Deck the Halls Dec. 6–8 in Los Alamos, N.M.
Published on November 22, 2024
WinterFest Celebration to Feature Festive Parade, Art, Entertainment and More
Kick off the holiday season in Los Alamos—where discoveries are made—this December at WinterFest. Running December 6–8, the three-day event features a variety of options to get into the holiday spirit, start your shopping, and spend time with loved ones. WinterFest captures the nostalgic small-town charm of holiday seasons past, along with fun and festive events for the entire family, including a holiday lights parade.
Events kick off on Friday, December 6 with a variety of options to celebrate the holidays. Explore nativity displays from around the world at the “Annual Creche Show” at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from noon to 7 p.m. Beginning at 1 p.m., engage in hands-on craft-making at the “Winter Wonderland Printmaking Workshop” at the Los Alamos Nature Center, where you can create unique prints on holiday cards using natural materials like leaves, twigs, and more.
Show off your ugly sweaters and raise money for the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive at the “Ugly Sweater Party” at Fuller Lodge from 6–11 p.m. or catch a performance of “RATcracker on “the Hill”: Part 2, The Search for Gwen Groves” at the Duane Smith Auditorium from 7–9 p.m. (additional showings to take place on Saturday and Sunday from 2–4 p.m.). For nature lovers, explore the “December Night Sky” at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium at 7 p.m.
Following on Saturday, December 7 from 8–11 a.m., embrace the magic of the holidays at “Breakfast with Santa” at the Betty Ehart Senior Center. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the “55th Annual Earth Treasure Show” at Pajarito Masonic Lodge, where you can shop for minerals, fossils, jewelry, and more. Additionally, the event features children’s activities and crafts as well as a silent auction.
Also on Saturday, don’t miss a chance to shop small and find gifts for everyone on your list at the “YMCA Winter Vendor Market”. For families with children, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the “Children’s Christmas Bazaar,” where children from kindergarten through 6th grade can shop for everyone on their list from great, thrifted items. Later in the day, decorate cookies, make holiday crafts, write letters to Santa, and more at “Santa’s Workshop” at Fuller Lodge from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. the Municipal Building will host its annual indoor tree lighting ceremony. Then at 6 p.m., head to Central Avenue for the beloved annual “Holiday Lights Parade” with the theme of “Winter Brilliance” and annual tree lighting at Ashley Pond Park.
HMS Implacable, the local chapter of The Royal Manticoran Navy, is once again, supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign and asks that the public consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the parade. Uniformed crew members will be collecting the toys alongside their float entry.
End the night with live entertainment and enjoy selections from The Nutcracker and holiday refreshments at the “Holiday Pops Concert” at Crossroads Church at 7 p.m.
Events culminate on Sunday, December 8 with the “Earth Treasure Show” at Pajarito Masonic Lodge and a final performance of “RATcracker on “the Hill”: Part 2, The Search for Gwen Groves”.
For more information, tickets, and a full schedule of over two dozen additional winter events, visit www.losalamosmainstreet.com/winterfest2024. To plan your visit and see all there is to do in Los Alamos County, go to www.visitlosalamos.org.