Bugg Lights at Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico

When: December 11^th-24^th (closed 15^th and 16^th)

Times: 6-9 or 10pm (see schedule for details on Menaul website)

http://www.menaulschool.com/

The Bugg lights were a Christmas favorite in Albuquerque, New Mexico for over 30 years. Norman and Joyce Bugg always decorated their house with the most extravagant Christmas lights in the entire city, totaling 200,000 lights. Thousands of people would stop by the Bugg house just to see their annual display. However, for the past five years, the Buggs have stopped displaying their lights. Menaul school picked up this "Buggs lights" tradition this year, for the first time. They were chosen amongst 20 applicants to host this display.

Menaul school is located at 301 Menaul Blvd. 87107, located near Edith street. This is a free event for the whole family. Stop by any of the open days and get down to view the lights. You can see lighted objects such as Snoopy, penguins, and Eskimos. From Menaul Blvd you can see a huge cowboy boot and southwestern lighted objects. For the first few days there is a performance held at 6pm, so visit the Menaul website (above) for greater details. Such performances include school singers and choirs.

Being a native Albuqerquean, I have never had the pleasure of viewing the Bugg lights before. It has always been a widely known story around town, though. I would hear stories of the incredible lights and Christmas spirit. I have, however, been to the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens for their annual lights display and that is spectacular. I'm interested in comparing the Bugg lights at Menaul School with those at the Botanical Gardens.

Santa Claus and his workshop will be there too! Be sure to write him a letter and bring some money for some hot cocoa or other warm delights. Admission is free, however, Menaul is accepting donations for the Menaul School Mission week.