WinterFest Weekend in
Los Alamos, New Mexico
WinterFest Weekend is a family-oriented holiday event that celebrates winter in Los Alamos, New Mexico. A number of businesses and organizations host events including the Holiday Lights Parade, Affordable Arts Sale, Holiday Farmers' Markets, the North Pole Workshop, and Breakfast with Santa!
While WinterFest 2026 takes place Dec. 4-6, activities will be posted throughout the month of December.
Schedule of Events
Are you a business or institution that would like
your event featured here? Events are posted
at the discretion of Los Alamos MainStreet and
are not guaranteed to be posted.
There are several ongoing events and dozens more
special events happening throughout the season
listed in the Other Holiday Events section.
Please scroll down for the full listing!
WinterFest Weekend
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026
Noon - 7 p.m. Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world.
Nativities contributed by a wide array of Los Alamos citizens. The show will be hosted at Los Alamos Church House, 1967 18th St. All are welcome; admission is free.
Drop-off: Friday, December 4, from 7–11 a.m.
Pick up: Saturday, December 5, from 4–5 p.m.
1:40 - 4:40 p.m. Chamisa's Winter Wonderland Holiday Marketplace
Join Chamisa’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Marketplace, a festive holiday celebration featuring holiday shopping, a bake sale, hot cocoa, popcorn, balloon creations, painting, games, and gift wrapping! Bring your gifts to have them wrapped while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon of holiday cheer at Chamisa Elementary in White Rock.
7 - 8 p.m. Night Sky in December
PEEC Nature Center will have a live presenter who will take you on a tour of the current night sky in the planetarium. Learn what planets, constellations, star clusters, and more are visible at this time of year, starting with what is visible by eye and expanding outwards to what is visible by telescope.
$8/adult; $6/child; $20/family
7 - 9 p.m. The Big Bang!, Duane Smith Auditorium
Titled "The Big Bang", this production is a true community collaboration in the style of USO variety show featuring dancers from DALA and also singers, actors, and dancers from Los Alamos Little Theater, Los Alamos Light Opera, The Atomic Follies, The Atomic Gems, local bands Heather & The Bad Breaks, Syzygy, and more, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Historical Society. Audiences can expect a comedic, vivacious, festive show with nods to Los Alamos local history, holiday music and dancing from the 1940's, and of course homage to DALA's unique Nutcracker on "The Hill" ballet trilogy.
Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday December 5 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026
7:30-11:30 a.m. Breakfast with Santa
Join the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos for Breakfast with Santa on December 5, 2026, from 7:30–11:30 a.m. at the IHM Catholic Church Parish Hall! Enjoy breakfast and a photo opportunity with Santa at this free community event. Non-perishable food donations for LA Cares and financial contributions supporting Kiwanis programs are welcome. Reservations are required and open November 1 at https://k03096.site.kiwanis.org/santa/
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Creche Show, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Come ring in the Christmas season by viewing beautiful nativity displays from around the world.
Nativities contributed by a wide array of Los Alamos citizens. The show will be hosted at Los Alamos Church House, 1967 18th St. All are welcome; admission is free.
Drop-off: Friday, December 4, from 7–11 a.m.
Pick up: Saturday, December 5, from 4–5 p.m.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. YMCA Winter Vendor Market
Shop from a variety of different small business owners. Handmade crafts and products are available. Located at The Family YMCA Gymnasium,1450 Iris St., Los Alamos, NM 8754. Contact the YMCA at 505.662.3100 for more information.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Earth Treasure Show
The Los Alamos Geological Society Earth Treasure Show is fast approaching! The theme is the "Minerals of the Rio Grande Rift." Free admission with door prizes and kids crafts, located at the Masonic Temple on 15th and Sage, Los Alamos.
2-4 p.m. The Big Bang!, Duane Smith Auditorium
Titled "The Big Bang", this production is a true community collaboration in the style of USO variety show featuring dancers from DALA and also singers, actors, and dancers from Los Alamos Little Theater, Los Alamos Light Opera, The Atomic Follies, The Atomic Gems, local bands Heather & The Bad Breaks, Syzygy, and more, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Historical Society. Audiences can expect a comedic, vivacious, festive show with nods to Los Alamos local history, holiday music and dancing from the 1940's, and of course homage to DALA's unique Nutcracker on "The Hill" ballet trilogy.
Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday December 5 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
3:30-5:30 p.m. Santa's Workshop
Join Los Alamos County Recreation staff for a cozy afternoon of holiday fun at Santa’s Workshop at Betty Ehart Senior Center, lower level. This free family event invites children and families to decorate cookies, make festive crafts, write letters to Santa, and take photos with Santa or the Grinch.
6 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade
The Los Alamos Holiday Lights Parade brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season with dazzling lights, festive floats, and holiday cheer. It’s a beloved local tradition that kicks off the season with fun for all ages!
