New Mexico MainStreet (NMMS) kicked off the annual "Shop MainStreet" Campaign to help local communities develop Shop Local strategies to bring more people downtown for the holidays. Shop MainStreet builds awareness of the quality services and retail businesses in New Mexico’s MainStreet districts. We know that dollars spent with locally-owned businesses recirculate in the community more than dollars spent in large chain or big box stores.
NMMS has 30 MainStreet Communities throughout the state, many who offer special Shop MainStreet events, such as fun Holiday Open Houses, festive Holiday Parades, visits with Santa Claus, and special markets and gatherings that bring people into the districts.
The Shop MainStreet Campaign connects seasonal events and activities with commerce for local businesses in the districts, highlighting the special holiday sales and offers available downtown. Many MainStreet districts feature holiday decorations that create a festive feeling for holiday shoppers.
Check out special holiday posters and events that feature the Shop MainStreet logo. And remember to Shop MainStreet. This year's Shop MainStreet Campaign provides tools for you to create unique and engaging events in time for the holiday shopping season. The Shop MainStreet Campaign includes a Shop MainStreet Holiday Poster, Campaign Kit for marketing and promotion your seasonal events, and Listing of Holiday Events.
Why Shop MainStreet First?
- The brick and mortar small business owners in our community represent the backbone of our local economy. The people who own and operate businesses downtown have deep community roots. They sit next to us at athletic events, coach our kids, and volunteer in our churches and charities.
- Local businesses generate local jobs. Income to those businesses is returned in the form of salaries, which are spent locally as well. Don’t forget all the youth team sponsorships, raffle items, high school scholarships and other investments in our community that are made by local business owners. They contribute because they care.
- Growth is cyclical. Each time money is spent at locally-owned businesses, more money is available to support other local businesses such as retail stores, movie theaters, auto repair shops, restaurants, health services, etc., and more local jobs are created.
- Shopping MainStreet is pro-business. It's a great way to support small business owners — both long-term and new businesses. Whether they are mom and pop coffee shops or locally owned franchises, small businesses are the heart of our communities.
- Shopping MainStreet is a great way to reinvest into your community. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent locally, $68 stays local. For every $100 spent at a national chain store, only $43 stays local. The bottom line… shopping MainStreet will keep more of your money in your community.
- Shopping MainStreet supports local resources. Each time money is spent and re-spent, your city tax base is strengthened to support city resources such as schools, parks, police and fire departments.
- By Shopping MainStreet you help build your local economy… and improve the quality of life in your community!
ALBUQUERQUE – DOWNTOWN
Downtown Growers’ Winter Market
Saturday December 8, 2018, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Come join the Downtown Growers’ Market for a Winter Market extension. Taking place at Fusion Theater (700-708 1st St. NW), where you can find fresh local produce, local artisan gifts, hot prepared food and drink and more! Enjoy a festive holiday atmosphere while shopping with your favorite vendors.
Information: Liz Skinner, Market Manager, (505) 252.2959, market@abqmainstreet.org
Railyards Market
December 14-16, 2018, Noon–4:00 PM
The Holiday Market will take place over three days this year: Friday-Sunday! Keep it local for the Holidays, enjoy a historic experience, and discover local small businesses. Nearly 200 vendors of made-from-scratch delicious food and quality handmade crafts for the 4th annual Holiday Market. The event is co-presented by the Downtown Growers' and Rail Yards Markets. Sample New Mexico's finest cuisine, peruse local gifts, have fun in the Children’s’ zone, participate in the famous Ornament Exchange, and give back to the community at the Donation Station.
Information: Amy Jones, Asst. Manager (505) 600.1109, railyardsmarket@gmail.com, www.RailYardsMarket.org
ALBUQUERQUE – NOB HILL
Deck the Hill
December 6, 13, and 21, 2018, 5:00-10:00 PM nightly
Themes: December 6 – Light it Up!
December 13 – Give it Back
December 21- Eat it Up, Drink it Down
Special activities each week celebrating and supporting our community. Don’t miss the tree lighting on Dec. 6 at 6:30 PM.
Information: Omega Delgado, (505) 923.0859, nobhillabqmainstreet@gmail.com, www.nobhillmainstreet.org
BELEN
Bugg Light Display at the Harvey House
November 24, 2018 for 30 nights – nightly 5:00–8:30 PM
Join us for a beautiful light display every evening free to the community.
FARMINGTON
Reindeer Romp & North Pole Stroll
December 15, 2018, Saturday, 4:00–6:00 PM
This is a family-friendly event with activities such as children's winter carnival games, holiday music, hot chocolate and apple cider, cookies, and a chance to meet Santa! Register online. Registration is not available on race day.
Information: Natalie Spruell, (505) 599.1184, www.fmtn.org.
