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, the Alumni Duck Pond, and Corbett Center Student Union, trailing all the way down to the horseshoe. Horse-driven carriage rides, hot cocoa, caroling and more welcome visitors back to the campus for this free outdoor event. The New Mexico State University campus lights up for the 38th annual Noche de Luminarias, Sunday, December 1, 2024, 5 – 8 p.m.
This show of lights is one of the largest luminarias displays in New Mexico, and people come from miles around to stroll the walkways and take in the transformative magic of candles in paper bags. Purchased through the Las Cruces High School Band, the luminarias are part of the organization’s annual fundraiser. Free refreshments are offered at the NMSU Bookstore and Corbett Center.
Activities and entertainment are available around the bookstore and, weather permitting, a movie is shown in the grassy area across from Corbett Center. Free trolly rides are offered by Frontier Adventures. In past years, visitors have been treated to pop-up art exhibits and holiday selfie stations, featuring different cultures and holiday traditions for guests to learn about and enjoy.
Noche de Luminarias is sponsored by various NMSU programs such as the Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, Associated Students of NMSU, NMSU Bookstore, American Indian Programs, Residence Hall Association and Corbett Center. Additionally, Sodexo and Frontier Adventures also collaborated with NMSU for this event.
Expect performances by NMSU bands, cheerleading rallies, and high visibility by NMSU student organizations, offering crafts for kids, information, and giveaways courtesy of ASNMSU. For more information about NMSU’s Noche de Luminarias, visit the website.
Posted by LasCruces.com