Deep discounts on Scholastic books, toys & software. Open ONLY to teachers (inc. homeschoolers), librarians, and school personnel. Usually the entire contents of the huge warehouse is on sale at 50% off, but I have no details this time. The prices are not 50% off Scholastic book club catalog prices, which are already low, these are discounts off their regular retail items.
The holiday season is alight with special events sure to make your imagination sparkle. Kick off the holidays with the Twinkle Light Parade through downtown Albuquerque the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Enjoy the walk-through River of Lights Holiday Light Festival at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden throughout the holiday season. Take a holiday shopping stroll through Old Town or Nob Hill to enjoy shopping, carolers, luminarias, music and refreshments. Fine arts and crafts holiday shows take place throughout December. Don’t miss the season’s grand finale during the Old Town Luminaria Tours on December 24th.
River of Lights Holiday Light Festival, November 25-December 30, 2006 Walk through display of spectacular light sculptures, food and musical entertainment. Rio Grande Botanic Garden 505-764-6200. http://www.cabq.gov/biopark
9th Annual Holiday Stroll in Old Town, December 1, 2006 Live entertainment, holiday music, dancers, family activities and the giant Christmas tree lighting at Plaza Don Luis. 800-733-9918. http://www.albuquerqueoldtown.com
7th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival - Holiday Show, December 1-3, 2006 EXPO New Mexico: Home of the State Fair 505-292-7457. http://www.riograndefestivals.com
10th Annual Nutcraker on the Rocks, December 1-3, 2006 A modern interpretation of the classic holiday story. A high-energy, beautifully imaginative performance that will put you in the mood for the holidays. National Hispanic Cultural Center. Roy E. Disney center for the Arts. 1701 4th Street SW. 724-4771. http://www. tcketmaster.com or http://www.keshetdance.org
18th Annual Fine Crafts Show, December 1-10, 2006 Old San Ysidro Church, Corrales 505-897-3942. http://www.corraleshistory.com
A Christmas Story, December 1-24, 2006 "YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!” All your favorite elements from the beloved 1983 film are included in this faithful adaptation of the story about Ralphie Parker's quest to get a "Genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot, Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle" under the Christmas Tree. Albuquerque Little Theatre. 224 San Pasquale SW. 242-4750. http://www.albuquerquelittletheatre.org
Christmas Under the Stars - Light Display, December 1-31, 2006 ¡Traditions! I-25 North 505-867-8600. http://www.buynewmexico.com
12th Annual Nob Hill Holiday Shop & Stroll, December 7, 2006 Strolling carolers, luminarias, musicians, refreshments and St. Nick at shops throughout Nob Hill. 505-255-1115
Nutcracker, December 8-10, 2006 The New Mexico Ballet Company brings The Nutcracker to Popejoy Hall as an annual holiday treat. With the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the stage at Popejoy becomes a magical wonderland of tin soldiers, battling armies of rats, beautiful snowflakes, flowers, and all the delights of a child’s Christmas dreams. University of New Mexico Popejoy Hall Center for the Arts. 881-8999. http://www.nmballet.org
Mariachi Christmas, December 15, 2006 Festive holiday performance featuring the music and traditions of Mexico, accompanied by folklorico dancers. 8 pm. Admission: $37, $32, $29, $20. University of New Mexico, Popejoy Hall Center for the Arts. 877-664-8661 or 925-5858. http://www.tickets.com or http://www.popejoypresents.com
Nutcracker, December 15-23, 2006 The Ballet Theater of New Mexico presents an enchanting world where life-size mice battle toy soldiers, snowflakes dance, and delicate sweets entertain. Ballet Theatre’s holiday classic has been a family favorite since 1996 and is a great way to relax and reflect on the beauty of the season. KiMo Theatre. 500 Central SW. 888-1054. http://www.btnm.org
Sister’s Christmas Catechism, December 16, 2006 From the creator and producers of Late Nite Catechism comes the all-new holiday special, Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold. Sister’s been watching too much CSI, but that is not a bad thing when it comes to uncovering laughs. 8 pm. Admission: $37, $32, $29, $22. University of New Mexico, Popejoy Hall Center for the Arts. 877-664-8661 or 925-5858. http://www.tickets.com or http://www.popejoypresents.com
A Scottish Christmas , December 17, 2006 Celebrated fiddler, Bonnie Rideout leads a party of legendary Celtic musicians and dancers from Scotland, North American and Ireland who join their talents in a delightful and festive show of tuneful agility. 3:30 pm. Admission: $39, $35, $29, $20. University of New Mexico, Popejoy Hall Center for the Arts. 877-664-8661 or 925-5858. http://www.tickets.com or http://www.popejoypresents.com
