Tomorrow, December 2nd, is the annual Lighting of Ledoux.
It’s a great community event that brings friends and neighbors as well as visitors from all over, together to celebrate the advent of the Winter Season in Taos. Farolitas and Luminarias (bonfires), are lit, the Plaza Christmas lights are turned on and whether there’s snow on the ground or not, it’s always a magical evening.
All along Ledoux Street, shop owners and galleries open their doors and hearts to embrace the Spirit of the Season, sharing in the Goodwill with all who enter. Bonfires are lit, warming foods and beverages are served and it’s a big street party, from the courtyard on the corner of Placitas, all the way to the Harwood Museum.
Meet up at Taos Plaza at 4:45 to lead the parade that begins at 5:00pm walking with Father Winter along Ledoux Street to The Harwood Museum of Art, where he will spend the rest of the evening hearing children’s holiday wishes.
Ledoux Street will be closed to vehicles beginning at Noon.
Stella’s will continue their tradition of serving a hot, delicious soup, while there’ll be a bonfire and hot cider at the Blumenschein House.
Black Mesa Winery will be serving samples of warm mulled wine to adults and hot cider to kids and non-drinkers, and will have live music from 5-8 pm featuring the Celtic ensemble Anam Cara. They will also be open for regular business.
Salon Marjorie will have a DJ, Julia Day., as well as a bonfire, refreshments and the staff dressed up as elves.
Finally you’ll arrive at the Harwood – in the parade to escort Father Winter handing out presents for the kids. The Casey and Nelle Mitchell Art Education Classroom will open after the Father Winter parade until 7pm. There will be seasonal art making supplies for your creative exploration, including snowflake cutting and paper chain making. Cookies and cider will be served. Members get 20% off in the Museum Store. The Museum Store has just completed a major upgrade, featuring an expanded selection of new and locally made gift items for holiday shopping.
A little bird tells me that the Waite Company (PR Firm hired by the Town of Taos ) are going all out with invited guest – Instagram Influencers/Travel writers and other Media, documenting the Festivities in hopes of generating more tourism for the occasion in years to come, no doubt. The event has been broadcast on National TV in years past, I remember watching myself and Loretta Chuzum bundled in fur jackets and hats, strolling down Ledoux in the snow (on CBS Nightly News, some years ago), but Taos is a funny place, no?
Things happen here in their own way and time it seems, Taos Time. Including the weather! That said, be sure to dress warmly – don’t let these deceptively warm days fool you; the temperature drops radically once the sun goes down – wear comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet for awhile), and bring a tote big enough to carry all the gifts and stocking stuffers you are sure to pick up along the way!
For more information on the Lighting of Ledoux, do visit the Harwood Museum’s link below this post
Also tomorrow, the Paseo Project’s (and Harwood Collections Manager), Matt Thomas and his partner, Agnes Chavez will be busy with a Pop Up Art Installation in support of Strong At Heart.
All images stock files
