Celebrate a Traditional New Mexico Christmas New Mexico State Monuments Light the Way (Santa Fe, New Mexico) - The state’s monuments tell a unique story about New Mexico’s history and culture. In December three illuminate the season in their distinctive way celebrating the state’s rich traditions. The first two monuments are a short drive from Santa Fe and Albuquerque. CHRISTMAS AT KUAUA Coronado State Monument, Bernalillo, NM Sunday, December 4, 5-8:30 p.m. So close to Albuquerque yet a place rooted in pre-history, holiday visitors will get into the spirit with an evening designed for family fun. Hundreds of flickering luminarias and thousands of Christmas lights cast their welcoming glow around the Coronado State Monument. Activities start at 5:30 p.m. with Santa’s Workshop: children, assisted by a few kindly elves, will have an opportunity to make their own Christmas tree ornament. At 6:30 p.m. the Friends of Coronado State Monument will sponsor a program of music, traditional Pueblo dancing, and Native American storytelling, with free refreshments. There is no better way to celebrate the season than a large bonfire to warm chilly hands (weather permitting), eat biscochitos, and drink hot apple cider. For more information the public may call 505-867-5351. Free Admission. LIGHT AMONG THE RUINS: CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Jemez State Monument, Jemez Springs, NM Saturday, December 10, 5-9 p.m. With one of the most beautiful prehistoric and historic sites in the Southwest as a backdrop, the ruins of Giusewa Pueblo and San José de los Jémez Mission Church will be decorated with hundreds of traditional luminarias. The evening’s program will include traditional Native American flute music and Jémez Pueblo dancers’ performance between two illuminating bonfires, and free refreshments. The village of Jémez Springs Park holiday festivities are on the same evening with free horse-drawn wagon rides available to the Monument. For more information the public may call 575-829-3530. Free Admission. LUMINARIA TOUR Fort Selden State Monument, Radium Springs, NM Saturday, December 10, 5-9 pm History buffs will enjoy visiting with soldiers (living history re-enactors) who set up camp for this event. Warm cider will be served from their camp fires and at a chuck wagon other free refreshments may be had. Listen to stories about this long abandoned fort. More than camp fires light up the evening, enjoy the spectacle of one thousand luminarias. For more information the public may call 575-526-8911. Free Admission. More information on the New Mexico State Monuments may be found at www.nmmonuments.org