Things to do! Calendar of Events – Dec 3rd- Dec 9th

Northeast/Central

German Advents-Bazaar — The annual “Christkindlmarket” arts and crafts festival is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the German Community Center (Soldatenstube), Robert E. Lee Road, Fort Bliss. Information: 568-0259, 568-4824 or betreuunginelpaso.com.
The traditional German Christmas fair features numerous vendors selling handmade products ranging from decorations, handmade greeting cards, quilts to woodcraft products. German Bratwurst, German beer and Glühwein will be sold, as well as German coffee, cakes, pastries and cookies.
All proceeds go towards social projects on both sides of the border through “Aid for the Needy” and “Helping Hands” Fort Bliss.

El Paso Gem and Mineral Show — The annual show is Dec. 3-5 at El Maida Auditorium, 6331 Alabama. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $3 ($2 for seniors, military; free for children 12 and younger with adult admission). The show features gems, minerals, fossils, beads, silver jewelry, tools and equipment, geode cutting, silent auction, demonstrations and door prizes, Information: Gem Center USA, 533-7153, 1-877-533-7153 or gemcenter@aol.com.

‘Celebrations!’ – Kids-N-Co. presents a musical tribute to the holidays of winter is Nov. 27-Dec. 19, at Kids-N-Co. Performance Center, 1301 Texas. Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice, Christmas, Boxing Day, Three Kings Day and Kwanzaa are all included. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Directed by Kevin P. Mullin. Tickets: $7 ($5 children, seniors, students and active military); available at the door one hour before show. No public performance Dec. 10. Advance reservations accepted for groups of 10 or more. Information: 351-1455 or kidsnco.org.

Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ — El Paso High School Theatre Department presents the hit musical Dec. 3-5, at El Paso High School Auditorium, 800 E. Schuster. Showtime is 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this family musical will showcase the historic auditorium. Tickets: $8; $5 students and children. Information: 545-1951.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ — One of the Bard’s funniest comedies runs through Dec. 4 at El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. The William Shakespeare play is complete with evil plots, masquerades, weddings and a happy ending for all. Directed by Chet Frame. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10 ($8 seniors, $7 military and students with ID). Information: 532-1317, elpasoplayhouse.com.

‘Navidad de Las Luminarias’- The Chapel at Loretto Academy, 1400 Hardaway at Trowbridge, provides the elegant English cathedral setting for the Bruce Nehring Consort’s annual holiday concerts Dec. 3-5, with the Consort Singers, organist Lester Ackerman and the Quintessential Brass. Bruce Nehring conducts. The program of sacred Christmas music ranges from Renaissance to contemporary, including international carol and melodies The Chapel will be decorated with luminarias, poinsettias and white lights.

Danzas Españolas — The dance troupe, directed by Nina Gomez, performs a dinner show “Noche Flamenco” Saturday, Dec. 4, at La Tierra Cafe, 1731 Montana. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner served at 6:45 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Seating limited; reservations required. Tickets: $32 for dinner and show. Information: 533-8890 or latierracafe.com.

Eastside

McDonald’s Fall Basketball Classic — The 3rd annual tournament for area and visiting high school boys teams is Dec. 2-4 at various high schools. Playoff games begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Eastwood High School, 2430 McRae, with championship game at 3 p.m. Admission: $5 per day; $10 tournament pass. Information: 496-8200, ext. 2114 or imbigonsports.com.

‘It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas’ Craft Fair — Pebble Hills Elementary School, 11145 Edgemere, hosts its 14th annual holiday arts and crafts fair Saturday,Dec. 4. Sponsored by the Pebble Hills PTO. Vendors needed. Information: Donna, 434-5613.

Holiday Sparkle Festival — Tierra del Sol Elementary School, 1832 Tommy Aaron, will host its holiday festival with food, games and live entertainment 3 to 7 p.m. Friday,Dec. 3, hosted by the school’s PTA. Vendor tables available. Information: 920-9612 or 309-8696.

‘You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown’ — Montwood High School Emerald Players presents the musical revue base on the beloved characters of Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12, at Montwood Emerald Theatre, 12000 Montwood. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Directed by Rudolfo Herrera. Admission: $5 ($3 students). Information: 937-2463.