LAS CRUCES
Winterfest
December 21, 2018, Friday, 6:00–9:00 PM
Winterfest is a small community event to encourage patrons to come down to Main Street during the holiday season. Food trucks, tons of vendors for last minute shopping, photos with Santa in exchange for canned goods/gloves/socks/flashlight donations. Bring the whole family and head downtown for this awesome holiday event!
Chile Drop
December 31, Monday, 8:00 PM–1:00 AM
Chile Drop is a premier New Year’s Eve Party in New Mexico. The Las Cruces Chile Drop takes place at Plaza de Las Cruces. It is a night time outdoor celebration with live music, special guests and entertainment. Full countdown to midnight where we drop the Chile (and find out if it's Red or Green).
Information: Jennifer Kozlowski, (575) 525.1955, director@dlcp.org, www.downtownlascruces.org
LAS VEGAS
Holiday Home Tour
December 7, 2018, Friday, 5:00–9:00PM
Sponsored by Las Vegas Citizens’ Committee for Historic Preservation Tickets are $15, contact (505) 425.8803 or lvhsitoric@gmail.com.
Electric Light Parade
December 1, 2018, Saturday, starts at dusk or 6:00 PM
Theme: A Rocking Merry Christmas.
Information: Virginia Marrujo or Angie Lyster, (505) 425.1401, www.lasvegasnm.gov.
LOS ALAMOS
Winterfest and Holiday Lights Parade
December 7–9, 2018
WinterFest Weekend is a family-oriented holiday event that celebrates winter in Los Alamos. A number of businesses and organizations host events including the North Pole Workshop and Breakfast with Santa. The Fuller Lodge Open House and the Earth Treasure Show always draw crowds. Weekend highlights include The MainStreet Holiday Lights Parade on December 8 at 6 PM, followed by the Tree Lighting at Ashley Pond.
Information: Lauren McDaniel, (505) 661.4844, lauren@losalamos.org. www.losalamosmainstreet.com
LOVINGTON
Love Lovington
December 6, 2018, Thursday, All-Day
Regular business hours
This is the final cash mob for the year. We will feature Drylands Brewing and the Country Store Quilt Shop. In exchange for advertisements, businesses are offering specials and discounts.
Information: Mara Salcido-Alcantar, (575) 396.1418, director@lovingtonmainstreet.org, www.lovingtonmainstreet.org
LORDSBURG (Frontier Community)
Light Parade & Moonlight Madness
December 7, 2018 at 6:00 PM, Friday
An annual event held the first Friday of December. The beautiful light parade features floats with simple to elaborate designs that illuminate the streets. Businesses stay open later and promote shopping local.
Information: Marsha Hill (575) 542.9864, lordsburgcoc@gilanet.com; www.lordsburghildagocounty.net.
RATON
“Shop Local” Receipt Saver Program
November 23–December 31, 2018
Local Shoppers save their receipts and for every $50 spent locally they are entered for a chance to win big prizes.
Information: Brenda Ferri, (575) 445.2052, bferri@ratonmainstreet.org, www.ratonmainstreet.org
ROSWELL
First Friday Downtown Market – “Merry & Bright”
December 7, 2018, Friday
Specials and sales all day long. Music at Reischman 5:00-8:00 PM. Join the merchants for special offers, sales, and activities. In December, there will be musicians performing holiday music at Reischman Park, the trees along Main Street will be decorated with thousands of LED lights, some merchants will have holiday snacks and craft activities, and it will be a wonderful chance to enjoy a beautiful holiday evening in Downtown Roswell.
TAOS
Bent Street Bonfires
December 8, 2018, Saturday, 4:00–6:00 PM
Bonfires to warm you, farolitos, luminaries, Aztec Dancers, carolers, and refreshments, with some shops serving posole, green chile, enchiladas and cookies for everyone outdoors at John Dunn Shops and on Bent Street.
New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Plaza
December 31, 2018, Monday, 7:00–10:00 PM
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Mayor’s Pig Roast
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live Music with Michael Hearne and Out of Nowhere
9:00 PM Balloon Release
10:00 PM video wall live simulcast of NYC ball drop followed by the Taos Volunteer Fire Department Fireworks Display. Snow or Shine. This is a non-alcohol, family-friendly event.
Information: Karina Armijo, (575) 737.5849, aarmijo@taosgov.com, www.taos.org
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
Old-Fashioned Christmas
December 7, 2018, Friday, 6:00–8:30 PM
Children of all ages gather in downtown Truth or Consequences to take in the holiday festivities. It begins at Evelyn Renfro Park with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and is followed by the Parade of Lights. Pictures with Santa, holiday shopping, fire barrels, caroling, dancing, and more.
New Year’s Eve Party
December 31, 2018, Sunday, 7:00 PM
Celebrate the New Year with music from the 24/7 Blues Band. Dancing, champagne toast, auction and the all-important midnight countdown!
Information: Linda DeMarino, (575) 740.6180, ldemarino@hotmail.com, www.torcmainstreet.org