The Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah (Thu. 11, Music)
As candles are lit across the country, The Klezmatics — the world’s most celebrated klezmer band — return for the Happy Joyous Hanukkah Tour, honoring both Jewish tradition and bold musical reinvention. For nearly 40 years, The Klezmatics have been transforming historic klezmer music into a living, breathing, revolutionary art form. Back in 2006, the band collaborated with legendary musician Woody Guthrie, whose long-lost Hanukkah lyrics came to life in the band’s iconic 2006 album Happy Joyous Hanukkah. In 2025 that album is being reissued in a remastered vinyl edition, just in time for the holiday season. And you can catch these performing it live in concert on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at FUSION (700 First St. NW). Tickets are $44 and available now at tickets.ampconcerts.org/tickets/454630.
Noise For Toys (Sat. 13, Music)
The 13th Annual Noise For Toys fundraiser is an EDM party with a purpose. This beat-rocking rave is a toy drive/fundraiser for low income families. On Saturday, Dec. 13 from 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. enjoy a stocking stuffed with guest DJs, including Average Joe, Beatra, Ben Bitten, Chiddy, James Black, K-Bev, Poly-Gone, Teknique and many more! Unify Mountain Sounds will be bringing their legendary Green Dragon system, so there can be two stages of audio excellence all night long. Bring a new, unwrapped toy/gift for admission at the door. Cash donations are also welcomed. Or you can chip in by purchasing a $10 GA ticket on Eventbrite (eventbrite.com/e/noise-for-toys-tickets-1976231974033). It all happens at JUNO brewery + cafe + art (1501 First St. NW).
2nd Annual Luminito Celebration (Sun. 14, Festival)
Whether you call them “farolitos” or “luminarias,” the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth St. SW) invites New Mexicans to celebrate our state’s distinctive holiday lights with the 2nd Annual Luminito Celebration. On Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at 5:30 p.m. enjoy music, biscochitos, a holiday mercado with local vendors, Matachines dance performances, holiday lights and more as the Albuquerque community comes together to celebrate the holiday season! This is a free community event, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register online at my.nmculture.org/50151/51643.