Lower Valley

Christmas for Chihuahuita Motorcycle Run — The 26th annual motorcycle run and parade is Friday, Dec. 3, beginning at El Coco, 7246 North Loop. Decorated bikes and trucks will be on display beginning at 10 a.m. followed by bike and truck judging at 11:30 a.m. The parade departs promptly at noon led by Mr. and Mrs. Santa and their elves on motorcycle. All motorcycle groups and individuals are invited to participate.

Downtown/Westside

Desert Crossing Holiday Market — Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Restaurant and Banquet Facility will host its 6th annual market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, in the Sunset Hall, featuring more than 50 local artists, craftspersons and vendors from the Farmers Market. Items include Christmas ornaments, jewelry, handmade soaps, and specialty wares including baked goods, salsas, jams and jellies. Brunch served at 10 a.m. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. Information: (575) 589-0653 or ardovinos.com.

‘Navidad on the Border’ — The annual homage to the community’s traditional Christmas customs is 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the Chamizal National Memorial theater. Presented by Que Bonita Familia and the El Paso Community College Senior Adult Program. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Complimentary tickets available through the Seniors Adult Program: 831-7801.
The holiday musical and cultural exchange presented by seniors from El Paso and Juarez, features “The Real Spirit of Christmas,” the Nativity, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Juan Diego, traditional songs and dances and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus and elves, all showcasing the talent of seniors and community performers.

‘Holidazzle’ — Abundant Living Faith Center’s popular annual women’s Christmas event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Camino Real Hotel, 101 S. El Paso. The event includes a fashion show, a shopping fair of more than 40 vendors, luncheon and door prizes. Event often sells out well in advance; reservations encouraged. Tickets: $45. Information: 532-8543 or alfc.com.
This year’s fashion show features winter fashions from Ella Blu. The luncheon includes a performance by “American Idol” contestant Lacey Brown.

Magoffin Holiday Open House — The annual holiday season event at the Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin, is 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Enjoy the holiday decorations, refreshments, piñatas and other activities amid the authentic art and furnishings of this historic home. Music will be provided by The Riverside Middle School Chamber Choir. Admission: $4 (free for children). Information: 533-5147 or 585-4344.

Luminarias by the Lake — Thousands of luminarias will line the walking paths at Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens, 4200 Doniphan, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4, featuring musical entertainment and holiday refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the park. Admission: $4 ($3 seniors and military, $1 children 12 and younger); $5 to light a special luminaria for a special person or event.
Information: 584-0563, pasonorte@sbcglobal.net or keystonepark.

A Big Band Christmas Concert — Jazz Unlimited Big Band, with vocalist Judy Day, hosts its 6th annual holiday concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 5005 Love Road. The event will revisit the 1940s swing-era sounds, along with jazz/pop tunes. Admission is free, donations welcome. Information: 637-4569.

‘The Gift of Christmas’ choir concerts — The musical holiday celebrations, presented by the El Paso Choral Society returns to the Union Depot, 700 San Francisco, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4-5, featuring the Prentice Loftin Chamber Choir and El Paso Brass. Tickets: $15 ($10 military/seniors; $5 students) Available at the door or ate 479-0156. Information: 833-0263 or elpasoconservatory.org.

Coronado String-a-thon — The Coronado High School Orchestra’s annual fundraising event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Lee Ross Capshaw Fine Arts Building Auditorium at Coronado High School (on Cloudview). The orchestra will perform holiday, classical and popular music throughout the day. Guest performances include the Morehead Middle School Orchestra at 11 a.m. Lincoln Middle School Orchestra at 2 p.m. and Coronado Cello Choir with Ida Steadman at 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are sought to benefit the orchestra. Information: 834-2460 or coronadoptsa.org.

UTEP Department of Music — Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall, unless listed otherwise. Information: 747-5606 or utep.edu/music.
• UTEP Wind Symphony — Tuesday Nov. 30. Tickets: $3-$5 (free for children, UTEP ID).
• Holiday Concert — Thursday, Dec. 2. Tickets: $3-$5 (free for children, UTEP ID).
• UTEP Flute Studio — Friday, Dec. 3. Tickets: $3-$5 (free for children, UTEP ID).

