Antonio Reyna to headline Holiday in New Mexico

Two giant wreaths on the facade of Gurley Hall welcome guests to The University of New Mexico-Gallup Holiday in New Mexico event Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

Antonio Reyna to headline Holiday in New Mexico


Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  


±«Óătvallup’s biggest celebration of the year to feature luminarias, biscochitos and more Dec. 7

By Richard Reyes, Friday, Dec. 1, 2023

GALLUP, N.M. — Holiday in New Mexico, The University of New Mexico-Gallup’s biggest celebration of the year, will feature familiar favorites with the addition of a musical finale by mariachi entertainer Antonio Reyna on Thursday, Dec. 7.

The Holiday in New Mexico main event — which features family-friendly activities, free hot chocolate and biscochitos, a student art exhibit, and visits from Santa Claus and Lobo Louie — is scheduled 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in Gurley Hall. Reyna, who is originally from Gallup, is then set to perform from 8-9 p.m. in the Calvin Hall Center Auditorium.

Reyna’s performance is free, but seating will be limited, so tickets must be picked up in person during the Holiday main event at 5:30 p.m. in Gurley. Reyna will also be available to meet and greet fans before the show in Gurley. Tickets must be presented for entry into the auditorium.

Reyna’s performance will also be broadcast live on the ±«Óătvallup Facebook page at facebook.com/unmgallup.

“International recording artist, entrepreneur, rancher, and philanthropist; Antonio Reyna is one of New Mexico's most beloved and most awarded Mariachi entertainers,” according to his website biography. “Celebrating over 27 years as an entertainer, Antonio has won the hearts of fans across the American Southwest, Pacific Coast and Mexico. With seven award winning studio recordings, over 100,000 albums sold, multiple television & radio appearances, thousands of stage performances and concerts, Antonio continues to be one of our favorites.”

During Holiday in New Mexico, the ±«Óătvallup branch campus will be adorned in hundreds of luminarias assembled by students, staff and faculty plus colorful lights, festive decorations, and a giant tree and wreaths. The large UNM letters in front of the Student Services and Technology Center will also be wrapped in lights, making for a great photo op.

The outdoor patio behind Gurley and the Calvin Hall Center Auditorium will also be decorated thanks to donations from Home Depot.

Inside Gurley Hall, several ±«Óătvallup departments, programs and student clubs will host family-friendly games, crafts, and activities. Guests will also be treated to free biscochitos made by BombDiggity’s plus hot chocolate courtesy of Earl’s Restaurant.

Holiday In New Mexico

Guests write and color letters to Santa inside Gurley Hall during The University of New Mexico-Gallup Holiday in New Mexico event Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

The ±«Óătvallup Bookstore will be open during the event with a 25% off sale on Lobo wear, plus some free activities for guests.

UNM’s mascot Lobo Louie and Santa Claus will be available for photo opportunities and interactions inside Gurley. However, there’s word that a Grinch may try to spoil the fun with his shenanigans.

The evening also coincides with the opening reception for the Fall 2023 Fine Arts Student Show inside Ingham Chapman Gallery, featuring the work of ±«Óătvallup art students throughout the semester. In addition, ±«Óătvallup Spanish adjunct Jean Paul Van Derdys Vidal will be playing live music inside the gallery for art appreciators who check out the exhibit.

Holiday in New Mexico is free and open to the public. ±«Óătvallup’s Gurley Hall is located at 705 Gurley Ave.

For more information, please contact ±«Óătvallup Sr. Public Relations Specialist Richard Reyes at 505-863-7542 or richardreyes12@unm.edu.

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