Editor’s note: The Roswell Museum is closed until further notice due to the devastating flooding that occurred October 19 and 20. The museum and its collection sustained significant damage from the four-to-six-foot flood waters. If you’d like to aid in the museum’s recovery, donations can be made to the Roswell Museum and Art Center Foundation.
FINDING THE PERFECT present for everyone on your holiday shopping list is like a candy cane–christened superpower. Yet with November comes a sleigh full of makers’ and artists’ markets that make giving a piece of the Land of Enchantment more attainable. “Everything is one of a kind and handmade,” says Caroline Brooks, executive director at the Roswell Museum, where the Holiday Artisan Market takes over one of the galleries from November 9 through December 31. “We decorate for the holidays, and it’s a great place to get into the holiday shopping spirit.” About 30 regional artists sell items ranging from large paintings to more affordable stocking stuffers. Market artisans also contribute miniature pieces to a holiday wreath, which is raffled off. Brooks offers some tips for shopping holiday art markets.
Give gifts that give back. Shopping an artisan market means your loved ones get unique gifts and your money goes right back into the community. “Our market supports these local artists, and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Roswell Museum Art Foundation, which supports our museum,” Brooks says.
Look for stocking stuffers. Art prints and smaller pieces may be more accessible than you think. “We work with artists who have inexpensive choices,” Brooks says, noting that many items start at around $15. “Some artists bring ornaments, and we had a jeweler who made pendants from fused glass that were affordable.”
Go to the party. Many of the markets open with holiday previews or receptions that include live music, festive drinks, and a heap of holiday cheer. “When you come to opening night, you get first pick of all the goods,” she says.
ALTAR’D STATE
String up your marigolds, paint your best sugar-skull face, and decorate your ofrendas with pictures and mementos for loved ones passed. The traditional Día de los Muertos celebrations continue to grow more festive throughout New Mexico, with events in Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Mesilla, and Santa Fe. In just its second year, the City Different’s three-day bash includes mariachis and folklórico dancers, live music, face painting, and a candlelit parade throughout the plaza. Can’t attend? Cue up Disney’s Coco at home.
Moonlight Hike at White Sands National Park
November 16
The sandy dunes are particularly stunning under the moonlight during this guided hike.
Handel’s Messiah
November 16-17
The Santa Fe Symphony ensemble performs this holiday program of High Baroque–style music at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, in Santa Fe.
Christmas on the Pecos
November 29-December 31
Take a boat or train ride along the light-bedecked Pecos River in Carlsbad.
River of Lights
November 30-December 30
Animals, dinosaurs, light tunnels, and more illuminate the ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden, in Albuquerque, at this holiday light show where every twinkly creation is made by hand.