30th Annual Nob Hill Shop & Stroll (Thu. 4, Market)
With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday at our backs, the holiday shopping season is in full force. The 30th Annual Nob Hill Shop & Stroll hits the Nob Hill neighborhood along Central Ave. this Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. All your favorite stores will be open late to help you locate the perfect Christmas gifts for all the naughty and nice people on your list. Vendor tents will also line Central Ave. and there will be plenty of food trucks and drink stalls to keep you going late into the evening. Bundle up and bring your credit card. Admission is free.
River of Lights 2025 (Thu. Dec. 4, Holiday Light Display)
It’s time again for the hugely popular River of Lights exhibit at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden (2601 Central Ave. NW). It’s the state’s largest walk-though outdoor light show and just gets bigger and brighter every year. Set among the winding paths of the Botanic Garden, the titanic light-up display brings together hand-welded sculptures, glowing tunnels and seasonal music perfect for families and friends to wander through and enjoy. River of Lights is open every night from 5 to 10 p.m. from Nov. 29 until Dec. 30. Tickets run $10 to $15 on select value nights and $12 (youth 3-12) to $21 (adults 13+) general admission. Be sure to reserve them in advance at riveroflights.org.
19th Annual 12×12 Fundraising Exhibitions (Fri. Dec. 5, Art Opening)
Harwood Art Center (1114 7th St. NW) opens its annual fundraiser art show. Over 250 local artists of all ages have created and donated original 3”x3”, 6”x6” and 12”x12” works for the 19th Annual 12×12 Fundraising Exhibitions. And they’re all for sale between $12 and $144 each! The Main Event on Friday, Dec. 5 starting at 5:30 p.m. is an exciting opportunity to purchase from The Shop and preview 12×12 artworks before sales open online the following day. This event is open to all, and admission is free, even if you’re just there to browse. There will be food trucks on site as well as live music by Duo Metamorfos. Also, you can spend a mere $10 to enter a raffle to win one of the 12×12 artworks. All money goes to support the Harwood Art Center’s arts education and community outreach programs.