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December
1

albuquerque holiday lights

With just a few weeks left before the big day, it's time to get out and enjoy all the fun holiday events and light displays popping up around Albuquerque.

Even though the end of the year is a busy time for us, our brokers always make time to attend these events and celebrate with our community. If you're ready to start feeling the holiday spirit, too, check out this list of local holiday happenings we think are worth a visit. 

5 Holiday Events and Light Displays to Visit in Albuquerque 

Winter Wonderland New Mexico 

Address: 300 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 

Winter Wonderland New Mexico transforms the EXPO NM building and grounds into a holiday haven packed with fun activities and jaw-dropping sights. Exploring the sprawling, decorated indoor and outdoor space, you'll find: 

  • Light tunnels 
  • An illuminated Christmas tree lane 
  • A luminaria display 
  • Performers dressed as Disney princesses 
  • Santa's Workshop with a photo station 
  • A themed miniature golf course 
  • Inflatable play equipment 
  • Food and drink vendors 

Past years' versions of this event included a drive-through experience, but 2025's version will be walk-through only.  

The attraction opened on November 28th and will operate from 6 PM to 10 PM every Thursday through Sunday until the end of the month. It will also be open for three additional days from December 22nd to 24th.  

Tickets cost $20 per adult and $10 per child, but you can get a $5 discount on adult tickets by buying them early. A portion of the proceeds for every ticket sold will go to charities like the American Cancer Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities of New Mexico, so you'll be supporting a good cause! 

Old Town Holiday Stroll 

Address: 205 Romero Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 

Albuquerque's Old Town Holiday Stroll is one of the state's most popular seasonal events, attracting crowds of tourists and locals every year. From 5 PM to 9 PM on December 5th, the city's historic Old Town district will light up with hundreds of paper bag luminarias. Head into the thick of the action to enjoy: 

  • Live music from local bands and choirs 
  • Dance performances, including flamenco dancing 
  • Craft activities for kids 
  • Special exhibits from local museums 
  • Limited-time deals from dozens of local shops 

Around 6 PM, the 30-foot Christmas tree standing in Plaza Don Luis will light up and officially kick off Albuquerque's holiday season.  

River of Lights 

Address: 2601 Central Avenue NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

From colorful, glowing fantasy forests to towering light sculptures of dinosaurs, the New Mexico BioPark Society's River of Lights attraction has wonders around every corner. This holiday fundraising event features a 1.6-mile walking path through the park's Botanic Garden with more than 800 light sculptures and glowing scenes on display. 

The attraction is open from 5 PM to 10 PM every evening from November 29th to December 30th, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance. Admission is $21 for adults and $12 for kids between the ages of 3 and 12. On value nights, you'll pay just $15 per adult and $10 per kid.  

ABQ Trolley of Lights 

Address: 800 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104 

ABQ Trolley of Lights takes guests on a journey through Old Town and along the Rio Grande Boulevard in search of the city's best holiday light displays near our Albuquerque homes for sale. You'll see many beautiful festive scenes along the way, including elegant light accents on some of the city's oldest adobe buildings. Each tour is led by a friendly guide who will offer fun facts about the history of the areas you visit and lead the group in festive caroling.  

This tour is only available from December 14th to December 23rd. There are two tours each night: one at 6 PM and one at 8 PM. Each tour lasts 75 to 90 minutes and costs $34.46 per person, including fees. Kids under 5 can ride for free if they sit on your lap. 

Winter of Enchantment  

Address: 3521 Rio Grande Boulevard NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 

Winter of Enchantment is a multi-part holiday experience hosted by Big Jim Farms. Whether you're a local foodie or a parent with young kids, you're sure to find something here to interest you.  

First, farm staff will be leading a series of workshops throughout December. Kids can sign up to learn how to decorate holiday cookies and make fun, festive crafts. Adults can learn how to make tamales and biscochitos to add some New Mexico flair to their holiday spreads. 

If you'd rather taste delicious food than make it, you can purchase tickets to the Winter Traditions Farm Dinner Series. Chef Domonick Campos will be at the farm serving up a different farm-to-table holiday menu each week. Each dinner costs $125 per person and includes four courses and a selection of local wine pairings.  

Not ready to commit to a specific date? You're welcome to visit and: 

  • Enjoy festive light displays around the farm's entrance 
  • Shop for a pre-cut Christmas tree, wreath, or garland 
  • Pick up farm-fresh goodies and handmade gift items (including pre-packed gift boxes) at the farm market 
  • Take professional-quality photos with Santa at their holiday photo station 

The farm is open from 10 AM to 6 PM every day and is free to visit, but you'll need a ticket to attend one of the workshops or dinners. 

Want to celebrate next year's holiday season in a new Albuquerque home? We're here to help. Contact us today and let us give you the inside scoop on all the premium properties we have for sale here in the 505. 

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