Noche De Luces: Casa San Ysidro lights up the night

CORRALES — A moonlit stroll guided by luminarias and holiday lights was just the thing to offset the freezing temperatures Dec. 4.

Noche De Luces, commonly known as the “Night of Lights,” was cold but picturesque Thursday night at Casa San Ysidro during its 150th year in Corrales.

Site Manager Aaron Gardner said it was the first time the event had been held since 2013.

“This was sort of requested by a lot of the docents and some in the community, but it’s a chance to see the museum at night,” he said.

He said due to lack of proper management, the event went on hiatus.

Aside from the lights, including a supermoon that night, the museum also had a tin activity, a corn doll activity and hot cider to warm the guests up.

One guest mentioned the event used to include a bonfire and was held more regularly. Gardner added that people were pleased with its return and were interested in seeing the house at night. The event is the only time people get to do so.

“We’ve had a lot of really positive feedback. It’s a free event, so we’re not charging anybody, and it’s the only time we set up like holiday decorations, too,” he said.

Despite the 12-year pause, Gardner said the museum plans to hold it annually from now on at around the same time of year.