One of our new favorite traditions is making a batch of biscochitos and hot cocoa, then hitting the road to tour the area neighborhoods in search of Albuquerque’s best holiday lights and luminarias. Tune into Albuquerque’s dedicated Christmas radio station Magic FM 99.5, or put on your favorite holiday playlist and check out some impressive light displays.
Thank you to TLC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for sponsoring this Guide to Lights & Luminarias.
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful for your home. Between hosting guests, extra appliances running, and everyone needing a warm shower on those chilly mornings, your home is running to its max.
There’s nothing worse than having your heat go out, a water heater fail, or an electrical issue pop up right in the middle of your holiday celebrations. TLC hopes you won’t need them this season, but if you do, they’re available 24/7 to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable.
TLC has been locally owned and operated for the past 35+ years, and their licensed Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical technicians are dedicated to helping fellow New Mexicans so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying time with family and friends.
Right now, TLC is offering special holiday deals to help you save:
- Free electrical panel inspection *homes older than 1985
- $2,500 tank water heater installation
- $50 off any heating repair
Don’t let a home emergency steal your holiday cheer. Trust TLC, your local comfort experts, to be there when you need them most.
Where to See Holiday Lights
Old Town Holiday Stroll
Friday, December 5th
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Historic Old Town
Join the City of Albuquerque for the kick-off of the holiday season. Be entertained by local performers who fill the streets as you check off your holiday shopping list. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque.
UNM Hanging of the Greens
Friday, December 5th
5:30 p.m.
Hanging of the Greens is UNM’s oldest student tradition and is one of the largest farolito displays in the area, consisting of 13,000 farolitos. The event is planned and run by Mortar Board, UNM’s premier senior honor society. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the UNM Bookstore. From there, the group will carol across campus to University House to present the President with a wreath. The event will conclude with a reception at Hodgin Hall. The community is invited, and attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped children’s book to place under the tree at Hodgin Hall. Books will be donated to UNM Children’s Hospital.
River of Lights
November 29 – December 30
Closed Dec. 24 & 25
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.)
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Enjoy a stroll along our 1-mile path featuring over 700 one-of-a-kind hand-welded light displays, animated and 3D sculptures, and millions of twinkling lights at New Mexico’s largest and most beloved original walk-through holiday light show
Timed tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Nightly time slots have limited capacity.
Winter Wonderland New Mexico
November 28 – December 28
6:00 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Expo NM
Winter Wonderland 2025 returns to NM at EXPO NM! Winter Wonderland is a Drive-Thru Holiday Experience, combining the holiday spirit and New Mexico culture into a safe, family-friendly winter attraction. The 2025 show features a special walking section where you can enjoy Winter Wonderland outside your vehicle, as well as enjoy local vendors, sip hot cocoa, and even get your picture with SANTA CLAUS himself! A portion of every ticket sold from this event will be donated to the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities-New Mexico.
Advance tickets now on sale.
Twinkle Light Parade
Saturday, December 6th
5:15 p.m.
Nob Hill Area
The time has finally come, the Twinkle Light Parade is here! This is a free, family-friendly holiday event that illuminates a mile-long stretch of Route 66 in Nob Hill. Local businesses, community and school groups, and a variety of Albuquerque organizations come together to present an exciting event that brings a sparkle to all.
Shop local! Central Avenue will close to traffic starting at 3 p.m., giving shoppers the freedom to get holiday shopping done at a variety of stores or eat at restaurants in Nob Hill. Plan to arrive early, shop, then grab your spot to view the Twinkle Light Parade as it will dazzle thousands of spectators.
ABQ Trolley of Lights
December 14 – December 23
Times may vary. Check the website for more details.
Hotel Albuquerque
Join ABQ Trolley Co. this December as they head out to see Albuquerque’s holiday lights aglow. The Trolley of Lights departs from Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
Tours last approximately 75 minutes. December evenings in Albuquerque are quite brisk. Dress for 30-degree weather as you will be riding in an open sleigh, er, trolley (blankets, long underwear, mittens, knit caps, wool socks, etc. will be necessary).
Albuquerque Area Holiday Lights Facebook Page
Locals have come together and dedicated a page on all things Christmas lights in our area. Check it out to see even more places spreading holiday cheer.