UTEP Women’s Basketball — Home games are in the Don Haskins Center. Information: 747-5234 or utepathletics.com
• 7:05 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 – Cal State Northridge

Amanda Miguel y Diego Verdaguer — The Argentine husband and wife music stars dubbed Latin Americas “Sonny and Cher” perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Abraham Chavez Theatre. Tickets: $27.50-$65, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster).
Married since the late ‘70s, the couple continues to lend support to each other’s million-selling

Cirque du Soleil: ‘Alegría’ — The legendary performance troupe will give eight performances of its internationally acclaimed production Dec. 1-5, at Don Haskins Center. “Alegría” is a Cirque du Soleil classic that has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in 1994. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday.

Southern New Mexico

Aaron Lewis — The Las Cruces native performs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the Black Box Theatre, 430 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Lewis will perform compositions from his “Gemini” and “Space Travel” albums as well as premiering pieces from his upcoming album “Zodiac Strings.” First 10 people through the door receive a free CD of Lewis’ music. Admission: $10 ($7 students). Information/reservations: (575) 523-1223.
Lewis, a former public school music teacher, is now a full-time musician. His latest CD, “Space Travel” features nine original compositions for solo guitar and one composition for piano. One of the tracks “Alien Abduction” was certified in September as a No. 1 independent hit by the International Association of Independent Recording Artists.

Las Cruces Museum of Art — 491 N. Main (Downtown Mall). Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Information: (575) 541-2137 or las-cruces.org/museums.
Showing Dec. 3-Jan. 22: “Looking Ahead: Portraits from the Mott-Warsh Collection,” featuring 30 contemporary portraits of people of African descent. The artists featured in this exhibition explore cultural perceptions and socio/political concepts in a variety of media. Included are works by renowned artists such as Romare Bearden, Chuck Close, Robert Mapplethorpe and Elizabeth Catlett. The collection was created by Maryanne Mott and her husband, the late Herman Warsh, with a focus on collecting works created by artists of the African Diaspora. It includes artworks produced in the 20th and 21st centuries, covering a wide range of media.

FlamencoFest! — Barbara “La Flamencista” of Tucson hosts a flamenco performance with Marta on castanets and special guests 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Silco Theater, 311 N. Bullard in Silver City, N.M. A Flamenco/Gypsy Art Show is part of the celebration, and non-alcoholic sangria will be served. Admission: $10. Information: (575) 534-9005 or silcotheater.com.

Las Cruces Railroad Museum — The museum is in the Santa Fe train depot, 351 N. Mesilla, (at Las Cruces avenue west of the Downtown Mall). Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Admission is free; donations encouraged. Information: (575) 647-4480 or museums.las-cruces.org//rrmuseum.shtm.
The museum will host its 6th annual Old Fashioned Holiday Display 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, with refreshments, holiday train layouts, visit with Santa, a children’s ornament-making activity, and music by Vista Vibrations Bell Choir and the Central Elementary School Choir. Photos with Santa offered through 8 p.m.

Flickinger Center for Performing Arts — 1110 New York Ave. Alamogordo. Performances at 7:30 p.m. unless listed otherwise. Ticket information: (575) 437-2202 or flickingercenter.com.
• Classical pianist Dan Franklin Smith performs 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Tickets: $6-$25.

Upright Citizens Brigade — The touring company for the long-form improv comedy troupe performs at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Rio Grande Theatre, 211 N. Downtown Mall in Las Cruces, presented by Doña Ana Arts Council. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $15; available online at RioGrandeTheatre.com. Information: (575) 523-6403.
Hand-picked from the best improv comedians in New York City and Los Angeles company, the touring company consists of the “next wave” of comedy stars.

Jeff Dunham — The comedian/ventriloquist brings his all-new “Identity Crisis” Tour to the area at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at NMSU’s Pan American Center in Las Cruces. Dunham’s last appearance in 2009 was sold-out. Tickets: $44.50, plus service charge. (Ticketmaster). Information: (575) 646-1420.
Dunham, returns with an all-new show and an all-new character. Joining Achmed, Walter, José Jalapeño, Peanut and Bubba J will be none other than Dunham’s latest creation, Diane. Jeff and Diane played husband and “wife” in the Steve Carrell/Paul Rudd comedy, “Dinner for Schmucks.”
Slate magazine has called Dunham “The Hardest-Working Hand in Show Business,” and his canny use of the Internet and grassroots marketing as well as dedicated roadwork that has taken him from comedy clubs to sold-out theaters and arenas and appearances.

