Holiday Happenings 

Thanksgiving Day Mass 

Thanksgiving Day Mass at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church will be held at 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 23. Parishioners who attend Mass are invited to bring the breads, rolls and tortillas that will be part of their meal for a blessing at the end of Mass. The offertory collection received at this Mass will be used entirely to help the poor in the community. 

  

Turkey Trot 

The annual Thanksgiving morning Turkey Trot, a 5k run/walk through the bosque at the Los Lunas River Park, will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 23. It’s $15 to register and all proceeds go to the LLHS Cross Country Team. Register at loslunasnm.gov/1135/Turkey-Trot. 

 

Bugg Lights Museum

The Bugg Lights Museum, 513 Becker Ave., in Belen, will open this year the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, and will be open from 5-8 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. There are a lot of new displays, including the outdoor display. This will be the last year the Christmas display will be in the Hub City as they will be going home to Albuquerque with the Bugg family. 

  

Holiday open house 

The Belen Art League and the Bugg Lights Museum, both on Becker Avenue in Belen, will hold an open house from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25. 

 

Fiesta Mass 

A Fiesta Mass for Cristo Rey Mission in Bosque will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25. 

  

SWMR train exhibit 

The Los Lunas Museum of Heritage and Arts is hosting the Southwest Model Railroad Train Exhibit from Tuesday, Nov. 28, through Saturday, Dec. 11. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturdays. Children of all ages will enjoy this; there will be a large display in main gallery to view, and a smaller one in the back gallery where children can have a hands-on experience. No charge. 

  

Craft fair 

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7 Church Loop, in Tomé will be holding a craft fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, in the parish hall, 7 Church Loop. 

  

Arts and Crafts Fair 

An arts and crafts fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at Tierra del Sol Golf Club, 1000 Golf Course Road, Rio Communities. The fair will feature products and gift certificates from local businesses and artists. 

 

Toys for Kidz  Motorcycle Run 

American Legion Riders Chapter 25 will hold its annual Toy Run to support children of Valencia County on Saturday, Dec. 2, at Lowe’s, 1600 Main St., Los Lunas. Registration is at 10 a.m., kickstands up at 12 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy for children ages zero to 12 (no stuffed toys) or $20 per motorcycle. The 60-mile, law enforcement escorted ride will begin at Lowe’s in Los Lunas, will make its way through Valencia County and end at Tractor Brewing Company in Los Lunas. If you can’t make the ride, there will be a drop box for donations at Starbucks, 1830 Main St. NW, Los Lunas, and a drop off location at Tractor Brewing that day.  

  

Santa in the Barn 

Santa in the Barn is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Valencia County Fairgrounds. Come out to Santa’s Barn to play holiday-themed games and check out local holiday crafts from 4-H, FFA and community members. 

  

Fiesta Mass 

A Fiesta Mass for the San Francisco Xavier Mission in Jarales will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2. 

  

Christmas Electric Light Parade 

The village of Los Lunas’ annual Christmas parade will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at Los Lunas High School from Emilio Lopez Road on Main Street to N.M. 314 to Daniel to Daniel Fernandez Recreation Center in Los Lunas. To register, visit loslunasnm.gov or call 505-352-7661.

  

 

La Gran Pastorela 

Los Pastores de Belen will perform La Gran Pastorela at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3, at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, 101-A N. 10th St., Belen. The traditional play is presented entirely in Spanish. All are welcome to attend. 

  

Children’s holiday crafts at Belen Library 

There will be children’s holiday arts and crafts at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27, in the children’s room at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. 

  

Luminaria Stroll 

The community is invited to the second annual community luminaria stroll and decorated tree display starting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the University of New Mexico-Valencia campus, 280 La Entrada Road, Tomé. Enjoy more than 1,000 hand-lit luminaries, hot cocoa and cookies. The stroll is sponsored by the campus activities committee and student government. 

  

Tree lighting 

Valencia County is hosting its annual tree lighting ceremony following the 5 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, Valencia County Commission meeting at 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas. There will be beverages and snacks available. 

  

 

Women’s cookie exchange and ornament making 

Calvary Chapel New Harvest, 701 Main St., Ste. A, Los Lunas is hosting a women’s cookie exchange and ornament making event at 6 p.m., Friday Dec. 8. 

  

Century High School craft fair 

Century High School will host its first ever craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the school’s blue gym, 32 Sun Valley Road, Los Lunas. Vendors are still needed. A 10-by-10 space is $35 with a table provided or $30 if you bring your own table. Contact Julie Dutchover, [email protected] or 505-866-2153, for more information. 

 

Holiday Shop & Stroll 

There will be a Holiday Shop & Stroll from 3-9 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, down Becker Avenue in Belen to the Belen Harvey House Museum. 

  

Grandma’s Christmas at the Harvey House 

The Belen Harvey House Museum will host an old-fashioned, traditional Grandma’s Christmas beginning at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the museum, 104 N. First St., Belen. Mrs. Santa Claus will be handing out free hot chocolate and cookies. The Young at Heart choir will be performing Christmas carols wearing Dickens’ period costumes. There will also be a bake sale with the Whistle Stop Cafe’s desserts, including carrot cakes and quiches. 

