Los Alamos WinterFest Weekend Returns December 5 Through 7

Los Alamos WinterFest Weekend will take place December 5 through 7, showcasing a broad program of arts, education, fundraising, and family oriented events across town. The weekend theme Red, Green, or Christmas frames activities ranging from planetarium shows at the Los Alamos Nature Center to the Holiday Lights Parade on Central Avenue, and many arts and vendor markets that support local entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations.

The public schedule begins Friday afternoon with a community lino block printed tea towel session hosted by the Los Alamos Arts Council, the 32nd Annual Creche Show at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, and an evening planetarium program titled December Night Sky at the Los Alamos Nature Center. The Sugar Plum production at Duane Smith Auditorium will run Friday night and continue with multiple performances Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Saturday programming opens with the Kiwanis Club Breakfast with Santa at Betty Ehart Senior Center followed by the Creche Show and the 56th Annual Earth Treasure Show at the Pajarito Masonic Lodge. Throughout Saturday residents can visit vendor markets including the YMCA Winter Vendor Market and the Bizarre Bazaar at the Unitarian Universalist Church, attend wreath making and paper decoration workshops from the Arts Council, or bring pets to Hot Cocoa and pictures Santa Paws with Los Alamos Fire Department at Ashley Pond Park. Fuller Lodge will host Santa’s Workshop, the County Municipal Building will light its tree in the evening, and the Holiday Lights Parade will march along Central Avenue beginning at 6 p.m.

Sunday features continued vendor hours at the Earth Treasure Show, a fundraiser brunch and tea tasting at Samizdat Bookstore and Teahouse, and additional family crafternoons at Mesa Public Library. Library programming will include forest bathing and planetarium shows will offer Mars themed educational programming aimed at young audiences.

The weekend will affect downtown traffic and parking especially during the parade and tree lighting, so plan accordingly. WinterFest also concentrates economic activity for small businesses and service organizations at a critical time of year, while providing volunteer and fundraising opportunities for civic groups. For full event details, vendor lists, and schedules consult the Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District WinterFest pages as linked by local event coverage.