Bugg House Christmas Lights
Opening Night- November 28
6:00 pm, Daily 5:00pm – 10:00 pm
2223 Hoffman Dr. NE
If you grew up in Albuquerque, there is a good chance you drove past the Bugg house. If you are like me, you were also devastated when the lights left. But they are back this year for the second year, and you do not want to miss them! Friday and Saturday nights, Santa will be there, and you can also stop by for some FREE hot cocoa!
Definitely an event you do not want to miss!
Where To See Luminarias
Old Town
It’s no secret that Old Town is the heart of not only the city but also the culture. Head down to this treasure to see luminarias at their greatest as they line the plaza. Finding a place to park and strolling on foot is recommended. Bonus: enjoy the huge, wonderfully lit tree while you’re there.
Albuquerque Country Club
The country club neighborhood is within walking distance of Old Town, and many choose to walk it. It’s easiest to access from San Pasquale, just south of Central. From this major street, take any street east and travel the neighborhood. It’s best on Christmas Eve!
Rio Grande Blvd
From Paseo del Norte to Alameda, take a drive down Rio Grande (especially on Christmas Eve), and you’re sure to see a good showing of luminarias.
Ridgecrest
This neighborhood centers around Ridgecrest Park, close to UNM. It is a small neighborhood, but once you find it, you will see luminarias all around, as well as some awesome Christmas lights.
Tingley Beach Area
Just south of Old Town near Tingley Beach and Albuquerque Country Club, you will find some of the most beautiful houses in Albuquerque (including Jesse Pinkman’s house, Breaking Bad fans). But even more exciting this time of year, you will find some beautifully decorated homes. On Christmas Eve, the neighborhood lights up with luminarias.
South Valley
The South Valley is a large component of the bus tour the city provides every Christmas Eve. Driving is suitable here because of the long distances. Travel to the Alamosa neighborhood, which is bounded by Central to the north and lies between Old Coors and Coors. The bridge is to the south. Take Central west to Old Coors and travel south to Bridge, then head east to 2nd Street and north through Barelas.
Barelas
Drive to the National Hispanic Cultural Center to see its display of lights, then drive north on 2nd Street through the heart of Barelas.
North Valley (Lee Acres and Dietz Farms)
You’ll put in a bit of driving to cover the areas in the North Valley where there are luminaria displays, but it will be well worth it. Start by traveling north on Rio Grande to Dietz Farms, which is located east of the Flying Star Plaza (where you can find Bookworks and the Flying Star). Turn west onto Dietz Farm Place and drive the circle around and back to Rio Grande. Then go north on Rio Grande to see the lights at the big houses. Turn right onto Chavez and take another right onto Nabor Road, then a left on Solar Road, which takes you directly into Lee Acres subdivision. Drive the streets of Lee Acres (Fairway and Solar), looping around until you take Solar east and eventually onto Fourth Street.
ABQ Mom Team Recommendations
“River of Lights is always a hit with guests visiting for the holidays. My brother (whose family lives in CA and has been to similar events at large zoos) says the ABQ’s River of Lights is the best one he’s seen! Dress warm, and bring wagons or strollers for littles because it can be a lot of walking.” -Paige P.
“There’s a Facebook group that has specific spots where you can find the BEST lighting spots around ABQ. It’s called the ABQ AREA LIGHTS TOUR MAP. Here’s the link.” –Michelle W.
“We love the luminarias tour that leaves from the convention center because you can be cozy in the bus while seeing all the amazing farolitos that make NM special without the traffic or crowds. We also love the River of Lights because of the intricate, large, and magical displays. Also, we love seeing the fun farolitos display at UNM Hanging of the Greens. I have memories of creating displays when I went to college there, and now sharing the experience with my kids is really special. It gives me a sense of nostalgia that I die for during the holiday season.”
-Dena F.
“We love seeing Mr. Christmas’ display on the NW side of town! We live 5 minutes away, so we drive by often. I love that this has been a neighborhood tradition, and now that Mr. Christmas can’t put up the display himself, all our neighbors pitch in to help put the lights up and pay his electric bill. The whole neighborhood’s light display is amazing and a must-see off Irving Blvd. & Cantacielo Dr NW.”
-Dena F.
Christmas Light Bingo
For some more light lookin’ fun, play a game of Christmas Light Bingo. Download the PDF here.
