If you’re wondering what kinds of events and activities are available in Los Alamos in December, this schedule is your one-stop source. Prepared by Los Alamos MainStreet, the schedule contains information such as how to sign up for the Holiday Lights Parade. Send this schedule to friends and family who may be joining you here for the holidays and use it to plan activities for all ages.
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023
12 – 7 p.m. Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world.
Nativities contributed from a wide array of local citizens of Los Alamos. All are Welcome: Admission is free.
For tickets and more info go here.
7-8 p.m. Night Sky in December, Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium
This talk is perfect for beginning stargazers who want to learn more. This event will take place in person at the Los Alamos Nature Center’s planetarium. Because seating is limited in the planetarium, advance registration is encouraged! Sign up now to reserve your seats. If space is still available, we will admit walk-up attendees at the nature center at the time of the presentation. Planetarium events are not recommended for kids under age 4.
Admission: $6/adult, $4/child.
7-9 p.m. Nutcracker on the Hill, Duane Smith Auditorium
Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos’ twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. Featuring DALA dancers and guest artists Christo McMaster and Joey Moore, this year’s show will be one to remember!
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023
8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos Presents: Breakfast with Santa, Betty Ehart Senior Center
Kickoff a jolly holiday season with a hot breakfast and photo opportunity with Santa Claus! No cost to attend, but we will be collecting non-perishable food for LA Cares, and financial donations to the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos’ projects with northern NM foster children. Families, please reserve a timeslot!
Visit LosAlamos.Kiwanisone.org/Santa or learn more about the event and reserve your timeslot.
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Everything Christmas Sale, The United Church of Los Alamos
Gently used Jewelry, Christmas Lights, Trees, Ornaments, and more!
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. PJs and Movies, SALA Event Center
Get comfy at SALA! Dress in your PJs and enjoy a classic Christmas movie with breakfast. Plus ornament making with Little Studio on the Mesa.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Holiday Vendor Market, The Family YMCA Gymnasium
Shop from a variety of different small business owners. Handmade crafts and products are available.
Sign up to be a vendor here.
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world.
Nativities contributed from a wide array of local citizens of Los Alamos. All are welcome: Admission is free.
9 a.m.- 5 p.m. 54th Annual Earth Treasure Show, Pajarito Masonic Lodge at 1400 N Sage Loop
There will be dealers/vendors selling minerals, fossils, jewelry, a children’s craft table and the Wheel of Fortune for kids to try their luck and much more! There will be silent auctions sponsored by the Los Alamos Geological Society. We will have geodes for sale and a cracker so you can be the first to see inside! Club members and the NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources will have display cases of mineral specimens around the world.
Admission is free.
2-4 p.m. Nutcracker on the Hill, Duane Smith Auditorium
Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos’ twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. Featuring DALA dancers and guest artists Christo McMaster and Joey Moore, this year’s show will be one to remember!
6 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade, Central Avenue
This year’s theme is “Winter Around the World.” Beginning around 4 p.m., Central Ave. will be closed from the roundabout to Oppenheimer. Public parking is available downtown in the Municipal, Judicial, Ashley Pond Park, library lots, and others. Join us for this festive annual tradition!
Interested in entering the parade? Visit the Holiday Lights Parade Registration. The deadline for registration is November 28.
Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. 54th Annual Earth Treasure Show, Pajarito Masonic Lodge at 1400 N Sage Loop
There will be dealers/vendors selling minerals, fossils, jewelry, a children’s craft table and the Wheel of Fortune for kids to try their luck and much more! There will be silent auctions sponsored by the Los Alamos Geological Society. We will have geodes for sale and a cracker so you can be the first to see inside! Club members and the NM Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources will have display cases of mineral specimens around the world.
Admission is free.
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fuller Lodge Gallery Shop Open House, Fuller Lodge
Music, treats, special prizes, artist talks, and more! Inside the gallery shop at Fuller Lodge Art Center.
2-4 p.m. Nutcracker on the Hill, Duane Smith Auditorium
Join us for Dance Arts Los Alamos’ twist on the traditional Nutcracker Ballet where characters from the Manhattan Project dance their way through time and magical lands. Featuring DALA dancers and guest artists Christo McMaster and Joey Moore, this year’s show will be one to remember!
Other Holiday & Winter Activities
Nov. – Dec., “Christmas Baubles” Escape Room, Mesa Top Games and Toys
Baubles, the elf, has lost Santa’s box of magic and needs your help to save Christmas! Great for groups of 2-6 people, ages 8+, ongoing event Sunday-Wednesday weekly. $65 per group.
Nov 25, Small Business Saturday
Enjoy a tax free shopping experience for all your holiday needs, while supporting local businesses. Participating businesses will be highlighted in the Los Alamos Daily post and on Social Media. Find out more here.
Nov. 24 – Dec., “Affordable Arts” Exhibit, Fuller Lodge Art Center
Celebrate the opening of the annual “Affordable Arts” exhibit with cookies, cocoa, shopping, and live music at the Open House from 2-4 p.m. on Nov. 24, On Small Business Saturday, Nov. 25, they will have special hours of 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information, www.LosAlamosArtsCouncil.org
Dec. 9, 4-6:30 p.m., “Home Alone,” Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium
Join us for a cozy night featuring a hot chocolate bar and a screening of the beloved holiday movie, Home Alone 2. The hot chocolate bar will open at 4 p.m. and the movie will start at 4:30 p.m. Wear your “ugly” holiday sweaters, or pajamas and slippers to get into the holiday spirit!
Run time: 2 hours. Admission: $7.
Dec. 14 & 21, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Holiday Farmers Market, Fuller Lodge
Join us in Fuller Lodge for live music and holiday produce, baked goods, and gifts!