December 2026 Events
Every Thursday
Branigan Library — U Can Uke: Adults and Teens
Meet at the library and learn to play the ukulele. Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Bring your own ukulele or borrow one. A member of Las Cruces Ukes will help new and returning students.
Every Thursday
Las Cruces Ukes — Strum for Fun
The Strum for Fun group plays just to have a good time. Where: Las Cruces Village, 3011 Buena Vida Circle, Las Cruces, in the Social Center’s Creative Arts room. When: Thursday evenings, 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. There is no charge to participate, and we have loaner ukuleles for those who want to come and try playing the ukulele. This group alternates using the Daily Ukulele (yellow cover) and the Daily Ukulele Leap Year Edition (blue cover). We have loaners of those, as well. Come give it a try!
December 5
Mesilla Valley Audubon Bird Walk — Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Meet at the park Visitor’s Center at 8:00 a.m. to sign in with the group leader. Then, the leader will guide attendees and identify birds in the area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars if you have them (a few are available for loan), a bottle of water, and your curiosity. New Mexico State Parks do not charge day-use fees for New Mexico residents from October through April. You must show a valid New Mexico ID or have a New Mexico vehicle license plate to get the waiver. Non-residents must still pay a $10 daily fee year-round.
December 5
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Head to the Plaza de Las Cruces for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m.
December 5
Noche de Luminarias
Every year, on the first Sunday of December, the campus at New Mexico State University is decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and more than 8,000 luminarias lining the International Mall, trailing all the way down to the horseshoe. From 4:30 to 8 p.m.
December 12
Mesilla Valley Audubon Bird Walk — Sagecrest Park
Meet near the park entrance at 8:00 a.m. to sign in with the group leader. Then, the leader will guide attendees and identify birds in the area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars if you have them (a few are available for loan), a bottle of water, and your curiosity.
December 24
Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza
Celebrate the season on the Plaza in Mesilla. Thousands of luminarias line the streets and carolers sing. From 5 to 7 p.m.
December 26
Mesilla Valley Audubon Bird Walk — Leasburg Dam State Park
Meet at the park Visitor’s Center at 8:00 a.m. to sign in with the group leader. Then, attendees will carpool to the picnic area on the Rio Grande. The leader will guide attendees and identify birds in the area. Wear sturdy shoes, bring binoculars if you have them (a few are available for loan), a bottle of water, and your curiosity. New Mexico State Parks do not charge day-use fees for New Mexico residents from October through April. You must show a valid New Mexico ID or have a New Mexico vehicle license plate to get the waiver. Non-residents must still pay a $10 daily fee year-round.
December 31
Las Cruces Chile Drop
Ring in the New Year with this uniquely Southern New Mexico tradition. This city-wide block party is presented by the City of Las Cruces and the Downtown Las Cruces Partnership.
Farmers & Crafts Market of Las Cruces
Every Wednesday and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The award-winning, outdoor Farmers & Crafts Market spans seven full blocks of North Main Street in Downtown Las Cruces.
Visit the Website
First Friday Art Ramble
First Friday of Every Month, 5-8 p.m.
The Downtown Las Cruces Partnership hosts this monthly event showcasing a dozen participating museums and galleries in the Arts & Cultural District.
Visit the Website
Second Saturday Art Hop
Second Saturday of Every Month, 6-9 p.m.
The City of Truth or Consequences comes alive with local art, downtown in the commercial/hot springs district.
Visit the Website
Branigan Cultural Center
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This historic locale hosts changing cultural exhibits, as well as educational programs, classes, and other special events.
Visit the Website
Las Cruces Museum of Art
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Hosting a changing slate of exciting contemporary art exhibits, programs for visitors of all ages and an extensive art studio class program.
Visit the Website
Las Cruces Railway Museum
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad depot, the museum interprets the railroad history of Las Cruces and the impact of the railroad on southern New Mexico.
Visit the Website
Museum of Nature and Science
Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A museum about looking and understanding – looking up to the stars, looking out to the desert, and looking down to see ancient fossils.
Visit the Website
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum
Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Discover the backbone of New Mexico, via this 47-acre interactive museum that chronicles the state’s 3,000-year history of farming and ranching.
Visit the Website
The Game Sports Bar & Grill
Open daily 11 a.m. – midnight
Experience the top Aggie-themed sports bar in Las Cruces! The Game Sports Bar & Grill is just minutes from NMSU, offering a spacious patio, delicious food specials, and 42 ice-cold beers on tap.
Visit the website
The Game II – Extra Innings
Open daily 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Game II – Extra Innings, located near Hwy. 70, brings the same signature menu favorites from the original Game location. Enjoy indoor or patio dining, along with live entertainment.
Visit the website
Check the events calendars for more information.
Amaro Winery & Taproom
Locally owned and operated winery and tasting room, with a Karaoke night, open mic, and rotating list of live events.
Visit the Website
Boneyard Cantina
Delicious street food paired with Icebox craft beer and appearances by local musicians on the main stage.
Visit the Website
Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery
Serving craft beer, craft spirits, killer grub and a mix of local and travelling musical acts to chase the blues away.
Visit the Website
Palacio Bar
A neighborhood watering hole since 1936, they don’t serve food, but the music is lively and the drinks are plentiful.
Visit the Website
Truth or Consequences Brewing Company
A cozy little taproom, featuring craft beers and live music on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.
Visit the Website
Vintage Wines
New Mexico wines, beers and cigars in Old Mesilla, with a relaxing patio and live music several nights a week.
Visit the Website
Through December 31
New Mexico Farm & Ranch Museum — Farm Life in New Mexico: Then & Now
Explore a permanent Main Gallery exhibit that recreates daily life in earlier times through four themed sections: “Moving Around,” “On the Farm,” “Home Sweet Home,” and “Going to Town.” Designed to immerse visitors in a historical setting, the exhibit offers a glimpse into how people lived, worked, traveled, and interacted with their communities. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is closed on Sundays.
September 6, 2025 – May 31, 2027
Branigan Cultural Center — Land of the People
Land of the People is a long-term collaborative exhibition at the Branigan Cultural Center featuring the histories, cultures, and contemporary perspectives of six Indigenous groups with deep ties to the Borderland region. Through May 2027, visitors can explore a shared gallery on Indigenous traditions, stewardship, and cultural practices, along with a rotating featured exhibit that highlights one participating community every 12 weeks.
Current Rotation (through October 10, 2026): Land of the People: Naf’ole atsihem showcases the Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe, sharing its history, traditions, and connection to the land through the tribe’s own words and perspectives.
Through July 17, 2027
NMSU Art Museum: On the Edge Exhibition
The NMSU Art Museum presents *Shirley Crow: On the Edge*, an exhibition spanning nearly 50 years of the artist’s career. Featuring works in pastel, ink, graphite, and oil, the exhibition examines Crow’s artistic practice and her longstanding interest in creativity and questions about the universe and human existence. An opening reception will be held October 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition remains on display through July 17, 2027. Admission is free, and regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
