December 1 -- 7:30pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “SORCERER’S APPRENTICE” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 3 -- 7:00pm -- “Apprentice” featuring HU Singers -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Tickets: General admission: $10; Other students: $5; NMHU students w/valid I.D.’s: FREE. For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 3 through January 29 Tiny Treasures The Las Vegas Arts Council Board of Directors in collaboration with the CCHP Home Tour Committee invites you to our TINY TREASURES EXHIBIT on display at the LVAC Gallery located at 140 Bridge St. Opening Reception: Friday Dec 10, 5:00pm -7:00pm. LVAC Gallery Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 10:00am to 4:00pm, or by appointment (505)425-1085. All art priced under $100.

December 4 - 9:00am to 4:00pm (Tenative) 2nd of the Christmas Annual Arts & Crafts Fair The event is sponsored by Catholic Daughters of the Americas Empress #1796 and will take place at the Father George Building (IC). This is your last chance to get yourChristmas shopping done early. For more information contact Inez Gallegos-Lujan at (505)425-9746 or (505)617-0565 or via email at santaeines@wildblue.net

December 4 -- 1:00pm -- Castle Tours -- The United World College is pleased to provide free, student-led tours of the Montezuma Castle. While the tour is free, donations to the college are certainly appreciated. Tours begin promptly at 1:00pm and last approximately one hour. They begin in front of the Old Stone Hotel on the lower campus. Reservations are not necessary for the tours. For more information during the week call (505)454-4221 and on Saturdays call UWC Security at (505)454-4288.

December 4 -- 2:00pm -- Holiday Musical at the City of Las Vegas Museum -- Join in song with members of the West Las Vegas Honors Choir under their new director, Ms. Sarah Oliver, and Ann on the Duncan Opera House square grand piano. Bring family and friends to celebrate the Holiday Season and visit the new Museum exhibits to experience our Las Vegas heritage! Donations accepted. Event is sponsored by the Friends of the City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Riders Memorial Collection - helping the Museum reach its goals!

December 4 -- 3:00pm -- A Little Light Music -- A Nat Gold Players benefit: A Little Light Musicwill be held at Kennedy Hall on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. It will feature Deborah Wagner, Linda King, Andre Garcia-Nuthmann, Edward Harrington and more.

December 4 -- 3:30pm to 8:00pm -- Amnesty International Write for Rights -- As part of a global week of action, the Las Vegas Amnesty International Group 463, will host an event for local activists to call on governments worldwide to protect and release victims of human rights abuses. The group will hold a Write for Rights event at the Traveler's Cafe, Saturday, December 4, 3:30 to 8:00 pm at the Traveler's Cafe. This event is just one of thousands that will be carried out throughout the United States and over 50 countries worldwide. “The actions of people in our community and thousands of others around the world will help bring freedom and justice to an individual being denied their basic human rights,” said Sonya Berg, event coordinator. For more information call (505)425-6680.

December 4 -- 4:00pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Admission is FREE and open to the public! Come in from the cold prior to the Electric Light Parade and enjoy a FREE movie, have a cup of hot chocolate and goodies for only $1. For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 4 -- 5:00pm -- 21th Annual Electric Light Parade -- The parade kicks off the Christmas Season for Las Vegas and what a kick off it is. All city lights are turned off along the route of the parade leaving only the hundreds of lights on the many floats to light up the night. It is a sight to behold. Hot chocolate and cider are sold along the route to take the chill off. The parade ends at the Plaza Park where Santa Claus greets all the children and gives them candy and gifts. Christmas carols and music add to the atmosphere. Contact the Las Vegas/San Miguel Chamber of Commerce at (505)425-8631 or via email at: lvexec@qwestoffice.net For additional information, please view the Press Release!

December 4 -- Dusk -- Noche De Las Luminarias Annual Drive -- Noche De Las Luminarias Annual Drive at Luna Community College. This is one of the most beautiful of Las Vegas's events. There is no charge for this annual drive, but donations of canned good would be greatly appreciated. For more information call Debbie at (505)454-2559.

December 4 -- 5:00pm -- 3rd Annual Pecos Tree Lighting -- The Tree Lighting will take place at the Bank of Pecos parking lot. A fun night for the entire family with Santa Claus, treats, refreshments and music. Everyone should come and help Pecos celebrate the season. Call (505)757-2554.