Ruidoso Festival of Lights — The mountain village of Ruidoso will host several Christmas and holiday events though the Christmas season. Information: 1-888-71-LIGHTS (714-4448) or RuidosoFOL.org.
Christmas in the Park is 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at School House Park. Includes lighting of the Southwest’s largest Christmas tree, music and caroling, sleigh rides and visits with Santa. Admission is free.
Lincoln County Community Theater presents the family holiday dinner presentation “Christmas Briefs” evening one acts Dec. 2-5, and 9-11 at Cree Meadows Country Club, 301 Country Club Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 followed by show. Tickets: $27.50 for dinner and show. Information/reservations (575) 258-3133.
The annual “Parade of Lights” is 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Ruidoso (from Sudderth/Mechem to Pizza Hut), featuring floats packed with seasonal decorations and lights. Special events are planned all day at Wingfield Park in midtown including musicians, carolers, children’s rides and more.

City of Las Cruces Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — The annual ceremony is Friday, Dec. 3 in Las Cruces. Location to be announced. The celebration includes music, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus. Information: (575) 541-2000.
Also that evening is the 7th annual Trail of Lights Luminaria Walk 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Las Cruces Downtown Mall and Railroad museum, featuring cocoa, cookies, carols, model trail displays and more. Information: (575) 541-2288 or (575) 541-2296.

White Sands National Monument — The glistening gypsum dunes are about 15 miles southwest of Alamogordo, N.M., on U.S. 70. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 28-Dec. 30 for the Dunes Drive. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through February. All visitors must exit the park by one hour after sunset.
Entrance fee: $3 age 17 and older. Free for children. Information: (575) 479-6124, ext. 236 or (575) 679-2599, ext. 232; or go to nps.gov/whsa.
The 3rd annual Holiday Open House is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, with live music, children’s activities indoors and outdoors, luminarias at the visitor center and New Mexican food. Visitors encouraged to bring canned food donation for area food bank. Admission is free; entrance fees still apply for Dunes Drive.

Luminarias on The Plaza — The City of Socorro, N.M. will host its 7th annual arts crawl 5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, on the historic plaza and several surrounding shops in Socorro. The event features, live music artwork, food and beverages. Admission is free. Information: (575) 838-2724.
The city’s official Christmas Tree Lighting is 6 p.m. on the plaza.

Spencer Theater for Performing Arts — Airport Hwy 220 in Alto, N.M. (about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso). Free public guided tours are 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (except show dates). Information: (575) 336-4800, (888) 818-7872 or spencertheater.com.
• “Plaid Tidings” — The hit Broadway musical “Forever Plaid” presents a nifty package of swingin’ holiday hits Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3-4. The foursome, who previously died en route to record their first album, receive a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney letting them know the need for some old-fashioned holiday harmony. Showtime is 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $56 and $59.

‘Christmas in the Foothills’ — The historic Black Range town of Hillsboro, N.M. invites Christmas shoppers for a holiday studio walk 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The celebration offers open houses at art galleries and historic homes as well as holiday activities, food and arts and crafts shows and a “$49.99” art sale. Admission is free. Information: (575) 895-5797.
To get there: Take Interstate 25 north from Las Cruces to the NM 152 exit at Caballo, and go west 17 miles.
For the $49.99 sale, anyone attending Christmas in the Foothills can purchase tickets for $1 each to place in a container associated with each art item. The person whose ticket is chosen pays only $49.99. Tickets can also be purchased for a chance to win the original Christmas art quilt wall hanging by Marge Myers, which has been reproduced as the Christmas in the Foothills 2010 poster. Posters available for $25.
Musicians and singers will provide seasonal and regional accompaniment to the festivities, and famed New Mexico author Max Evans will sign copies of his latest novel, “War and Music,” as well as the 50th anniversary edition of his classic book, “The Rounders,” 1 to 3 p.m. in the Hillsboro Community Center.

