santa and Mrs. Claus often make appearances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Angel Fire | More Info: Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
Victorian Christmas
What to Expect:
Historical reenactments and community activities.
Description:
Victorian Christmas is a celebration of Silver City's rich cultural heritage, featuring historical reenactments, traditional activities, and community engagement.
Where: Silver City | More Info: Victorian Christmas
Bonfire Dances
What to Expect:
Traditional firelit dances celebrating Pueblo culture.
Description:
Bonfire Dances are traditional ceremonies where communities gather around fires to perform dances and celebrate cultural heritage. These events often include music, storytelling, and communal activities that highlight the rich traditions of the Pueblo people.
Where: Pojoaque Pueblo | More Info: Bonfire Dances
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop
What to Expect:
Unique chile pepper drop with live music and family activities.
Description:
The Las Cruces Chile Drop is a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event includes a block party with games and a Kids Zone, culminating in the lowering of a 19-foot chrome chile pepper covered in LED lights at midnight.
Where: Las Cruces | More Info: New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- El Paso (42 miles)