The National Weather Service Albuquerque predicts mostly sunny skies throughout the weekend with high temperatures expected to be in the low to mid-50s and overnight lows in the 20s. On Monday, Dec. 12, a storm will move in over New Mexico, bringing snow to higher elevations and a chance of rain in the metro. The storm is a sure sign winter is on the way, which means hockey, skiing and holiday music are also in the forecast for this weekend and the days to come. Here are seven pre-winter weekend events to get everyone ready for the incoming cold air and holiday festivities:
1. The New Mexico Ice Wolves play the Oklahoma Warriors at Outpost Ice Arena Thursday, Dec. 8, and Friday Dec. 9, at 6:20 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the New Mexico Ice Wolves website and range in price from $12.50 to $27.50.
Your New Mexico Ice Wolves are back at home Thursday/Friday night at 6:30pm! Don’t miss the excitement, get your tickets now! https://t.co/RJIruzd7CE pic.twitter.com/JoyHZiyri5
— New Mexico Ice Wolves (@NMIceWolves) December 7, 2022
2. Help someone in need this weekend. There are a number of toy drives in northeast Albuquerque, including the CSP Dance Studios toy drive for UNM Children’s Hospital patients. Stop by 1624 Eubank Blvd. NE Friday, Dec. 9, from 6-9 p.m. to donate a new toy and receive a free dance lesson. A separate toy drive will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the 2801 Eubank Blvd. Albertson’s Market during the Subaru NM Toy Drive and Car Show. Seniors are in need, too. Donate socks, cleaning supplies, puzzles, large gift bags and other items at Bear Canyon Senior Center, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center and other locations until Dec. 16. Call 505-764-6400 to learn more about the Annual Senior Holiday Donation Drive.
3. The FIFA 2022 World Cup continues Friday, Dec. 9, as four teams battle it out in the quarterfinal matches. Croatia plays Brazil at 8 a.m. and the Netherlands take on Argentina at noon. On Saturday, Dec. 10, Morocco plays Portugal at 8 a.m. and then England take one the 2018 World Cup champs, Les Bleus (France) at noon. Bars and pubs in the northeast part of town likely to have a game on include Uptown Sports Bar, Ojos Locos, Spectators Sports Bar & Grill, Salt Yard East and Star Brothers Brewing. Call ahead for hours and availability.
17 days of back-to-back to action! This is what we’ve all just lived through 🤩#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 7, 2022
4. Play indoor hockey every Saturday in December at the North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center. Family indoor hockey is from 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in the half-court gym. Call 505-764-6475 to learn more about becoming a member and other events at the center.
5. Gear up and head north for a little skiing and snowboarding action at Ski Santa Fe. The mountain has a 20-inch base and 2 inches of snow in the last 48 hours. Five out of seven lifts are open with weekend full-day lift tickets ranging in price from $15 to $99 a person. Season passes range in price from $149 to $799. Check out Ski Santa Fe’s website for more details.
6. Sing along to Christmas carols and listen to the Albuquerque Symphony Orchestra play selections from “The Nutcracker” at Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Sunday, Dec. 11, from 2-4 p.m. The church is located at 8600 Academy Road NE. Visit the orchestra’s Facebook page for more details.
7. Winter Wonderland returns to Expo New Mexico throughout December from 6-9 p.m. The event features a drive- and walk-thru experience with holiday attractions, including local vendors, hot cocoa and pictures with Santa Claus. Tickets range in price from $30-$75. Visit the Winter Wonderland website or watch the video below from last year’s event for more details.