The Village of Madrid will kick off its annual Christmas celebration Saturday, Dec. 6, continuing a tradition that dates back more than a century to the town’s coal mining days.
The daylong event will feature live entertainment, a community art show, holiday shopping and the traditional Christmas parade down Main Street, organizers said. The celebration culminates with the lighting of the town at 4 p.m., following the parade.
“Each year, Christmas in Madrid attracts thousands of visitors eager to explore our village community,” according to the Madrid Business Alliance, which hosts the event.
Entertainment begins at noon and runs through 4 p.m., featuring musical acts and street performers. From 3 to 6 p.m., KMRD radio will hold its third annual community art show fundraiser, selling radio-inspired ornaments and hanging pieces to benefit the station.
Local businesses will offer activities and entertainment throughout the day and evening.
The Christmas lighting tradition began in the early 1900s, when Madrid’s coal mining company created a massive electrified light display to boost worker morale. The display earned the town the nickname “Christmas City” and drew visitors from across the country to view the incandescent bulbs and illuminated wooden cutouts.
The celebration ended when the mine and town closed in 1956. Artists who moved into the abandoned town in the mid-1970s revived the tradition and parade.
Parking will be available at the ballpark. Additional holiday activities are planned throughout December.
Santa Fe County is the lead sponsor, with Mad Antiquer serving as a major sponsor.
More information is available at visitmadridnm.com or on the Visit Madrid New Mexico Facebook page.