Good morning, Albuquerque.

Families in Albuquerque are celebrating the season with dazzling Christmas displays — the Bugg house at 2233 Hoffman NE lights up with 100,000 bulbs while Harper NE hosts 167 inflatables.

The displays, which run through New Year’s Eve, keep cherished local traditions alive.

New Mexico State Parks will host polar bear plunges and guided hikes at all 35 parks on Jan.

1, 2026. Locals near Eagle Nest Lake can brave chilly waters or take a nature walk at other parks to welcome the New Year with hot cocoa and treats.

On Monday night, a fire burned several tents and belongings at the Quirky Books encampment on East Central - firefighters arrived around 9 p.m. and contained the blaze before it spread further.

UNM pre-law students Mia Dragone and Elijah Cage presented on civil rights during a continuing law education discussion held earlier in December at the Albuquerque Bar Association.

UNM professor Lawrence Jones organized the event (which offered students a chance to apply classroom knowledge and build ties with legal pros).

Today, the city opened a Portland Loo at Civic Plaza (with a baby changing table and handwashing station) to serve families and people experiencing homelessness; it is the second such facility after Old Town, and a third will soon open at the transit center with federal funds.

Albuquerque OB-GYNs have struggled with rising malpractice costs over recent years, prompting some to scale back services or join hospitals.

Dr. Alana Williams stopped surgical procedures in 2024 to reduce her insurance premiums, a move that reflects concerns over maternal care access statewide.

Albuquerque’s sister city in Ukraine has launched a mobile maternity unit — designed for remote areas needing urgent care amid the ongoing war.

Local health providers are watching this tool as a potential model to ease growing maternity care deserts.

Today, the Lobos depart for Phoenix to play in the Rate Bowl as they seek a historic 10-win season and first bowl win since 2007.

They finished 9-3 overall (6-2 in conference) and remained unbeaten at home with a 25-year win over Air Force.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — African American Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet in a beautiful candlelit setting.

River of Lights

5-10 p.m. — ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden — Adults $21, Youth $12 — Experience New Mexico's largest walk-through holiday light show with dazzling displays and festive activities.

Monday Night Watch Parties at Steel Bender Brewyard

6-7:30 p.m. — Steel Bender Brewyard — Food and drink specials available — Enjoy live NFL action with giveaways and great food.

Midland Concert

6:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Route 66 Casino Hotel — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the energetic sounds of Midland this New Year's Eve.

Albuquerque Career Fair

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North — Free entry — Meet live with hiring employers and explore career opportunities.

Gene Simmons Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Backstage at Revel — Ticketed event — Experience an unforgettable live performance by the legendary Gene Simmons.

International District Book Group

5-6:30 p.m. — International District Library — Free entry — Engage in lively discussions about inclusive YA books with diverse characters and themes.