The Christmas season kicks off the Yuletide in Chloride, a "living ghost town" that has come back to life. The celebration runs from December 1 – 9 this year, so people will not feel rushed to make it there. Several of the buildings in town will be decorated in the old fashioned way, with garlalnds, swags and wreaths, including the Pioneer Store Museum, Monte Cristo Gallery and Gift Shop, Pye Cabin, and the Grafton Cabin. The Monte Cristo features special made items by local artisans, in the artist's coop and are one-of-a-kind items that make unique and ideal gifts. This year all items except food will be on sale at up to 50% off. Every purchase over $25 will receive a free gift. Open 10 am to 4 pm daily. Chloride is located 43 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences. Take NM 181 to NM 52 to Winston, turn left to Chloride. Additional information at //
December 1 also celebrates Hillsboro's Christmas in the Foothills, in the quaint early mining town in the Black Range Mountains. The main event takes place at the Hillsboro Community Center, with an array of vendors selling specialty hand-crafted gifts, a raffle of an original artwork and the $49.99 Art Show and Sale. Rides through the town are available with Lawrence Tedrow's Clysdale horses and wagon that will go between the events at the Community Center and the merchants, restaurants and antique shops along Main Street. Musicians and carolers along Main Street will provide seasonal and regional accompaniment to the festivities. Hillsboro is located on NM 152 approximately 17 miles west of I-25 at exit 63. From the west take NM 152 east 57 miles to Hillsboro. Email for more information to
The second weekend of the month is filled with seasonal cheer. Friday, December 7 is the Old Fashioned Christmas in downtown Truth or Consequences. The official lighting of the Christmas Tree in Evelyn Renfro Park kicks off an evening of bonfires, carolers and other performers and holiday refreshments in downtown T or C. Shops stay open late, Christmas lights are on, and there are horse-drawn wagon rides through the downtown area. Santa will be available to take orders from the kiddies and pose for photos. Sponsored by MainStreet Truth or consequences. Email
Saturday evening, December 8 is the Festival of Lights and Luminaria Beach Walk at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. There will be a walk along the sandy beach to 25 campfires serving up hot refreshments from spiced cider to hot chocolate to posole to green chili stew. The refreshments are free, but the Elephant Butte Rotary Club will be taking donations for the New Mexico Make-A-Wish Foundation. The path along the beach is lit by 4000 luminarias. There will be hayrides, a boat and RV lighting contest, and the anticipated appearance of Santa Claus. Entrance is through Elephant Butte Lake State Park, and park entrance fees do apply. An awards ceremony and Christmas party will follow at Elephant Butte Inn. For more information go to http://elephantbuttechamberofcommerce.com
