- Buy Black Holiday Market and Conference, hosted by the African American Greater ABQ Chamber of Commerce | One Albuquerque Office of Equity and Inclusion will be on Dec. 16. This free holiday craft fair offers guests a chance to shop with vendors, attend workshops and information tables, as well as enjoy food trucks. Held at Sid Cutter Pilots Pavilion in Balloon Fiesta Park, this event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, contact info@aagacc.org. The park is located at 9401 Balloon Museum Drive NE.
- This weekend, come experience a cultural event presented by the National Institute of Flamenco: “La Estrella: A Flamenco Story Of The King’s Quest.” This holiday experience offers the famous story of the three kings told through the art of flamenco. The show will play Dec. 16-19 at Popejoy Hall in the Rodey Theater, 203 Cornell Drive NE. Tickets start at $32.50 and can be purchased online. Showtimes for Friday and Saturday are 7 p.m. with an afternoon matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m.
- 8th Annual Humble Holiday Market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at Humble Coffee Company in Nob Hill (4200 Lomas Blvd. NE, Suite C). Saturdays are made for coffee, so come finish up your shopping list with more than 90 vendors and fun for the whole family. Photos with Santa, a live DJ, cocktails and food trucks will all be available to enjoy. There is a $5 cover fee at the door (ages 12 and under are free) with proceeds benefiting the local community.
- Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella opens on Dec. 16 and will run through Jan. 1 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This enchanting theatrical play is based on the 1997 teleplay. Hosted by the Musical Theater Southwest, this beloved story of rags to riches and dreams coming true is sure to delight guests during the holidays. General admission is $25 with student/senior/ATG/children at $23. Tickets are available online until one hour prior to the show (6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 1 p.m. on Sunday), they must then be purchased at the box office. Seats are not assigned. Address: 6320 Domingo Road NE, Suite B.
- A Holiday Grinchmas Celebration is happening from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Mesa Verde Community Center, 7900 Marquette Ave. NE. This free event encourages children (young at heart count!) to spread holiday cheer and help the Grinch’s heart grow before it disappears. Festivities include refreshments, treats, crafts, free toys and a performance by the Albuquerque Youth Symphony.
Citywide Events
New Mexico Bowl is happening this Saturday, December 17th at 5:30 p.m. The Brigham Young University Cougars will be battling it out against the Southern Methodist University Mustangs, this is a game you won’t want to miss. Ticket prices range from $25-$100 and can be purchased online. Address: University Stadium 1111 University Boulevard Southeast
Luminaria Walk & TAAS Star Party is a magical event for the whole family. Held at the Valle De Oro National Wildlife Refuge this Friday, December 16th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. This event includes a walk around the visitor center with snacks, hot cocoa, music, and stories. Guests are also invited to look at the stars in the night sky with The Albuquerque Astronomical Society from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Address: 7851 2nd Street Southwest
Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells incorporates the spirit of New Mexico traditions into a well-loved classic. Elements of the state’s culture are intricately incorporated and feature Spanish dancers, fandango dancers, characters portraying southwestern snakes, and sheep. This annual family tradition has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and other national publications. This is the only Nutcracker performance in New Mexico to feature a live orchestra. Showtimes are Friday, December 16th at 7 p.m., Saturday, December 17th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 18th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 – $49. Address: 1701 Fourth Street Southwest
