UNM Gallup to Host Holiday in New Mexico Event, Lobo Lights Debut

The University of New Mexico Gallup will stage its Holiday in New Mexico celebration from 5 30 p.m. to 7 30 p.m. on Thursday, December 4 on the UNM Gallup campus, according to a UNM Gallup press notice issued by Richard Reyes. The event is the campus annual winter season tradition, bringing together luminarias, local holiday foods, student music performances and the opening reception of the Fall 2025 Fine Arts Student Show in the Ingham Chapman Gallery.

Organizers said the event will feature performances by students from Hozho Academy and Rehoboth Christian School, and will introduce a new outdoor attraction called Lobo Lights around Gurley Hall. The campus bookstore will run a sale on Lobo wear, and UNM Gallup will offer free posole and biscochitos to attendees. The combination of visual art, live music and traditional foods is intended to showcase student work while inviting broader community participation on campus.

The event notice includes parking guidance and warns that ongoing construction will limit lot availability, a practical detail for residents planning to attend from across McKinley County. Those with questions were directed to contact Richard Reyes for additional information.

Holiday in New Mexico serves both cultural and civic functions for Gallup and surrounding communities. The luminarias and traditional foods highlight regional holiday customs, while the student art show and musical performances provide a public platform for young artists and schools. By coordinating the gallery opening with an outdoor celebration, UNM Gallup is positioning the campus as a community gathering place during a busy season for schools and families.

For local residents, the event offers no cost access to food and entertainment, and an opportunity to engage with campus programming. The Lobo Lights display may also increase evening foot traffic near Gurley Hall, with potential benefits for student vendors and the campus bookstore during the sale on Lobo apparel. The construction related parking restrictions suggest attendees should plan arrival times and parking alternatives to avoid delays.

UNM Gallup has hosted Holiday in New Mexico as an annual tradition that celebrates winter holiday season practices and local holiday foods. This year the event is notable for the addition of Lobo Lights and for tying the celebration directly to the Fall 2025 Fine Arts Student Show opening, reinforcing the role of the university in promoting student work and community cultural life. Full event details are available on the UNM Gallup website and in the university press notice.