A Very Merry Pops, December 22, 2006 The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra presents an evening of holiday fun. Sleigh-ride through a musical holiday wonderland at one of the great Albuquerque holiday traditions! 8 pm. National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW. 881-9590. http://www.nmso.org
Luminaria Tour, December 24, 2006 Stay warm this holiday season with the City of Albuquerque and ABQ RIDE by viewing the luminaria displays and other holiday decorations in the Albuquerque Country Club, Old Town, Los Altos and Old Coors neighborhoods. This tour will take place on one night only. Old Town Plaza 505-843-9200 http://www.cabq.gov/transit
STEPS Dance Academy an Albuquerque non profit organization is proud to present "Once Upon a Navidad” a program based on "Las Posadas and Pastorelas". Las Posadas is the traditional New Mexican / Mexican Christmas reenactment of the search of Joseph and Mary for shelter on Christmas Eve. This reenactment was brought to New Mexico by Franciscan Friars as a way of teaching religious doctrine and has been performed in old and New Mexico for centuries. Pastorelas are plays that reenact the journey of the shepherds and shepherdesses of finding the baby Jesus and include Joseph and Mary, the infant Jesus, the farm animals that watch over him and a little devil or two.
STEPS Dance Academy, formerly Expresiones Dance Legacy, was founded in 1993 by Bernadette Garcia de Rodriguez and her husband Martin Rodriguez. STEPS Dance Academy has established itself as an anchor of cultural significance sharing the rich heritage of New Mexico and Mexico with audiences throughout the Southwestern United States and the world.
For our 2006 production STEPS Dance Academy has implemented an international cultural exchange with the Ballet Folklorico from Juarez Mexico. Each group will alternate weekends in traveling to each other’s country in October November and December and will be sharing the stage for the Hispanic Event of the holiday season. The students call it “Dos Paises Una Cultura” (two countries one culture.) Don’t miss this explosive performance!
Join these amazing dance troupes for the Hispanic Event of the Holiday Season "Once Upon a Navidad" Saturday, December 16, 2006 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com or at the National Hispanic Cultural Center $15, $20 and $25.
The first annual NIGHT OF LIGHT PARADE takes off from the Pit parking lot at UNM and will proceed south along University to the Thomas Bell Community center beginning at 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Kirtland Neighborhood Association, Thomas Bell Community Center, and the Isshinryu Karate Club, parade organizers are looking for participants, too! Call 848-1332. Luminarias will light the way and the Shriners are cooking at the community center at the finish.
visitors are invited to Coronado State Monument to stroll among 1000 luminarias set up at the ancient Kuaua Pueblo. Enjoy refreshments, holiday strytelling and music. It's free!
HOLIDAY FAIR! More than 40 craft booths will be set up at the Albuquerque Garden Center (a beautiful place) at 10120 Lomas NE in Los Altos Park. Admission and parking are free! Santa will be available for pictures from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Dec. 2nd.
Dec 9th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (this event occurs every second Saturday of each month!)
BOOK SALE at the Albuquerque public library main branch, downstairs. Sponsored by the Friends for the Library . . . a GIANT used book sale. Admission prior to 1 p.m. is $1/adult . . . it's free later in teh afternoon.
Pick up a selection of fiction/nonfiction, VHS tapes, records, collectibles, and more. Prices start at 25-cents!
This is also a great opportunity to see the renovations that have been under way at the main library. It's Downtown at 6th Street & Copper. Parking is available in the rear lot and on the street.
On the second Saturday of each month, Lowe's hosts a building workshop for children, free of charge. I believe it starts at 10 a.m. and lasts one-hour.
On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers the same sort of workshop between 9 a.m. and noon. (It only lasts that long if there's enough interest.)
These are free programs and great for both genders. Free aprons and eye protection are usually included and available for take-home. Certificates are personalized and offered at the end for successful completion of the project. Lowe's gives a patch and a sticker. Home Depot gives a pin for clothing. These are fun to collect and/or scrapbook. Take your camera . . . it's a hoot!