Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Carlsbad! December is full of festive activities and community celebrations. From seasonal events around town to family-friendly fun, there’s plenty to enjoy this month. We encourage everyone to take part in the holiday spirit and make the most of the season with friends and family
The Cavern Theatre is showing a special lineup of holiday movies, and we’re proud to recognize our Employees of the Month, nominated by their supervisors for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts help keep our city running smoothly and make Carlsbad a great place to live. Thank you for supporting the programs and people who make our community strong and connected.
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Past Event Photos
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Dear Neighbors & Friends:
A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Merry Christmas! This holiday season is off to a bright start here in Carlsbad. Our annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Halagueno Arts Park was a wonderful success, and I would like to thank everyone who helped make the evening such a special celebration for our community. Families filled the park, enjoying warm drinks, crafts, music, and the lighting of our grand Christmas tree. The turnout was incredible, and it was great to see so many residents come together to welcome the season
I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who played a role in this year ’ s Christmas KickOff. Carlsbad MainStreet did an outstanding job organizing the Christmas Kick-Off and the annual Electric Light Parade, bringing life and excitement to our downtown We are also grateful that MainStreet expanded all the fun festivities to the Eddy County Courthouse Lawn this year. This helped create a warm and festive atmosphere for families of all ages A special thank-you goes to First American Bank for generously sponsoring the free hot cocoa.
The Cavern Theatre added to the magic by showing The Polar Express, which matched this year ’ s parade theme, and we appreciate Eddy County for purchasing the film so it could be offered free to the community. Murrill Electric did an outstanding job lighting the Halagueno Arts Park and our beautiful Christmas tree, creating a cheerful glow that will continue throughout the month We also want to recognize our City of Carlsbad River Walk Recreation Crew for setting up the event and running the crafts table and cake walk. And finally, thank you to our Streets, Facility Maintenance, Safety, Solid Waste, Parks, and Police Departments for their hard work ensuring a safe and successful celebration.
The Electric Light Parade was another highlight this year, with many creative floats and an incredible number of participants. The community spirit on display was truly inspiring, and we are grateful to everyone who participated. The Halagueno Arts Park will remain illuminated throughwww cityofcarlsbadnm
out the month, and we encourage families to stop by, take photos, and enjoy the festive displays throughout December.
Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming Cavemen Strong event on December 4, hosted by Ricardo Garcia and his wife, Bellzora This annual tradition celebrates dedication, leadership, and service across our community. We look forward to recognizing this year ’ s honorees, including Frances McCoy, Frankie Davis, Maria Badgett, Hanli Norman, Lyliana Cota, Abby Huston, Zadoc Campbell, Matthew Dawson, Albert Castillo, and Garrett Silva.
As colder weather settles in, we want to remind everyone to keep your pets warm and protected by bringing them indoors whenever possible We also encourage residents to use heaters safely and responsibly within their homes to help prevent accidents and ensure a safe winter season for everyone This newsletter includes some helpful safety tips you can follow
I wish each of you a warm, joyful, and peaceful Christmas season surrounded by loved ones.
Sincerely,
CarlsbadMayorRickLopez
Email: mayor office@cityofcarlsbadnm com
Phone: (575) 887-1191
Finally, we are proud to share that the City is working closely with Eddy County on a new housing project. We recognize that access to housing is one of the most important needs in a growing community, and it remains a top priority for us Carlsbad continues to grow at a steady and healthy pace, and to support this growth, we must ensure that families, workers, and newcomers have a safe and affordable place to call home Expanding housing options helps support local jobs, strengthens our economy, and keeps our community moving forward. We look forward to sharing more details as this project develops www cityofcarlsbadnm com
DECEMBER
Which “December character” are you this year?
Choose your December “spirit snack” (New Mexico edition):
Who embodies your holiday spirit:
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
The Employee Spotlight highlights hardworking City of Carlsbad employees who go above and beyond in serving our community. It’s a way for supervisors and managers to recognize their teams and share the great work happening behind the scenes.
NAOMI CASTILLO - LEGAL DEPARTMENT
Naomi has been an essential part of the City of Carlsbad’s Legal Department, where she goes the extra mile every day to keep up with the fast pace of the office. She consistently manages a heavy workload and does so with a positive attitude that lifts the entire team.
JALYNN DOMINGUEZ - CLERKS DEPARTMENT
The City Clerk’s Office is excited to recognize Jalynn Dominguez, our Open Meetings Act Manager, for her exceptional dedication and leadership! Jalynn has successfully overseen the implementation of two crucial software systems: Tyler Content Manager Enterprise and CivicPlus Agenda & Meeting Management, all while ensuring the city remains compliant with the Open Meetings Act. Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy are vital in upholding the transparency and integrity of the city’s public processes.
Jalynn consistently goes above and beyond in her role. She works diligently to ensure that our community receives clear, timely, and accurate information that meets state requirements. She exemplifies k b A requests, coordinating travel arrangements for ng assistance whenever needed.
