Snow spotted at the tree lighting in Bernalillo

BERNALILLO- The town of Bernalillo held its annual tree lighting Dec. 5 at Bernalillo City Hall.

"It's a good way to kick off the holiday season for the town," said Christina Jones, economic and community development director. "The community loves to get together and mingle."

A ton of families were in attendance for music, hot chocolate and some of Town Clerk Ida Fierro's famous biscochitos.

"She makes all the biscochitos for tonight and for tomorrow's parade," Jones said, who also mentioned that Bernalillo's tree lighting and holiday parade are the longest-running traditions in the state.

It was also a bit of a Winter Wonderland as a snow machine brought in some more holiday cheer.

As the celebration roared on, kids played in the fake snow as others used it as a backdrop for some pictures.

The tree was in honor of the late Dale Prairie, who was a Bernalillo councilman from 1994 to 2024.

"It was covered right, and so when we unveiled it, it was just a tear-jerker. It's his legacy that I have to carry on, and I think I am doing a pretty good job right now," said City Councilor Gerred Prairie.

In front of the tree was a picture of Dale Prairie in honor of his memory.

"I took my dad's spot a year ago when my dad passed away — one of the longest city councilmen that the town has ever had," Gerred Prairie said.

The festivities did not end Friday night, and the next day, Bernalillo held its annual Nighttime Christmas Parade which will start at Loretto Park, and end at Rotary Park.