December 4 -- 7:00pm -- “Apprentice” featuring HU Singers -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Tickets: General admission: $10; Other students: $5; NMHU students w/valid I.D.’s: FREE. For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 5 -- 4:00pm -- “THE NUTCRACKER” by State Street Ballet -- This event will be held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. General admission: $12; Students w/valid ID’s and children 10 yrs and under: $5. Advance tickets may be purchased at KEDP radio station, studio 103. For more information call (505)454-3238 or via email at: martinezda@nmhu.edu

December 8 -- 7:30pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG-13. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 9 -- 8:00pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “THE EXPENDABLES” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated R. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 11 -- Second Saturday Artwalk 2010 -- Now in its third year the monthly Artwalk features Open Studios, Galleries, Readings, Live Music & more. Visit open studios in historic neighborhoods, plus galleries, shops and restaurants downtown. Enjoy the work of over 75 artists, including local painters, sculptors, jewelry designers, graphic designers, photographers, musicians, interior designers, writers, poets, santeros, media artists and graffiti artists. The Artwalk is a monthly, authentic grassroots community art event presented by the artists, residents and businesses of Las Vegas. For more information you may call (505)425-2606, view the Event Flyer, or visit their website: www.acd-lv.com

December 11 -- 9:00am to 3:30pm Christmas Fair -- Come join us at the Christmas Fair taking place at the American Legion on Collins St. Here is another chance to get all your shopping done in one place. Music and food will be available and lots of vendors. Sounds like a fun time !!! For more information call (505)425-9545.

December 11 -- 1:00pm 2nd Annual Festival of the Trees -- This is a wonderful event and is for a good cause!! It is a fun time for all individuals and oraganizations that have decorated their own unique Christmas Tree and then see it auctioned off for a great cause. For more information call (505)425-3591.

December 11 -- 1:00pm to 3:00pm -- Gingerbread House and Biscochito Contest Event takes place in the Lobby of the Historic El Fidel Hotel. Applications may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce; 503 6th Street; Las Vegas, New Mexico. Applicants must be present at the judging. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at (505) 425-8631 or by email at: lvexec@qwestoffice.net

December 11 -- 2:00pm -- "Holiday Magic" Childrens Party There will be juggling, mirth, and magic by Clan Tynker. Children can also have a visit with Santa and recieve a free gift. This wonderful event will take place at Vida Enchantada located at 2301 Collins Drive.

December 11 -- 3:00pm to 7:00pm Holiday Historic Home Tour -- The tour is a definite celebration of the season and is sponsored by the Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation. This tour includes both Victorian and Adobe Homes decorated for the holidays. A festive way to celebrate the Holiday Season as you stroll through historic homes at your own pace. Come and enjoy the Historic Las Vegas. The Second Saturday Artwalk will be happening the same day, which means there will be events taking place in all three of Las Vegas's historic commercial districts. Arrive early and get you shopping done before the tour or afterwards because the restaurants and shops will be open until 9:00. It will be a fun filled day for sure!! Tickets will be $15 and will be available CCHP, 116 Bridge Street. Contact CCHP at (505)425-8803 or historic@cybermesa for more informaton.

December 11 -- 5:00pm to 7:00pm Wine Tasting -- The Plaza Wine and Gift Store will be celebrating the holidays and Second Saturday with a special Wine Tasting from several Wineries. Choose one of our great wines for your holiday table. Our inventory of New Mexico Wines is one of the best in the state. Ask our servers to help you find a great wine to accompany your holiday dinner!

December 12 -- 2:00pm to 4:00pm -- Mariachi Christmas 2010 -- Casa de Cultura in collaboration with New Mexico Highlands University present the 3rd Annual Mariachi Christmas 2010 at Ilfeld Auditorium. Tickets: $10-Adults; $5 NMHU Students /w valid ID and Children 10 and under. Proceeds to benefit local student music programs. For more information contact Casa de Cultura at (505)454-6771 or view the Event Flyer.

December 12 -- 3:00pm -- Holiday Tea @ The Plaza -- Celebrate the holidays with friends and family in the elegant foyer of the Plaza Ilfeld building. We will be serving champagne and indulging in some new cakes and pastries. Reservations are essential so please call (505)425-3591 to guarantee a place at the tea table!!! Special Holiday Tea $20 inclusive per person.

December 12 -- 5:00pm -- “A Jenny Lind Christmas” -- A benefit for the HU Choir program presents Van Ann Moore in “A Jenny Lind Christmas” with Highlands Madrigal Choir Andre Garcia-Nuthmann, director. Event will take place at the Plaza Hotel Ballroom. There will be a cash bar available at 5:00pm and a Roast Beef Dinner at 6:00pm. Come and experience a Victorian Christmas with the greatest opera star of that time. Van Ann Moore will recreate the exciting life of Jenny Lind! Tickets available at: Highlands Music Building; Dr. Em Krall; Hair Europa; Ida Cooney; Plaza Hotel. $30 per ticket. For more information call (505)454-3573.