LCSO with La Catrina Quartet – Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra hosts the guest string quartet Dec. 4-5 at NMSU’s Atkinson Music Recital Hall, featuring Louis Spohr’s Concerto for String Orchestra, Op. 131. The Symphony, directed by Lonnie Klein, will also perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (Eroica), and Handel’s Suite from “Water Music.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $35-$45. Information: (575) 646-3709 or lascrucessymphony.com.
A luncheon with Maestro Klein is 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at Ramada Palms Hotel Conference Center, featuring a preview of the performance’s music. Cost: $16.
A Friday at the Symphony dress rehearsal is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. Tickets are $15 ($5 students with ID).

NMSU choirs — NMSU Campus and Gospel Choirs, under the direction of Bobbie Green and Diane Schutz respectively, perform their holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Rio Grande Theatre, 2111 N. Main in the Las Cruces Downtown Mall. Ticket information: NMSU Choral Office, (575) 646-2067.

‘Night of Lights (Noche de Luminarias)’ — Southern New Mexico’s largest luminaria display is 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, on the New Mexico State University Campus, a tradition since 1984. More than 5,000 luminarias will light up the International Mall and the path from the Pan American Center to the Corbett Center Student Union. Free holiday entertainment and activities at Corbett Center. Free trolley rides. Information: (575) 646-3200 or nmsu.edu.

‘Cockeyed’ — No Strings Theatre Company presents the comedy by William Missouri Downs through Dec. 5 at Black Box Theatre in Las Cruces. Directed by Ceil Herman. Performances are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 and Dec. 5, and 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3. Tickets: $10 ($9 students, seniors over 65; $7 all seats on Thursday). Information/reservations: (575) 523-1223 or no-strings.org.
Phil is madly in love with the beautiful Sophia who is unaware of his existence. When Phil discovers Sophia has a glass eye, he soon realizes that she really can’t see him. Armed only with a B.A. in philosophy, Phil sets out to prove his existence and win Sophia’s heart.

‘Greetings!’ – Las Cruces Community Theatre presents Tom Dudzick’s mixed-up holiday comedy Dec. 3-19. Directed by Ken Eastlack. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $7-$10. Opening gala event is Dec. 3, with buffet and drinks. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour father and a severely disabled younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow-ups are realized. But Mickey, whose entire vocabulary is “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly says “Greetings!” An ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family has borrowed Mickey’s body.

‘Greetings!’ – Las Cruces Community Theatre presents Tom Dudzick’s mixed-up holiday comedy Dec. 3-19. Directed by Ken Eastlack. Showtime is 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $7-$10. Opening gala event is Dec. 3, with buffet and drinks. Information: (575) 523-1200 or lcctnm.org.
Andy has a sweet Catholic mother, a sour father and a severely disabled younger brother named Mickey. When he brings his Jewish atheist fiancé to meet the folks on Christmas Eve, his worst fears about family blow-ups are realized. But Mickey, whose entire vocabulary is “oh boy” and “wow,” suddenly says “Greetings!” An ancient, wise and witty spirit who is set upon healing the family has borrowed Mickey’s body.

“A Christmas Carol” — American Southwest Theatre Company presents the revival of Charles Dickens’s family classic through Dec. 5 at NMSU’s Hershel Zohn Theatre. Tom Smith’s perennially popular adaptation of the favorite returns Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the Fezziwigs and more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $10-$15. Information: 1-800-525-ASTC (2782).

West Texas

Mountain Country Christmas — The annual event is all day Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4-5, at the Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland, in Alpine, Texas. The event includes an indoor/outdoor arts crafts fair, baked goods, organizational booths, holiday product vendors, entertainment. Admission is free. Information: Alpine Visitor’s Center (432) 837-2326 or Children’s Advocacy Center, (432) 837-5515.
The Christmas Tour of Historic Homes is 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, featuring several of the city’s historic residences decorated for the holidays. Proceeds benefit Alpine’s “Wall of Pioneers” project. Tickets: $10; available at the Mountain Country Christmas fair or from any Historic Alpine board member. Information: (432) 837-8813 or historicalpine.org.