  

Bosque Farms Christmas Festival 

The Bosque Farms Christmas Festival will begin with a light parade at 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, starting on the South Loop and ending at the rodeo grounds on the North Loop. Immediately following the parade, there will be a lighting ceremony and Christmas market at the Growers Market on the North Loop. There will be hot chocolate, ornaments, trees and much more for sale at the market. 

  

 

Santa is Coming to Town/Christmas Tree Lighting 

The annual tree lighting and Santa Claus is Coming to Town event will be held beginning at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Los Lunas Transportation Center, 101 Courthouse Road, Los Lunas. Stockings will be given out to all kids (while supplies last) and you’ll be able to take a photo with Santa! There will also be food trucks and other activities. 

  

 

Miracle on Main Street 

The 36th annual Miracle on Main Street Parade begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, in Belen. The parade will be on Main Street from Camino del Llano to Aragon Road. There will also be live music, food, lights and a visit from Santa on Becker Avenue. To enter your float, call 505-966-2700. 

  

 

Fiesta Mass 

A Fiesta Mass for the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission in Los Chavez will be held at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9. 

  

The Messiah musical program 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 160 James St., Los Lunas, will present “The Messiah” musical program with selections from Handel’s Messiah, along with nativity displays, including a children’s room, on Sunday, Dec. 10. The nativity display is open from 5-8 p.m., with the performance beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

  

Rhythm of Christmas 

Calvary Chapel Rio Grande, 19381 N.M. 314, Belen, will hold Rhythm of Christmas at 6 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10. 

 

Blood drive 

There will be Holiday Heroes Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, in the rear parking lot of the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. 

  

Children’s holiday STEM lessons 

There will be children’s holiday STEM lessons at 3:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, in the children’s room at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. 

  

Cops for Tots 

The Belen Police Department will hold its annual Cops for Tots event and toy drive. Sign up at the Belen Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 15, for children ages 0-12. Proof of residency required. Toys will be distributed from 3-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave. Children must be signed up in advance to receive a gift. If you want to donate, drop-off locations are at Walmart, Family Dollar, Dollar General, the Belen Police Department, Calvary Chapel and Belen City Hall. For information, call 505-966-2681. 

  

Sheriff’s Toyland 

The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office will hold its annual Toyland from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, at the Valencia County administration building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas. Sign up at the sheriff’s office through Dec. 1. Bring proof of residency. The event is only for children 12 and younger living at the address who have signed up in advance. For information, call 505-866-2400. 

  

New Mexico Special Orchestra holiday concert 

The New Mexico Special Orchestra will hold a holiday concert at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16, in the meeting room at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave.  

  

Children’s Christmas play  

The Calvary Chapel New Harvest Children’s Ministry will be presenting a “Stellar Christmas” play at 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. The church is at 701 Main St., Ste. A, Los Lunas. 

 

Visit Santa in Rio Communities 

Come and visit Santa Claus at the Rio Communities Fire Station, 108 Rio Communities Blvd., from 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17. Enjoy some cookies and hot chocolate with Santa and bring him your Christmas list. This is a free event, fun for children of all ages with some little surprises, sponsored by the Rio Communities Optimist Club. 

  

Old Fashioned Christmas 

The Belen Harvey House Museum will hold an “Old Fashioned Christmas,” featuring music by Tony DeNardo and Debra Dockens from 2-5 p.m., Sunday Dec. 17. The menu features entrée choices of roasted vegetarian couscous or green chile mac and cheese, a salad with a petit baguette, carrot cake, pumpkin pie or peach cobbler, coffee or iced tea. There will also be a Christmas shop and bake sale. The concert and dinner is $40 per guest and is a fund raiser to support the museum. Tickets are available online at harveyhousemuseum.org or at the Harvey House gift shop. Seating is limited to 25 guests. 

  

High school art exhibition 

The Belen High School Art Exhibition will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18 through Friday, Dec. 22, in the meeting room at the Belen Public Library, 333 Becker Ave.  

 

Come see Santa Claus 

Santa Claus will be paying a visit to the Hub City from 1-3 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18, at 129 S. Third St., Belen. Come get your picture taken with Santa for free, have a drink and some snacks. Kids can also pick up a small gift for their parents at the event. One gift per parent, per household. To donate items for parents, send an email to [email protected]. 

  

Christmas Eve services 

Calvary Chapel New Harvest, 701 Main St., Ste. A, Los Lunas, is holding Christmas Eve services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 24.  

Calvary Chapel Rio Grande, 19381 N.M. 314, Belen, will hold Christmas Eve services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., and family Christmas Eve service at 5 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 24. 

The Los Lunas Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene, 33 El Cerro Road, will host a Christmas Eve service at 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 24, with cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols. 

  

New Year’s Eve services 

Calvary Chapel Rio Grande, 19381 N.M. 314, Belen, will hold New Year’s Eve services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 31.