East Mountains Area is Chock Full of Christmas Activities

The holiday season in the high desert begins not with a bang, but a blizzard of holiday events ranging from craft fairs to lighted Christmas parades. Here’s a look at what is going on in the area over the next couple of weekends.

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Chapter 1: The Weekend of Lights

Friday, December 5 – Sunday, December 7

The first weekend of December is the crescendo of the season. The energy shifts from the quiet hills to the bustling corridors of Route 66 and the artistic enclave of Madrid.

Friday, December 5: The Ignition

• 12:00 PM | “Just-in-Time” Craft Fair Opens * Location: DWI Memorial of Perpetual Tears, Moriarty. * The Scene: The doors open for early shoppers in the Estancia Valley, offering handmade goods in a poignant community setting.  
• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Edgewood Twinkle Light Parade & Tree Lighting * Location: Municipal Way to Venus Park, Edgewood. * The Scene: The night sky over the plains illuminates as floats drift down NM-344. This event doubles as the kick-off for the Route 66 Centennial. Following the parade, families gather at Venus Park for the tree lighting (7:00 PM), holiday movie trivia, and hot cocoa.  

Saturday, December 6: The Grand Procession

• 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Lantern Ridge Christmas Crafters Market * Location: Lantern Ridge Farm, Sandia Park (NM-14). * The Scene: A crisp mountain morning begins with fresh scents of pine and baking. Visitors browse agritourism goods and take photos with Santa in a farm setting.  
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Galisteo Christmas Market * Location: Galisteo Community Center. * The Scene: In this secluded village, fine artists open their doors. The market features retablos, herbal remedies, and weaving, offering a deeply cultural shopping experience.  
• 12:00 PM-5:00 PM | East Mountain Fine Arty/Wonder in Wood * Location: Cedar Crest (NM 14) Meet the four eclectic artists and check out the chainsaw wood carving, fine woodwork, paintings and solar pyrography .
• 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Madrid Pre-Parade Festivities * Location: Main Street, Madrid. * The Scene: The “Christmas City” comes alive. The Mad Antiquer Christmas Village opens at noon. By 3:00 PM, the KMRD Community Art Show is in full swing, and street performers like the Clan Tynker Family Circus roam the town.  
• 3:00 PM-9PM | Ice Skating Event * Location Rich Ford Parking Lot in Edgewood. Outdoor rink for all ages.
• 4:00 PM | The Madrid Christmas Parade * Location: Main Street, Madrid. * The Scene: The main event. A yak dressed as Rudolph leads a “madcap” procession of costumed residents, dogs, and burros through the narrow gulch. As the sun sets, the town’s historic house lights are officially illuminated.  
• 6:00 PM | Moriarty Christmas Light Parade * Location: Central Avenue (Route 66), Moriarty. * The Scene: For those who prefer heavy machinery to hooves, Moriarty lights up its tractors and fire trucks for a parade that celebrates the region’s agricultural grit.  

Sunday, December 7: The Morning After

• 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Lantern Ridge Market (Day 2) * Location: Sandia Park. * The Scene: A final chance to grab a live Christmas tree and local food gifts before the work week begins.  
• 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Galisteo Christmas Market (Day 2) * Location: Galisteo Community Center.  

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Chapter 2: The Community Heart

Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 14

As the frenzy of the parades fade, the focus turns to intimate community gatherings in Tijeras and the southern stronghold of Estancia.

Friday, December 12

• 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Village of Tijeras Winter Celebration * Location: Tijeras Senior Center. * The Scene: A multi-generational gathering featuring the A. Montoya Elementary Carolers, a tree lighting, and local flavor provided by an “Aguas Deliciosas” vendor. It is a warm, small-town evening.  

Saturday, December 13

• 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Lantern Ridge Market (Final Weekend) * Location: Sandia Park. * The Scene: The market returns for its second weekend, featuring photos with Santa for those who missed the first round.  
• 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 31st Annual Torrance County Christmas Craft Fair * Location: Estancia High School Gym. * The Scene: The longest-running fair in the area. Between shopping, locals play Bingo (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM) and visit with Santa (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM).  
• 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Tijeras Christmas Celebration * Location: LDS Church, Tijeras. * The Scene: A community event open to everyone, featuring a “Christmas Around the World” theme with food and socializing.  
• 6:00 PM | Estancia Lights Parade * Location: Main Street, Estancia. * The Scene: The finale of the parade season. The procession steps off at 6:00 PM, winding through the county seat to bring the “lights” to the southern valley.  

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Epilogue: The Silent Nights

Mid-December through Christmas Eve

• Ongoing: Madrid Christmas Open House
  • When: Weekends through Dec 21.
  • The Scene: The crowds thin out, leaving the galleries and the Mine Shaft Tavern open for a more relaxed experience of the lights and art.  
• Ongoing: The Henderson Store (Golden)
  • When: Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM.
  • The Scene: In the tiny village of Golden, the historic trading post offers a quiet escape to shop for authentic Native American jewelry and rugs, far from the mall crowds.