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BELEN—With the holiday season upon us, there are a lot of ways to celebrate the joy of our community, including a stroll along Becker Avenue in Belen.
The bells are ringing, the lights are flickering and the calm chill air is inviting everyone out to celebrate in Belen — or Bethlehem if you’re in need of translation.
Santa and Mrs. Claus are ready and waiting for the big day — Miracle on Main Street — the annual holiday celebration in the city of Belen, which will be held Saturday, Dec. 13.
For those who can’t wait to start celebrating a little early, Becker Avenue has been thoughtfully and creatively decorated with the community in mind.
Greg Coon, the city’s parks and recreation director, is excited for the community to partake in the Christmas season, hoping they will be encouraged to celebrate and enjoy this year’s holiday decorations and events.
“We’ve expanded a few things this year,” Coon said. “As in year’s past, we have the Christmas light parade and, last year, we started having the craft fair portion in the daytime hours — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. — with entertainment starting at noon.”
The Belen Outdoor Christmas Market, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., will include more than 60 vendors, food trucks and more.
The Peter Vigil Band will perform from 12-1:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Gazebo, while the Michael Rascon Band will take the stage from 2-3:30 p.m. Second 2 Last will perform from 4-6 p.m.
The day will also feature street performances on Becker Avenue and Sixth Street, to include a Jazzercize dance group, two different Mexican folk dancing groups and the Belen High School cheerleaders. Coon said there will be a total of six performances.
“We were able to purchase and install new light pole decorations last year (down Becker Avenue) and, so this year, we added the polar bear and reindeer stations where people can take pictures or selfies,” Coon said. “We also have the Grinch over by the library.”
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New this year is Santa’s Mailbox, a decorated box where people can place their children’s letters to Santa Claus.
“If you drop your letter in the box, Santa will definitely get it,” Coon said. “If they happen to add their mailing address to the letter, Santa will reply, but they have to make sure they drop it in by Wednesday, Dec. 17.”
Coon said because of the hectic holiday season, Santa has added the Hub City to his list to make sure to reply to all the good boy and girls this year.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making an appearance at the Miracle on Main Street event from 2-5 p.m. at the Gazebo for pictures and holiday hugs.
The annual Christmas Light Parade, Coon said, is going to be bigger and better than ever, with more floats, more holiday cheer and more sparkle.
“Things change and kind of evolve over the years, and we’re trying to create and encourage new traditions,” Coon said. “Who knows, we might bring back the Snow Queen some day, but we’re focusing on making sure the holiday season is great for everyone.”
Coon asks the public to tag the Belen Community Center in their photos so everyone can see and enjoy them.
“This is such a great event, and our staff worked really, really hard decorating,” he added. “We just hope everyone has a great time and enjoys the holiday season in the city of Belen.”
