After being parked last year, Carlsbad’s Christmas on the Pecos fleet is back in action for its 30th season. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will again be offering its magical boat tours up the Pecos River. These 40-minute tours depart from the Pecos River Village and take visitors through a winter wonderland. Marketed as “more than just a boat ride,” this year’s event is going to be bigger than it has ever been. For ticket information, please visit ChristmasonthePecos.com.

If you haven’t done Christmas on the Pecos for a few years, it’s time to do so again. If you have — well, we can promise you some spectacular new light arrangements. Here’s a hint — four calling birds and three French hens will be part of the new arrangement. Many thanks, as always, to our homeowners and sponsors, who work tirelessly to make Christmas on the Pecos special each year. Bring a blanket and remember that the rides are offered through December 31 (no boat tours on Christmas Eve.) In keeping with the wonderland theme, boat titles such as Forest Tire Rudolph and B & B Welding Holly cruise carolers across the chilly waters.

Special activities are also planned for each Christmas on the Pecos week this year. December 3-4 will be “Foodie Weekend” while December 10-11 will be the “BurnRite” gaming weekend, featuring video games, corn hole, and jump houses. December 17-18 activities will include a performance by Holly Tucker as part of the Wine Festival. Christmas movies will be displayed during the evening of December 25.

For many in Carlsbad, Christmas season starts with the Night of Lights (hosted by the Creative Carlsbad Arts Council) and Carlsbad MainStreet’s Electric Light Parade. Both events are planned for November 27 this year, and Carlsbad’s Halagueño Arts Park will remain a winter wonderland throughout the Christmas season. The theme for this year’s event will be National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

The Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Wine Festival is also scheduled for December 17-18 this year at the Pecos River Village Conference Center. Please visit CarlsbadChamber.com/christmas-on-the-pecos for more information on this and other Chamber events. A group of Carlsbad residents have also put together a “Hometown Holidays” page that keeps track of all upcoming events.

Many of our charities go above and beyond during the holiday season to really capture the true spirit of Christmas. Ray Anaya’s Christmas Anonymous is still to be held by members of Ray’s family — the wonderful charity puts up angel trees at the Carlsbad Mall to help provide toys for families in need. Several other charities and organizations are holding similar events to make sure that all of Carlsbad’s children receive gifts this year.

Many of our churches, dance studios, and arts organizations are planning very special events to celebrate Christmas in 2021. We will be organizing a list of all of these events and putting them on the City of Carlsbad webpage and Facebook page.

Merry Christmas to all of the residents of Southeastern New Mexico. We hope you’ll join us during many of our special celebrations in Carlsbad this season.

Dale Janway
Mayor, City of Carlsbad