In her free time, Jalynn enjoys golfing and cheering on her son at his sporting events, demonstrating her passion and support both inside and outside the office. Her dedication, collaborative spirit, and positive energy make a significant impact every day, and we are incredibly grateful to have her on our team!
Pets of the Month Pets of the Month
Meet the adorable pets of our C
Name: Bluey
Pawrent: CPD SROs
Bluey is located in the SRO office at Carlsbad High School
She likes to play fetch but she doesn t
Name: Hunter aka “Cheeto”
Pawrent: Chelsea Warner Hunter loves to go to the Carlsbad Lake for unlimited ball throws in the lake, and also loves sticking his head out of the sunroof during car rides
Tues. December 2nd:
Carlsbad Literacy
Wed. December 3rd:
DECEMBER EVENTS AND DATES
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool
Story Time
Carlsbad Public Library LEGO Time
Thurs. December 4th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
SENM Homeschool Info Night
SENMC Trail Group
Carlsbad Literacy
Fri. December 5th:
Story Time at the Living Desert Zoo
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe
Mountain Brewing Company
Sat. December 6th:
Holiday Jeep Bash
Holiday Craft Show Living Desert
Zoo and Garden State Park
McCoy's Ornament Painting
Mon. December 8th:
CHS 4 Annual Polar Express
Winterfest th
Tues. December 9th:
Carlsad Public Library Toddler Time
The Spanish Conversation Group
Holly Jolly Book Vase Program at the
Carlsbad Public Library
Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing
Carlsbad Literacy
Wed. December 10th:
Carlsbad Public Library Preschool
Story Time
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
Thurs. December 11th:
Carlsbad Public Library Baby Time
Carlsbad Literacy
Fri. December 12th:
A Brief History of Christmas Music with Andy Mason at the Carlsbad Public Library
Fri. December 12th:
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe
Mountain Brewing Company
“Christmas Belles” at the Carlsbad
Community Theater
Sat. December 13th:
“Christmas Belles” at the Carlsbad
Community Theater
Sun. December 14th:
Carlsbad Public Library STEM Club
“Christmas Belles” at the Carlsbad
Community Theater
Tues. December 16th:
Carlsbad Literacy
Wed. December 17th:
Carlsbad Public Library Lego Time
Brews & Books at Milton’s Brewing
Thurs. December 18th:
Carlsbad Literacy
Fri. December 19th:
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe
Mountain Brewing Company
Fri. December 19th Continued:
“Christmas Belles” at the Carlsbad Community Theater
Tues. December 23rd:
Trivia Night at Milton’s Brewing
Wed. December 24th:
City of Carlsbad CLOSED
Thurs. December 25th:
City of Carlsbad CLOSED
Fri. December 26th:
Karaoke/Open Mic at Guadalupe
Mountain Brewing Company
For more information regarding any of these events or others please visit the official City Events Calander.
DOWN:
A warm, sweet winter drink enjoyed with whipped cream or marshmallows.
A decorative item hung on a Christmas tree, ranging from shiny spheres to handmade keepsakes.
The jingling holiday sound associated with Santa’s sleigh.
The jolly man in a red suit who travels the world delivering gifts.
A cozy spot where families gather and stockings are hung.
The animals that pull Santa’s sleigh.
ACCROSS:
A festive sock hung on a mantle or wall and filled with small gifts or treats.
The tradition of singing Christmas songs door-to-door or in groups to spread holiday cheer.
The decorated evergreen centerpiece of many homes during the holidays.
A delicate winter ice crystal that forms unique patterns as it falls from the sky.
The magical location said to be Santa’s home and workshop.
A sweet, spiced cookie often shaped into people or houses and decorated with icing.
A green holiday plant hung in doorways where people traditionally share a kiss.
Lake Carlsbad Golf Course – December Events & Gift Card Reminder
Upcoming Tournaments:
December 6: Snowbird Showdown (2 person select drive / 1 low ball)
December 20: Toys for Tots Tournament (3 person scramble)
Weekly Event:
Every Monday at 3:30 p.m.: Twilight Tour – 1-person stroke play tournament (Gross/Net/Skins divisions paid out)
Gift Card Reminder:
All Lake Carlsbad Golf Course gift cards will expire on December 31, 2025. If you’d like to use your gift card toward a special order, please contact Ryan or Kyle at the Pro Shop before the deadline.
Closed December 25 for the Christmas Holiday!
Thank you for supporting Lake Carlsbad Golf Course!
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1
CITY COUNCIL
Richard Lopez, Mayor mayor.office@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 1
Edward Rodriguez | etrodriguez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Lisa Anaya-Flores | laflores@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 2
JJ Chavez | jochavez@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Jeff Forrest | jjforrest@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 3
Karla Hamel Niemeier | kjniemeier@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mary Garwood | msgarwood@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ward 4
Anthony Foreman | arforeman@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Mark Walterscheid | mewalterscheid@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
CITY ADMINISTRATION
Wendy Austin, City Administrator wdaustin@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
Ken Ahrens, Deputy City Administrator ksahrens@cityofcarlsbadnm.com
