While you may think the North Pole is the best place to celebrate the holidays, even Santa marks his calendar for these Albuquerque events. Any event on this list will get you in the festive spirit, from a classic stroll through Old Town Albuquerque to the Festival of Trees. So let’s look at some fantastic holiday events in Albuquerque, NM, without further ado.
Old Town Holiday Stroll
This event lets you celebrate the holidays and get some holiday shopping done, all while supporting local businesses. The Old Town Holiday Stroll is on December 2nd and runs from 5 PM to 9 PM. There is a town tree lighting, local entertainment options, hot cocoa galore, and plenty of shops to help you snag those last-minute gifts for your loved ones.
To find the full itinerary, as well as driving and parking directions, be sure to check out the event’s website. You can also peek at the list of participating stores to scope out the best deals for your holiday shopping extravaganza.
Winter Wonderland
Do you want to experience the splendor of a winter wonderland from the comfort of your car? Then, you’ve come to the right place. Winter Wonderland is back for 2022 at EXPO NM. This family-friendly holiday event features hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, local food and vendors, and even a walk-through tour of Villa Hispana.
This event is open from Thursday to Sunday, starting the day after Thanksgiving and going until January 1st. So while they’re not available on Christmas Day, there’s plenty of time to visit this incredible attraction as a family. Check out their website to learn more about this excellent team of actors and local artisans who come together to make the holiday season memorable for families around Albuquerque.
River of Light
This year is the New Mexico BioPark Society’s 25th annual River of Lights. One of the best parts about the holidays is the lights that help brighten up the darkest time of the year. So what better way to experience the magical glow of the holidays than with this spectacular yearly event? This walking trail covers 1.5 miles of over 700 unique light displays. Animated sculptures and exhibits come to life with Christmas magic as you wind your way through a winter wonderland in Albuquerque. This event runs from November 26th to December 30th (closed on Christmas Day, of course), so be sure to get your tickets early!
New Mexico Artisan and Holiday Market
The New Mexico Artisan Market (NMAM) takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving (November 25th through the 27th). This event, put on by the New Mexico Multicultural Foundation, showcases local crafts made by talented New Mexico artisans. So if you’re looking for a unique gift for that special someone, you’re sure to find something here. To find out more or to purchase tickets, check out their website.
If you’re looking for a taste of what you can find at this incredible holiday event, check out their Instagram. You can see artist showcases there and get a better idea of what to expect at this weekend’s crafting bonanza.
Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is put on each year by the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation. This one-weekend event spans the 25th to the 27th of November and includes things like an Ugly Sweater Dance, Reindeer Romp Breakfast with Santa, and plenty more events. Volunteers at the event help support the hospital, and the event proceeds benefit children at the hospital.
While general admission tickets are free, if you want to get the inside scoop on Santa’s naughty list or participate in one of the breakfast romps, you’ll need to get your hands on another ticket. This event is sure to be loads of fun for the home family, so make sure to get a ticket soon!
Twinkle Light Parade
Taking place on December 3rd at 5:15 PM, the Twinkle Light Parade is a free, family-friendly event you won’t want to miss. Who doesn’t want to see historic Route 66 lit up for a full mile to celebrate the holidays?
While the parade doesn’t start until 5:15 PM, the road closes off at 3 PM, giving customers access to uninterrupted local holiday shopping. There’s even a free park-and-ride available to help people make their way toward the parade despite the road closures. To find out more information, check out their website.
Trolley of Lights
Have you ever driven around admiring holiday lights from your car? Do you ever wish someone else would do the driving for you? Then, you’re in luck; the Trolley of Lights is a fantastic tour service that takes you through Albuquerque’s incredible Christmas light displays on one of ABQ Trolley Co.’s iconic trolleys. The trolley leaves from Old Town Albuquerque, and the tours last for 75 minutes. Be sure to dress warmly for the event; while a trolley is far from Santa’s sleigh, it can get quite brisk on the trip thanks to the open sides of the trolley. To find out more, check out the event’s website.
Of course, there are plenty of other holiday events worth checking out in Albuquerque this year; these are just a few of our favorites. If you’re heading to Albuquerque for the holidays, or are setting out on another RV adventure this holiday season, stop into Good Sense RV. We provide RV tune-ups, so you won’t find yourself stuck on the side of the road this holiday season. If you’re looking to leave a few hints for Santa, come check out the RVs we have on the lot, you never know what you might find in your driveway, er, stocking this Christmas.
