ALAMOSA — The holiday season always signals an abundance of fun stuff going on, and 2024 in the San Luis Valley is no exception. What follows is a glimpse of some of the happenings coming up this weekend. 

On Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., the people of Alamosa and surrounding communities are invited to the (always a favorite every year) St. Nick at the Bricks, held at the Alamosa High School Stadium. There will be free (excellent) posole, (best-ever) biscochitos, (required every Christmas) hot cocoa and (of course) candy canes as well as free craft activities, selfies with Santa, holiday music and more! 

The event is hosted by the Alamosa Alumni Association along with Maroon Pride, AHS Student Council, Ef's Restaurant and the 5 Star Riders Car Club. 

So, wear a warm coat, bring your appetite and join these fine folks for an evening of holiday cheer and good tidings. Donations for the Alumni Association food drive, coat drive and toy drive will also be accepted and appreciated that evening.  

On Friday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Sacred Heart Holiday Bazaar will be held once again. No holiday season is complete without the Sacred Heart Holiday Bazaar that will be held in Faistl Hall featuring homemade crafts and goods from the church parishioners. Sacred Heart is located at 715 Fourth Street in Alamosa. 

The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce Holiday Bazaar is happening from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8 at the Ski-Hi Complex. In true holiday bazaar fashion, there will be crafts and gifts and food plus a visit with (who else) Santa. Not to be out done, the Grinch will be there, too, hanging out Grinch-style in Gingerbread Land. The Ski-Hi Complex is located at 2335 Sherman Ave. in Monte Vista. 

Things really get going in the evening of Friday, Dec. 6, when, at 5:30 p.m., the City of Alamosa kicks off the holiday season with First Fridays “Shine Bright & Shop Small.” This festive (and memorable) evening begins at City Hall (300 Hunt Ave.) with the magical Celebration of Lights Ceremony, including a live performance by Matt Wellman and sweet treats plus a countdown to the official shine bright and light up the night lighting ceremony.  

After the ceremony, the community is invited to get in touch with their inner strutter and join a procession through downtown that’s led by the Alamosa High School Drumline and Color Guard plus the Ortega Middle School choir. The drumline is guaranteed to inject their wonderful energy and flair into the experience while the choir will lead caroling at stops along Main Street. 

And, yes, there’s more. 

The second holiday market will be held at Milagros Coffee Shop (State Avenue and Main Street) featuring some of the most unique, handmade gifts to be found anywhere made by 16 talented local artisans. Not only is this the perfect opportunity to get that gift that will be truly unique, it’s also a chance to support the small businesses and local artists who are the lifeblood of Alamosa culture. 

There will also be decorated trees (18 in all) that have been adorned with ornaments and lights by Alamosa businesses and community organizations. First ballots for favorite trees can be cast Friday night by folks attending the events. 

And to top it all off, there will be additional festivities, including live music by Corey and the Contradictions at Friar’s Fork and exclusive First Fridays deals and pop-ups at participating businesses. 

And for those who might be looking for a different kind of entertainment, Adams State University is putting on a production of the play “Christmastown: A Holiday Noir.” The playbill says it like it is in declaring that “laughter is the best gift this holiday season!” The play starts at 7:30 p.m. with the price of admission set at $13. There is also a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets to the production can be purchased by going to www.adams.edu/academics/undergraduate/theatre/purchase-tickets/.