Valencia County News-Bulletin

12/11/2025

There were lots of celebrations to kick off the Holiday Season last week in the area, beginning w/ the Valencia County Tree Lighting ceremony and ending with the Los Lunas Christmas Parade. Click the link to see out online photo collection now!

There were plenty of celebration to kick off the Holiday Season last week in Valencia County, beginning with the Valencia County Tree Lighting ceremony in Los Lunas, followed by the

12/11/2025

A LOOK BACK: Courtesy of the Valencia County Historical Society.

12/10/2025

🎅📬 Santa’s Mailbox is OPEN on Becker Avenue! 📬🎅

It’s that magical time of year! Families are invited to drop off their letters to Santa in the bright red mailbox on Becker Ave., right across from City Hall.

To make sure Santa’s helpers can send a reply, please include a clearly written mailing address inside the letter. ✉️✨
🎄 Deadline: All letters must be received by December 17th to guarantee a response from the North Pole!

Let’s keep the holiday spirit alive in Belen—happy writing, kiddos! ❤️💚

12/10/2025

12/09/2025

There are still plenty of holiday events coming up this month, so be sure to check out what’s happening in your community!

Tree lighting, Santa is Coming to Town
The village of Los Lunas, along with Santa Claus, will hold its annual tree lighting from 5-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at Daniel Fernandez Memorial Park, 1103 N.M. 314. Join in for a free stocking, hot dogs, fire pits and s’mores, movies and more.

Cops for Tots in Belen
The Belen Police Department is hosting its annual Cops for Tots. The event is from 4-7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12, at the Belen Community Center for an evening of smiles and surprises.

Paws & Claus Market adoption event
Paws & Claus Holiday Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., Saturday, Dec. 13, at 424 Becker Ave. Get ready for a day of holiday magic and heartwarming moments on Becker Avenue in Belen. Meet adorable adoptables, shop festive local vendors and help give rescued pets the gift of second chances this holiday season. From purrs to puppy kisses, it’s the perfect way to celebrate love, joy and community spirit.

Miracle on Main Street
The city of Belen will hold its annual Miracle on Main Street event on Saturday, Dec. 13. The outdoor Christmas Craft Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Becker Avenue. Shop local at the craft fair, grab a bite from food vendors, and stay for the sparkling evening parade at 6 p.m., filled with lights, music and community spirit. The parade will begin at Main Street and Camino del Llano and go north on Main, ending at Aragon Road.

The gift of infusion
The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a hands-on infusion class, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at its offices, 404 Courthouse Road, Los Lunas. This Christmas, give the gift of flavor by creating gourmet treats like compote butter, black garlic salt and herb oil, plus plenty of other delicious ideas perfect for gifting or enjoying at home. The class is $5. Call 505-565-3002 by Thursday, Dec. 11 to pay and RSVP.

“Spread” the cheer: Holiday jam workshop
The Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service is hosting a joyful Christmas jam class from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Rio Communities Makers’ Space, 360 Rio Communities Blvd. This hands-on workshop is perfect for all ages and makes for a delightful holiday activity, resulting in your own jar of delicious cheer to take home. The class is $5. Call 505-565-3002 by Thursday, Dec. 11, to pay and RSVP.

Valencia County Sheriff’s Toyland
The Valencia County Sheriff’s Office is once again sponsoring its Sheriff’s Toyland. The event will take place from 5:30-8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, at the Valencia County Administration Building, 444 Luna Ave., Los Lunas.

12/09/2025

The Rio Communities City Council meeting is recessed until 6 pm, Monday, Dec. 15, due to lack of a quorum. Two council members were not in attendance.

12/09/2025

People & Places: Big Red, Bravey and Jill

As the calendar flips from one month to the next, we make note of milestones that have impacted our lives over the years and decades.

12/08/2025

Registration is required so the correct amount of food can be prepared. Limited seating! Child MUST be registered and present to receive a Christmas stockings Register using the link below or QR code in the image!

********IMPORTANT UPDATE: ALL spots have been filled, registration is now closed!! ********

Registration is required so we can determine how much food to prepare. Limited seating! Child MUST be registered and present to receive a Christmas stockings (NO EXCEPTIONS). Register using the link or QR code!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWYLNJQovbRPofrvfaSgD72iu_rlmdXHq-Alyipi9VbD1w7Q/viewform?usp=header

Es necesario registrarse para determinar la cantidad de comida que se preparará. El niño DEBE estar registrado y presente para recibir sus calcetines navideños. (SIN EXCEPCIONES) ¡Regístrese usando el enlace o el código QR!

12/08/2025

🚨 TRAFFIC UPDATE – BOSQUE FARMS BLVD & N. BOSQUE LOOP 🚨
Bixbyelectric will be working on the traffic lights at the Bosque Farms Boulevard and N. Bosque Loop intersection this week as they replace aging electrical wiring.

🚨 TRAFFIC UPDATE – BOSQUE FARMS BLVD & N. BOSQUE LOOP 🚨

Bixbyelectric will be working on the traffic lights at the Bosque Farms Boulevard and N. Bosque Loop intersection this week as they replace aging electrical wiring.

Construction Schedule:
Monday–Friday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

During these hours, the intersection will operate as a four-way stop for the safety of workers and drivers.

Please use caution, allow extra time for travel, and follow all posted signs. Thank you for your patience as this necessary maintenance is completed.

— Bosque Farms Police Department

12/08/2025

Come join us for our holiday concerts!

12/07/2025

This month's Asked & Answered features Kassandra Baca, an educator at Infinity High School with Belen Consolidated Schools who has been dubbed the “chaos coordinator" by her colleagues at Infinity High School. More on Kassandra at news-bulletin.com!

While Kassandra Baca has been an educator at Infinity High School with Belen Consolidated Schools for 12 years, her coworkers have simply dubbed her the “chaos coordinator.”