Last updated: November 11, 2024
Feel the holiday excitement in Las Cruces! Discover all the top festive events and activities with our guide. For both Las Cruces locals and visitors, our guide is the ultimate resource for holiday activities.
Popular during this season is the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts Winter Indian Market, where visitors can explore unique handcrafted art and cultural expressions from talented Native artists. Bringing the community together, the New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop features the distinctive tradition of dropping a giant chile at midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. And the Fireworks and Torchlight Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, lighting up the streets in a vibrant celebration. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Las Cruces Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with live music and movie screening.
- Description
- The City of Las Cruces hosts its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Plaza de Las Cruces, featuring thousands of colorful lights, live music, giveaways, refreshments, and activities for the entire family. The event includes food trucks and visits with Santa Claus, culminating with the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Following the ceremony, the Rio Grande Theatre screens the beloved family movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Noche de Luminarias
- What to Expect
- Large-scale luminarias display with various activities.
- Description
- Noche de Luminarias is a festive event at New Mexico State University featuring thousands of twinkling lights and luminarias, family-friendly activities, live music, holiday crafts, and refreshments.
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : Noche de Luminarias
Las Cruces Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza
- What to Expect
- Traditional caroling and candlelight vigil in a historic setting.
- Description
- Thousands of luminarias line the streets of Mesilla, while carolers sing and vigils are held at the Plaza. Local musical groups lead the crowd in singing old familiar carols around a gaily decked Christmas tree. The event also includes performances by local choir groups and a candlelight vigil by the Mesilla Fire Department to honor fallen service members.
- Where
- Mesilla | More Info : Luminarias and Christmas Carols on the Plaza
Trombone Christmas - Las Cruces edition
- What to Expect
- Unique trombone ensemble performance celebrating the holiday season.
- Description
- Join trombone players from the region for an open invitation concert featuring high school-level arrangements, promoting fellowship and musicianship.
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : Trombone Christmas - Las Cruces edition
The Nutcracker (Theater)
- What to Expect
- World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
- Description
- The Nutcracker is a classic ballet performance featuring intricate choreography, elaborate sets, and stunning costumes, bringing the timeless tale to life.
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : The Nutcracker (Theater)
Mariachi Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional mariachi music and cultural festivities.
- Description
- The Las Cruces International Mariachi Conference features world-renowned mariachi performances, educational workshops, and cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich heritage of mariachi music.
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : Mariachi Christmas
Las Cruces Other Holiday Activities
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop
- What to Expect
- Unique chile pepper drop with live music and family activities.
- Description
- The Las Cruces Chile Drop is a vibrant New Year's Eve celebration featuring live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event includes a block party with games and a Kids Zone, culminating in the lowering of a 19-foot chrome chile pepper covered in LED lights at midnight.
- Where
- Las Cruces | More Info : New Year’s Eve Celebration with Chile Drop