In this Dec. 5, 2024, photo, a luminaria bag shines in front of Gurley Hall while the large UNM letters in front of the Student Services & Technology Center twinkle in the background during Holiday in New Mexico at ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup.
ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup to host Holiday in New Mexico event Dec. 4
Categories: Students Faculty Staff Community
Annual event features traditions such as luminarias, posole, biscochitos and more for community
By Richard Reyes, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025
GALLUP, N.M. — ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup will host its annual Holiday in New Mexico event, featuring luminarias, biscochitos, student art and more, including the introduction of a new attraction known as Lobo Lights, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
Holiday in New Mexico is an annual tradition for the ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup branch campus that celebrates the winter holiday season in true Land of Enchantment fashion. The event coincides with the opening reception of the Fall 2025 Fine Arts Student Show inside the Ingham Chapman Gallery.
ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup has also confirmed a special headline musical performance by Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer and educator Delbert Anderson & Friends. Anderson will perform alongside local musicians Jon Iralu on piano, Greg Cavanaugh on bass, and Pat Neff on drums.
This year’s event will feature familiar traditions such as luminarias displayed in front of Gurley Hall and a giant Christmas tree inside the Gurley Hall Commons.
The Fall 2025 Fine Arts Student Show will showcase small metals, Navajo weavings, ceramics, paintings and drawings all done by ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup art students.
In this Dec. 5, 2024, photo, guests pick out free books from the Zollinger Library booth during Holiday in New Mexico at ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup.
Several ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup units will have booths during the event featuring a variety of family-friendly games, crafts and activities.
Santa Claus is expected to make a grand entrance in front of Gurley Hall atop a fire truck provided by the Gallup Fire Department around 5:30 p.m. at the start of the event. Santa will be available for visits and photos with guests inside the Gurley Hall Commons.
During the event, guests will be treated to free bowls of chicken posole made by Southwest Food Excellence as well as free biscochitos, the official state cookie of New Mexico, made by 4 Your Plate Only.
The ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup Admissions team will treat visitors to free hot cocoa, too.
ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup will introduce a new attraction this year known as Lobo Lights, which is an outdoor display of lighted decorations in the patio and walkway areas surrounding Gurley Hall.
The ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup Bookstore will be open during the event with a 35% off sale on Lobo wear, plus some free activities for guests. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase too.
In this Dec. 5, 2024, photo, two young guests pose for a photo with Santa Claus during Holiday in New Mexico at ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup.
ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup would like to thank the local Home Depot, Walmart and Pepsi Co. in Gallup for making generous donations to this year’s event.
Holiday in New Mexico is free and open to the public. ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup’s Gurley Hall is located at 705 Gurley Ave.
Parking in front of Gurley Hall is expected to be limited due to ongoing construction. Guests are encouraged to find parking in other lots on campus. Overflow parking will also be available near the Bright Futures Childcare Center.
For more information about Holiday in New Mexico, please contact ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup Sr. Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes at 505-863-7542 or richardreyes12@unm.edu.
In this Dec. 5, 2024, photo, a young guest with his face painted colors a giant poster during Holiday in New Mexico at ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup.
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ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½ - Gallup
705 Gurley Ave.
Gallup, NM 87301
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