A selection of local gift-grabbing events full of cheerAvoid the crush of crowds at mega-chain outlets vying for your dollar. You can keep your cash cycling in our stretch of desert. Find one-of-a-kind presents and support our local makers at these holiday fairs.
The 49Th Annual Arts And Crafts Fair
UNM SUB BallroomWednesday and Thursday, Nov. 28 and 29, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.FreeFind handmade, one-of-a-kind creations from more than 70 vendors.
Nob Hill Shop And Stroll
Nob Hill (Central between Girard and Washington)Thursday, Dec. 1, from noon to midnightFreeGet a full dose of holiday cheer with the combined Twinkle Light Parade and Nob Hill Shop and Stroll. The parade kicks off at 5 p.m. with floats, bands, classic cars, horses and much more. After the parade clears, traffic-free shopping stays in full swing all night long.
Old Town Holiday Stroll
Old Town (between Mountain and Central, east of Rio Grande)Friday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 9 p.m.FreeLuminarias and twinkling lights create the incredible ambiance that characterizes Old Town during the holidays. Enjoy music, hot cocoa, lots of shopping (and special offers), as well as the traditional lighting of the Old Town Christmas tree.
Winter Arts And Crafts Fair
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (2401 12th Street NW)Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 15 and 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.$6 adults, $5.50 seniors, $3 students and childrenNative American arts and crafts straight from the source.
First Friday Arts Crawl
CitywideFriday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.FreeGo gallery hopping while you’re holiday shopping. Check out artscrawlabq.org for a full list of participating galleries.
Albuquerque Center For Peace And Justice’s 16Th Annual Holiday Gala Fundraiser
First Congregational Church (2801 Lomas NE)Saturday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 10 p.m.$10 suggested donation‘Tis the season for peace, home-baked goodies and locally made, noncorporate gifts.
Holiday Olé
Hotel Albuquerque (800 Rio Grande NW)Sunday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.$10A shopping spectacular presented by the Junior League of Albuquerque with nearly 50 local vendors.
Regalos Holiday Shopping Fair
National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth Street SW)Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.FreeMore than 30 local vendors come together in the beautiful NHCC to offer their wares.
The 13Th Annual Rio Grande Arts And Crafts Festival Holiday Show
Expo New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.$6 adults; $8 three-day pass; free 12-and-underThe Rio Grande holiday arts and crafts festival showcases more than 200 local and national artists and artisans. Plus, this event features a "holiday creation station" for the kids, demonstrations and an array of food and entertainment.
2012 Holiday Fair
The Albuquerque Garden Center (10120 Lomas NE)Friday and Saturday, Dec. 7 and 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeSnag aromatic plant-based holiday decor and great locally made gifts from more than 40 crafters. Rumor is Santa will be available for pictures on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Albuquerque Bead Renaissance Show
Expo New Mexico (300 San Pedro NE)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreeBeads, beads and more beads. Snag great gifts for the crafters on your list, or get crafting yourself and make some one-of-a-kind jewelry for giving.
Placitas Holiday Fine Arts And Crafts Sale
Village of Placitas (Exit 242 east off I-25, then follow the signs)Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreeCelebrating 31 years, this popular arts and crafts fair offers a range of local vendors selling fine arts, food, wine, music and more.
The 24Th Annual Old Church Fine Crafts Show
Old San Ysidro Church (966 Old Church, Corrales)Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30 through Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeQuest for the perfect find through rows of jewelry, pottery, fabric, ornaments and other treasures in this juried show in the festive halls of the Old Church.
Corrales Holiday Art Fest
Corrales Rec Center (500 Jones, Corrales)Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.FreeThe Corrales Society of Artists presents its annual holiday festival showcasing a gaggle of gift options.
Santa Fe Winter Indian Market
Santa Fe Convention Center (201 W. Marcy, Santa Fe)Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.$5 admissionOrganized by the creators of the famous summertime Indian Market, this winter event features work from 150 Native American artists from the U.S. and Canada. Also enjoy traditional storytelling, film screenings, a silent auction and food.
Fall 2012 Contemporary Clay Fair
Santa Fe Women’s Club (1616 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe)Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.FreeMore than two dozen artists display their handcrafted wares. Ceramics range from the practical to the artistic.
