2022 Holiday Happenings in Valencia County

Santa’s Stampede

11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 4

Santa’s Stampede 5K Run, Walk Double Time, sponsored by the 919th MP Co. New Mexico Army National Guard in collaboration with Belen Parks and Recreation, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Belen Community Center, 305 Eagle Lane. Sign up starts at 10 a.m., with the race beginning at 11 a.m., with awards presentation at 12 p.m.

There will be prizes for first place men, first place women, first place under 15, best Santa suit, ugliest sweater and best holiday costume. Register by emailing [email protected].

Holiday Craft Fair

3 p.m., Saturday Dec. 3

A Holiday Craft Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Thomé Dominguez Hall, 2933 N.M. 47. There will also be a food truck.

Gingerbread House Contest

2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3

A Gingerbread House Contest will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Calvary Chapel New Harvest in Los Lunas. All who would like to participate must bring their own gingerbread house kit and supplies.

Toys for Kidz  Motorcycle Run

10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3

American Legion Riders Chapter 25 will hold its annual Toy Run to support children of Valencia County. Registration starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, at Lowe’s, 1600 Main St., Los Lunas. Starbucks is providing coffee. The organization we will be conducting a Poker Fundraiser, 50/50, and door prizes. Kick stands up at 12 p.m., for a 50-mile police escort around Valencia County.

The end point will be Tractor Brewery in Los Lunas. Donations will be collected at Lowe’s and Tractor Brewery. If you can’t make the ride, join them at Tractor Brewery at about 1:30 p.m. for music, raffles and 50/50.

Visit with Santa

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3

Santa Claus will be at Katherine Gallegos Elementary, 236 Don Pasqual Road, in Los Lunas, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. Children will get a free toy and a picture with Santa. Free to the public courtesy of 1st Care of New Mexico.

Christmas Electric Light Parade

6 p.m., Saturday Dec 3

The village of Los Lunas will hold its Christmas Electric Light Parade beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 3. The route will begin at Heritage Park and end on Don Pasqual Road.

La Gran Pastorela

6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4

Los Pastores de Belen will perform La Gran Pastorela at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, 101-A N. 10^th Street, Belen, at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4. It is presented entirely in Spanish. All are welcome to  attend.

Southwest Model Railroad Train exhibit at Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts

Through Saturday Dec. 10

The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts is hosting the Southwest Model Railroad Train exhibit will be held through Saturday, Dec. 10. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. There will be a large display in main gallery to view, and a smaller one in back gallery that children can have a hands-on experience.

Santa is Coming to Town

6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9

The village of Los Lunas is hosting its annual Santa is Coming to Town and the Village Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at the Los Lunas Transportation Center, 101 Courthouse Road. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. Stockings will be given out to all kids (while supplies last) and you’ll be able to take a photo with Santa. There will be food trucks and jumpers.

Belen chamber’s holiday networking luncheon

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7

The Greater Belen Chamber of Commerce will hold its holiday networking luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the First United Methodist Church in Rio Communities. The guest speaker will be from the Valencia County Business Incubator. The cost is $15 per person. RSVP to [email protected] or call 505-864-8091.

Winter Toyland

5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16

Belen Police Department and the Valencia County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up this year to host the Winter Toyland. This event will be held at the Belen Community Center at Eagle Park from 5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16. There will be snack food, music, games, dancing and much more fun. Santa Claus will be there to pass out toys to the children.

Bosque Farms Christmas Festival

5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10

The Bosque Farms Christmas Festival will begin with a parade at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, on the South Loop. A Christmas market will follow at the Farmers Market on the North Loop, and a lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.

Old Fashioned Christmas

2-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18

The Belen Harvey House Museum will hold an “Old Fashioned Christmas,” featuring Van Ann Moore as Jenny Lind from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 18. Seating is limited. Tickets are $15 per guest. Coffee, tea and desert included. It’s a cupcake party. For information, call 505-861-0581.

Belen’s Miracle on Main Street

1-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17

The city of Belen’s 35th annual Miracle on Main Street will be held from 1-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17. This will be a mega event featuring more than one million lights. Events include pictures with Santa and the Grinch, Elsa and Anna, a marshmallow roast with the Belen Fire Department, the Bugg Lights Museum, Belen MainStreet Partnership food drive. Daniel Solis will perform from 1-3 p.m. at the gazebo, Severo from 3-5 p.m., and Black Pearl Band from 5-8 p.m. The Electric Light Parade will be held from 5-5:30 p.m.