This year's theme is: "Enchanted Los Alamos."
Registration closes November 23. Register here.
7 p.m. LASO Christmas Pops Concert
Celebrate the holiday season with the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas Pops Concert. Enjoy beloved Christmas favorites, sparkling orchestral arrangements, and timeless holiday classics for the whole family. At Crossroads Bible Church. Free.
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
8-11 a.m. Sheriff's Posse Cowboy Breakfast
The Sheriff’s Posse organizes a monthly cowboy breakfast. Six of the yearly breakfasts benefit the Sheriff’s Posse organization, while the proceeds from the other six benefit local non-profit organizations. Come by and eat bacon, eggs, sausage, and five different kinds of pancakes along with juice, coffee, and milk!
$10 Ages 10 and up, $5 Ages 4-10, FREE Ages 0-3
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Earth Treasure Show
The Los Alamos Geological Society Earth Treasure Show is fast approaching! The theme is the "Minerals of the Rio Grande Rift." Free admission with door prizes and kids' crafts, located at the Masonic Temple on 15th and Sage, Los Alamos.
2-4 p.m. The Big Bang!, Duane Smith Auditorium
Titled "The Big Bang", this production is a true community collaboration in the style of USO variety show featuring dancers from DALA and also singers, actors, and dancers from Los Alamos Little Theater, Los Alamos Light Opera, The Atomic Follies, The Atomic Gems, local bands Heather & The Bad Breaks, Syzygy, and more, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Historical Society. Audiences can expect a comedic, vivacious, festive show with nods to Los Alamos local history, holiday music and dancing from the 1940's, and of course homage to DALA's unique Nutcracker on "The Hill" ballet trilogy.
Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday December 5 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
Other Holiday Events
Nov. 13 - Dec. 23 “Affordable Arts” Exhibit, Fuller Lodge Art Center
Each year, hundreds of new and returning artists bring us a variety of arts, crafts, goodies, and gadgets to make your holiday shopping season simple and special. LAAC Members and Artists Reception, November 13th, 5-7 p.m. For more information: www.losalamosartscouncil.org
Nov. 28 Small Business Saturday
Enjoy a tax-free shopping experience for all your holiday needs, while supporting local businesses. Participating businesses will be highlighted in the Los Alamos Daily Post and on social media.
Dec. 1 CommUNITY Loneliness Campaign
Help combat loneliness by sending kind letters and cards through the Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) campaign. Mail letters to PO Box 4741, White Rock, NM 87547. Free.
Dec. 2 & 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Silent Book Club, Mesa Public Library
Join the worldwide movement of Silent Book Club. Settle in for an hour of quiet, read any book you wish, then we chat about the books we're reading and share recommendations. Open to everyone, no matter what book you're reading!
Dec. 3-6, The Big Bang!, Duane Smith Auditorium
Titled "The Big Bang", this production is a true community collaboration in the style of USO variety show featuring dancers from DALA and also singers, actors, and dancers from Los Alamos Little Theater, Los Alamos Light Opera, The Atomic Follies, The Atomic Gems, local bands Heather & The Bad Breaks, Syzygy, and more, in collaboration with the Los Alamos Historical Society. Audiences can expect a comedic, vivacious, festive show with nods to Los Alamos local history, holiday music and dancing from the 1940's, and of course homage to DALA's unique Nutcracker on "The Hill" ballet trilogy.
Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 4 at 7 p.m.
Saturday December 5 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
Dec. 9-12, Various Times Gingerbread House Building
Continue a holiday tradition at Family Strengths Network with more than 20 years of gingerbread house building. Families can purchase kits and build their houses at the facility while FSN handles the cleanup. Sessions are available for toddlers using simple graham cracker kits, as well as children, teens, adults, and families. Contact fsn@lafsn.org for session times and details. Kits are $30.
https://www.lafsn.org/special-events
Dec. 10 & 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Los Alamos Holiday Farmer's Market
Come to Fuller Lodge for a taste of New Mexico holiday traditions such as tamales, wreaths, jams, ristras, stockings, live music and more! Every December, there are two holiday markets located inside Fuller Lodge on Thursdays and one in the White Rock Visitor's Center on a Saturday. These special markets are always enjoyable with the addition of live music and holiday produce, baked goods, and gifts!
December 10 & 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fuller Lodge
December 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., White Rock Visitor's Center
Dec. 10, 4-7 p.m. Sensory-Friendly Winter Activity with Mr. and Mrs. Claus
Join Santa and Miz Claus for a sensory-friendly holiday event filled with fun and games. Call to reserve a time slot or join as you are able. At 1060 Nugget Street, Los Alamos. Free. Call (505) 692-494 or email christina.mccormick@lccs-nm.org for information.
Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m. YAC Christmas Cookie Decorating
Youth Activity Center members and their immediate families can join the annual Christmas cookie event. Wear holiday pajamas or an ugly sweater, enjoy dinner, decorate cookies, and listen to classic Christmas music. Reservations are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email yac@lafc.org to request a form. Free.
Dec. 11 & 12, 7 p.m. En Pointe School of Dance Presents The Nutcracker
Enjoy En Pointe School of Dance’s first production of The Nutcracker, featuring local dancers, beautiful choreography, festive music, and the timeless magic of this beloved holiday ballet. At Duane Smith Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for students, $15 for youth ages 12 and under and seniors, and $25 for general admission.
Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. Adult Dive-In Movie
Enjoy a movie while floating in the Leisure Lagoon during this adults-only event for ages 18 and older. Admission includes treats. Advance tickets are $5 per person, or $7 on the day of the event. The Aquatic Center has a 60-person limit.
Dec. 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. White Rock Holiday Farmer's Market
Come to Fuller Lodge for a taste of New Mexico holiday traditions such as tamales, wreaths, jams, ristras, stockings, live music and more! Every December, there are two holiday markets located inside Fuller Lodge on Thursdays and one in the White Rock Visitor's Center on a Saturday. These special markets are always enjoyable with the addition of live music and holiday produce, baked goods, and gifts!
December 10 & 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fuller Lodge
December 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., White Rock Visitor's Center
Dec. 12, 2-3:30 p.m. Winter Sowing Workshop
Learn how to winter-sow seeds for the 2027 growing season. Seeds and all supplies are provided. At the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos. Free. Contact KokHeong McNaughton at kokheong@comcast.net for details.
Dec. 12, 4-6:30 p.m. Home Alone and Hot Chocolate
Join PEEC Nature Center for a cozy night featuring a hot chocolate bar and screening of the beloved holiday movie, Home Alone 2. The hot chocolate bar will open at 4 pm and the movie will start at 4:30 pm. Wear your "ugly" holiday sweaters, or pajamas and slippers to get into the holiday spirit!
$10/adult; $8/child
Dec. 12, 5-8 p.m. Luminaria Walk
Celebrate the holiday season at North Mesa Stables with an evening stroll through the stables, friendly conversations, hot drinks, cookies, and a chance to see horses and other animals during their evening feeding. Park at the ball fields across from the Posse Lodge. Dogs must be leashed. Free.
Dec. 12, 7-10 p.m. Dance the Night Away Fundraiser
Saddle up for an evening of dancing and 4-H fun hosted by the Los Alamos County 4-H Council. All ages are welcome, and proceeds support local 4-H activities and programs. At the United Church in Los Alamos. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for youth.
Dec. 18, 7-9 p.m. Dive-In Movie
Bring the family for a movie while floating in the Leisure Lagoon. Admission includes treats. Advance tickets are $5 per person, or $7 on the day of the event. The Aquatic Center has a 60-person limit.
Dec. 19, 11 a.m. Nuts, Crackers & Sweets
DALA presents a delightfully miniature version of The Nutcracker Suite, set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score and featuring DALA's youngest dancers from the Young Children's Program! A festive show will take you on a tour of traditional Victorian-era gallop dances the to acrobatic leaping Trepak, sassy Spanish Chocolate, delicate Marzipan, an appearance by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in their traditional attire, and more! Run time will be approximately one hour. Duane Smith Auditorium
Dec. 19, 3:30-5 p.m. Skate with Santa
Santa always takes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. He is bringing his elves to greet boys and girls, and hand out candy canes! Santa and his elves will pose for pictures on and off the ice.
$6.50 - Ages 6+, $2.50 - Ages 5 & under. Includes skate rental and admission
Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Winter Mixed Repertoire Showcase
Join DALA for the Mixed Repertoire Showcase on Saturday, 12/19 at 7:00! The show will feature performances from DALA's Intermediate and Advanced Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Highland, Flamenco, Swing and Contemporary students onstage at the Duane Smith Auditorium. This show will also feature an all-new ensemble piece for the American Dance Competition - International Ballet Competition and the premiere of DALA's Contemporary Repertoire Cohort, a dedicated group for contemporary dance performance. Duane Smith Auditorium
Dec. 31, 10 a.m. - Noon Noon Year's Eve
Children and families are invited to dress in their fanciest clothes or favorite costumes and celebrate the new year at noon. Enjoy activities, music, and fun, culminating in a balloon drop at noon. At Mesa Public Library. Free.
Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - Jan. 1, 12:30 a.m. New Year's Eve Skate
Santa always takes time during his busy holiday schedule to visit the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. He is bringing his elves to greet boys and girls, and hand out candy canes! Santa and his elves will pose for pictures on and off the ice.
$6.50 - Ages 6+, $2.50 - Ages 5 & under. Includes skate rental and admission.