12/04/2025
Upcoming Events | December 2025
National Hispanic Cultural Center
Opera Southwest: The Farolitos of Christmas
Sunday, December 7 — Sunday December 14
6:30 pm Friday, 2:00 pm & 6:00 pm Saturday, & 4:00 pm Sundays
Albuquerque Journal Theatre
National Hispanic Cultural Center
1701 4th St. SW
Albuquerque, NM 87102
A new opera for families and children based on Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved children’s book, The Farolitos of Christmas is a heartwarming holiday opera about love, tradition, and the quiet power of invention. Luz’s father is away at war. Her grandfather is too sick to build the luminarias. So Luz finds a new way to light the path on Christmas Eve, one that will become tradition.
With music and libretto by Héctor Armienta (Zorro, Bless Me, Ultima) and stage direction by John de los Santos (Frida, Before Night Falls), this luminous one-act opera captures the spirit of New Mexico in winter: flickering light, faith, and family that endures.
Tickets for students and anyone 30 and younger are just $16. Regular-price tickets range from $25 to $65, with discounts available.
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But the holiday fun doesn’t stop there!
2nd Annual Luminito Celebration
December 14 | 5:30 pm
NHCC Campus
The 2nd Annual Luminito Celebration offers an immersive cultural experience grounded in New Mexico’s lively luminaria vs. farolito debate. On December 14, enjoy music, biscochitos, a holiday mercado with local vendors, Matachines dance performances, holiday lights, and more as we celebrate the holiday season!
Free Community Event.
Register Here
Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment
December 19 - 21 | Albuquerque Journal Theatre
7:00 pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
2:00 pm Saturday & Sunday
The beloved holiday classic is transported to territorial New Mexico in the late 1800s, with added elements of the state’s heritage and traditions including Spanish dancers with Flamenco, southwestern snakes, sheep and shepherdesses, a lively fandango, a storyteller doll with children, and lavish western Victorian-era costumes.
$16, $25, $35, $45, & $55.00 w/ discounts for seniors, children 10 years old and younger and NHCC members.
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