December 15 -- 7:30pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “DESPICABLE ME” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 17 -- 5:30pm to 7:00pm -- Happenstance Open House -- Happenstance will host an open house located at 614 8th Street. There will be refreshments in the spirit of the season and door prizes. For more information call or to RSVP call (505)617-0839 or via email at fsharon@msn.com You can also view month's edition of Happenstance or if you prefer, you can view the magazine version at: http://issuu.com/vandermeerbooks/docs/happenstancedecember For more information about Happenstance please view their website: http://www.happenstancelifehappens.com

December 17 -- 8:00pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “THE TOWN” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated R. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 18 -- 9:00am to 2:00pm Cancer Assistance Support -- This fundraiser is in honor of my sister Celeste who has pancreatic cancer. She has been raising money in her community for others who have cancer. 100% of the funds raised at this event will help cancer patients and their families here in Las Vegas. The event will be held in the basement of teh 1st United Methodist Church located at 715 National Ave. For more information call Carol at (505)425-9757 or via email at cid@desertgate.com. You can also view the Press Release or Event Flyer.

December 18 -- 10:00am Santa at the Park -- Plaza Park annual event that the children love. The Fire Department gives out toys for the the children of Las Vegas from one of the City fire trucks. The kids have a close up and touch encounter with the fire truck which they really enjoy!! For more information call (505)425-6321.

December 18 -- 5:00pm to 7:00pm Best Decorated Holiday Home / Best Decorated Holiday Store Front -- Judging will begin at 5:00 pm. Houses and Store Fronts must be within the City Limits. Please include a map highlighting your address. For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at (505)425-8631 or via email at lvexec@qwestoffice.net.

December 18 -- 5:00pm to 7:00pm 5th Annual Luminarias Tour at the Villanueva State Park -- The Luminarias Tour at the Villanueva State Park is a beautiful sight to behold. It is an event that the entire family will enjoy and definately adds to the spirit of the season. The park is located off Interstate 25 (Exit 323) on State Highway 3. After you leave the Interstate, it is a 15 mile drive to the park. For more information call (575)421-2957 or check out the website at www.nmparks.com

December 19 -- 2:00pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 19 -- 4:30pm winter solstice -- The Las Vegas Unitarian Universalist Fellowship announces a Solstice Celebration and Advent Spiral. The winter solstice marks the longest day of the year, when night in the northern hemisphere is shortest and the days begin to lengthen. The observance is based on Celtic traditions. Anyone is welcome to bring drums, flutes, etc. for a free drumming. The Advent Spiral is another celebration of the season. Celebrants go, one at a time, through a spiral of evergreens. Each person lights a candle, then places it somewhere on the pathway to light the way for the next person. It is a reminder of the inward journey each of us must make during the dark days ahead. The Celebration and Spiral will be conducted in the Faith Hall annex of St. Paul ’s Peace Church, located at 8th Street and National Ave. Warm clothing is recommended as the Spiral portion of the meeting is held outdoors. For more information contact Mitch Barker, Publicity coordinator-Las Vegas Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at (505)426-8513.

December 22 -- 7:30pm -- Cineflix in Ilfeld: “SALT” -- This event is held at the Historic Ilfeld Auditorium on the campus of New Mexico Highlands University. Rated PG-13. Admission is FREE and open to the public! For more information call (505)454-3238 or view the website at: www.nmhu.edu (under library and venue link).

December 24 and 25 -- 11:00am Community Holiday Open House -- This event will take place at Faith Hall on the corner of National Avenue and 8th Street (Behind the Episcopal/Luthern Church). This event is open to the public, especially those who might be alone. There will plenty of Christmas dinner for all, door prizes, a visit from Santa for the kids, and most of all lots of fellowship. For more information please call: (505)718-9361 or via email at: vincehowell@yahoo.com.

December 31 Black Tie & Blue Jeans -- The Historic Plaza Hotel hosts a benefit gala New Years Eve Black Tie & Blue Jeans Celebration for the Las Vegas Arts Council. Music, dinner and dance, midnight buffett in the Ilfeld Ballroom. Entertainment, auction, fun happenings, etc., etc. Call LVAC (505)425-1085, or Melissa at the Plaza Hotel (505)425-3591 for further information.