Polar plunge, bosque hikes and comedy: 7 events this week

New Mexico hasn’t quite embraced winter yet, temperature-wise at least. But that won’t make the 2026 Polar Plunge any less cool. Or dive into one of these other events.

Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@abqjournal.com.

A cool time

The city of Albuquerque is hosting the 2026 Polar Plunge from 9:45 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 3. Proceeds support the Shanta Strong Swim Fund and the ABQ BioPark Zoo’s polar bear and penguin enrichment programs. Prizes will be awarded for Youngest Plunger, Oldest Plunger, Largest Family, Largest Group and Best Costume. Registration starts at $40 to take the plunge or $50 to plunge down the slide, or grab a friend for $60-$80 at cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/events. The Sierra Vista Pool is located at 5001 Montaño Road NW.

Birds of a feather

“Wing” in the New Year with the city of Albuquerque’s Parks and Recreation Division and the Bird Alliance of Central New Mexico as they host a Birding BioBlitz event from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan 3. The event will feature a guided introduction to birding basics, identification tools and the eBird app. Participants are asked to download the eBird app on their phone. The free event will be held at the Candelaria Nature Preserve, 3301 Rio Grande Blvd. NW, and will begin promptly at 9 a.m.

One with nature

Stroll into the New Year with a Bosque Wild Guided Hike from 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Open Space nature guides and Trail Watch volunteer stewards will lead participants on the 2-to-3 hour hike. The hike is moderately strenuous, so hikers are advised to bring water, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and dress for the weather. The event is free. The Open Space Visitor Center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW.

Sugar and spice

The final days to vote in the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center’s Pueblo Gingerbread House Contest are Friday, Jan. 3, and Saturday, Jan. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8-$12, free for children under 5, at indianpueblo.org. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is located at 2401 12th St. NW.

A good laugh

Comedian Vik Pandya is coming to Quezada’s Comedy Club at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Pandya’s comedy album “Friends With 401(k) Benefits” debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard charts. Tickets start at $25.79 at quezadas.com. Quezada’s is located at 54 Jemez Canyon Dam Road in Bernalillo.

They’re joking

The Crypt Keeper’s Comedy Hour is coming to Painted Lady Bed & Brew at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. The line-up features Sarina Ochoa, TJ Jones, Jake Otero and Zach Abeyta. The 21+ event is pay-what-you-will at breakfastisoverrated.com. Painted Lady is located at 1100 Bellamah Ave. NW.

Back to Middle-earth

The Lomas Tramway Library is hosting a screening of “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. The animated film, which is rated PG-13, is based on characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Lomas Tramway Library is located at 908 Eastridge Drive NE.