2 minute read
Light & Warmth
from Taos Aglow 2022
By Cindy Brown
Light in the darkness and warmth in the cold: these are some of the comforts we seek as humans when winter arrives. Light and warmth are also the themes of colorful upcoming holiday celebrations in Taos. This year, the holiday season kicks off with a festive outdoor event that combines the Yuletide Tree Lighting on Taos Plaza and Lighting Ledoux. The tree lighting on the plaza begins at 4 p.m. with speakers and entertainment and an appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, along with the Grinch. The tree lighting itself is scheduled for about 5:30 p.m. This is the 36th year of the annual tree lighting. Mayor Pascual Maestas and the Town Council will welcome the community as the plaza is transformed into a winter wonderland. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served. After the tree lighting, the party moves to historic Ledoux Street around where galleries, shops and museums will be welcoming everyone with bonfires and treats. “By combining the events, we hope to fill downtown with lots of family-friendly holiday cheer,” says Gwendolyn Fernandez, one of the event coordinators from the Harwood Museum. The community has gathered in early December to celebrate Lighting Ledoux for more than 20 years. There are bonfires for warmth and roasting marshmallows. Cider, cookies and other treats are served, and the air is filled with the songs of holiday carolers. Ledoux is lined with farolitos that illuminate the way as friends and family stroll the street under starlit skies.
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Light & Warmth
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Some of the buildings on Ledoux Street were first constructed in the mid-1700s. The street was named for Antonine Ledoux, a French trapper who settled in the area about 1844. The lights of the bonfires and farolitos cast shadows on the thick adobe walls, creating a memorable setting for this holiday tradition. At the Hardwood Museum, there will be crafts for kids in the Fern Hogue Mitchell Education Center, and the museum will be open so everyone can visit the new exhibits: “Outriders: Legacy of the Black Cowboy” and “William Herbert ‘Buck’ Dunton: A Mainer Goes West.” At the Blumenschein Museum, there will be a bonfire in the courtyard and apple cider will be served. Salon Marjorie is planning an outdoor fire, along with Aveda comforting tea, homemade biscochitos and Marjorie’s famous magical brew made from a secret recipe. Elves will welcome shoppers into the store to look for holiday gifts and there may be music, too. Many other galleries and shops will be open offering a variety of entertainment and fun. Attending this festive evening is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Everyone is invited. The events are free.
Event Details
FRIDAY, DEC. 2, beginning at 4 p.m. on Taos Plaza Tree lighting at Taos Plaza, followed by events on Ledoux Street
