SIERRA COUNTY, NM—Hillsboro, New Mexico in Sierra County along with other “ghost towns” and cities there are bringing the spirit of the holidays to Southern New Mexico with several celebrations including “Christmas in the Foothills,” “Old Fashioned Christmas” and a “Luminaria Beachwalk,” to name a few, beginning on Dec. 6, 2014.
Hillsboro, New Mexico’s largest annual event – “Christmas in the Foothills” – will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 6, and includes a wide array of vendors selling specialty arts, hand-crafted gifts and food items. An original, framed watercolor painting by Hillsboro artist Inga McCord will be raffled at the event. Shoppers can take advantage of the ever-popular $49.99 Art Show and Sale, where each item in the art show is sold to a winning ticket holder for $49.99. Hillsboro’s Main Street will be bustling with musicians and carolers singing holiday songs, while the Black Range Museum, merchants and businesses will be open later.
“Christmas in the Foothills” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hillsboro Community Center, located at 316 Elenore St. The town of Hillsboro is located on Highway 152, 17 miles west of I-25 at exit 63. Call 575-895-5457 or email melody21(at)windstream(dot)net for more information.
Meanwhile, two hours north, the historic town of Monticello, NM (founded in 1881) will be the best place to purchase local, handmade gift items such as wreaths, crafts, jewelry, and the award winning organic balsamic vinegar made by The Darland Company of Monticello. The “Monticello Holiday Store” is open for two weekends only on Dec. 6 and 7; and Dec. 13 and 14 from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Darland Store, up the hill from the Plaza in Monticello. Call 575-743-0200 or email janedarland(at)gmail(dot)com for more information.
Less than an hour south of Monticello in the town of Truth or Consequences (T or C), an “Old Fashioned Christmas” brings the warmth and joy of the holiday season to Downtown on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6–9 p.m. The evening’s events begin with the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree in Evelyn Renfro Park, just steps from the bustling Downtown area where businesses will stay open later for holiday shopping. Bonfires along the way will keep strollers warm, while carolers warm the hearts of shoppers with the sounds of the holidays, and complementary beverages like hot cocoa are sure to be welcomed. A live nativity at the First Baptist Church (220 Broadway St.) will add to the Christmas ambience throughout the night.
The next day on Saturday, Dec. 13, T or C’s Second Saturday Art Hop gives shoppers a chance to scratch names off their Christmas lists as many Downtown galleries, shops and businesses stay open late from 6–9 p.m., to sell handmade, one of a kind items.
Many of T or C’s hot springs bathhouses along the historic Bathhouse District of Downtown are open for hot, therapeutic mineral soaks with some soaks priced for as little as $5 for half an hour. Visit sierracountynewmexico.info/attractions/truth-or-consequences-hot-springs/ for a full list of hot springs bathhouses in T or Cs.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park, just up the road north of T or C, offers an unusual experience for the holidays with their 20th annual Luminaria Beachwalk on Saturday, Dec. 13 beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy hot cocoa, posolé, and hot cider at any of 25 decorated campsites located along the beaches of Elephant Butte Lake, which will be lit with more than 4,000 luminarias. The Elephant Butte Rotary Club will take donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at their campsite.
Families can take a hayride along the beach and sing along to familiar Christmas songs led by carolers at the park. Along with an appearance from Santa, a boat parade featuring brightly decorated boats will illuminate the night as they glide across the water, reflecting their light. Decorated boats and RVs will compete in a contest where winners will receive awards at a special ceremony and Christmas party at the Elephant Butte Inn after the beachwalk. Please enter through the main entrance of the park. Park entry fees apply; however, there is no charge for the Luminaria Beachwalk. Call Kim Skinner at575-740-1777 for more information. Elephant Butte Lake State Park is located off of Hwy 195.
For a complete list of holiday related events in Sierra County, visithttp://sierracountyevents.com/