MAINSTREET NEWS RELEASE
Los Alamos WinterFest, a three-day event that offers up a variety of family-friendly holiday activities, takes place this weekend from December 5-7.
The highlight of WinterFest, the Holiday Lights Parade, takes place on Saturday, December 6. With a record-breaking 41 floats registered, a good weather forecast, and over 2 dozen events happening just this weekend, it is sure to be a great weekend. Organized by Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District (LAMSCD), the parade begins at 6 p.m. and proceeds down Central Avenue. This year’s theme is “Red, Green, or Christmas.” MainStreet invites you to come out and celebrate the colors, foods, and traditions that make Los Alamos and New Mexico unique.
LAMSCD and Los Alamos County are paying special attention to parade safety and have introduced several features to enhance the spectator experience. These include metal barricades and orange mesh fencing along the busiest sections of the parade route. The community can help ensure a safe and fun event by staying off the street and behind barricades at all times.
“To ensure everyone enjoys a safe and festive evening, new safety measures will be in place for this year’s Holiday Lights Parade. In recent years, the parade route has become increasingly crowded, making it difficult for drivers operating large vehicles and trailers to safely navigate in low-light conditions. Our goal is to increase safety while preserving the fun, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this event such a community favorite,” said Commander Chris Ross of the Los Alamos Police Department.
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District, and Los Alamos County, also remind participants and attendees that propane fire pits, portable propane heaters, or any open flame devices are not permitted on sidewalks or within the public right-of-way during the event.
The HMS Implacable, the Los Alamos Chapter of the Royal Manticoran Navy, is running the annual Doreen M. Gunkel Memorial Toys for Tots drive from October 4th through December 6th, culminating in our “Fill the Float” entry in this year’s Holiday Lights Parade. The officers and crew of the HMS Implacable hope to exceed last year’s record donation of 3,250 toys. Parade attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to add to the float during the parade.
Additionally, the Northern New Mexico Toy Drive will be collecting toys, with help from Topper Company NJROTC, along the route. Get in the holiday spirit and support local several times over by visiting our local businesses to purchase contributions to these charitable organizations.
Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District encourages residents to shop locally this holiday season. Be sure to visit Los Alamos restaurants, too. Blue Window Bistro will once again be open during the parade on Saturday, December 6. Reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant will offer holiday drink specials for the entire family. Many of our local shops and restaurants have special holiday hours this weekend, if not all month.
Immediately after the parade, the community is invited to attend the tree lighting at Ashley Pond.
With so many events happening from Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7, there is something fun for everyone.
Find the full schedule of activities at LosAlamosMainStreet.com/WinterFest.