Albuquerque’s holiday season blends distinctive New Mexican traditions with familiar winter favorites.
Expect luminarias and farolitos that light neighborhoods on Christmas Eve, large-scale walk-through light shows, juried holiday craft festivals, and Old Town charm that invites slow strolling and last-minute shopping.
Our guide organizes the season into easy categories, and for each one, you’ll find trusted local spots and links so you can check hours, tickets, and reservation details.
Holiday Events
- River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark
New Mexico’s signature walk-through light show stretches across the BioPark each December, with hundreds of welded light sculptures, animated displays, and paths designed for families and date-night strolls. It’s one of the city’s largest paid seasonal attractions, and tickets often sell fast. Visit the official event page for dates and ticketing.
- Old Town Holiday Stroll
Historic Old Town kicks off the season with an evening stroll of luminarias, street performers, artisan vendors, and a community tree lighting. The Stroll is free and family-friendly, and many Old Town shops offer seasonal specials during the event.
Neighborhood Light Shows
- ABQ RIDE Luminaria Tour (Christmas Eve Bus Tour)
The beloved annual bus tour runs on Christmas Eve and takes riders through Old Town, Huning Castle, Country Club, and other neighborhoods famous for luminarias and holiday lighting. Tickets are affordable, and the tours often sell out.
Self-Guided Routes and Bike Tours
- Lights & Luminarias Holiday Bike Tour
Multiple local organizers, including Routes Bicycle Tours, offer guided bike or walking tours that include a souvenir ornament—great if you prefer an active way to experience lights. Jolly Tour guide(s); pre-secured, festive, and safe tour routes; brightly lit holiday bicycle rental with helmet (or BYOBike option); our annual collectible ornament; plus hot cocoa, cider & cookies at the end of the tour.
December 24th, 2025
Places to Buy Gifts (Local Shops and Artisan Sources)
- Genuine Southwest Art & Gifts (Old Town)
“An artist-owned shop featuring work from 33 local artists with a southwestern flair; woodwork, jewelry, fabric art, gourds, glass, paintings, photography, ceramics, notecards, and more.” A reliable stop for authentic southwestern souvenirs and one-of-a-kind artisan pieces.
- Puzzled (Old Town)
A specialty shop focused on puzzles, games, and clever gifts for kids and adults. Great for stocking stuffers and tabletop surprises.
- Los Poblanos Farm Shop
A 25-acre organic farm, historic inn, restaurant, spa, and cultural events center in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley on the lovely Los Poblanos property, the farm shop sells lavender products, farm foods, preserves, and curated gift boxes sourced from the farm and New Mexico producers—an elegant local gift option.
- Rail Yards Holiday Market
Holiday markets at the Rail Yards and other pop-up markets offer dozens of local vendors selling pottery, prints, jewelry, and food gifts—perfect for a single-stop gift hunt.
December 13th-14th, 17th-21st, 2025
Restaurants & Bars for Festive Meals and Holiday Cocktails
- El Pinto
A New Mexico institution, El Pinto pairs spacious patio ambiance with classic New Mexican cuisine—perfect for family dinners and holiday tamales or enchilada nights. They often run holiday hours and special menus.
- Sadie’s of New Mexico
A beloved local chain known for hearty plates and bold chile, Sadie’s is a dependable spot for casual family meals during the busy holiday season.
- Antiquity
An intimate spot in Old Town, Antiquity is popular for date-night dinners and special-occasion meals, with a menu that includes steaks, seafood, and a robust wine list. Reserve early for holiday dining.
- Farm & Table
A neighborhood favorite for farm-forward meals and seasonal menus that feature local produce—an excellent pick for a cozy holiday dinner with a contemporary twist.
- High Noon Restaurant & Saloon
For a casual, historic New Mexico saloon experience with live music nights, appealing if you want a spirited local atmosphere and regional comfort food.
Christmas Tree Farms
- Garcia Family Christmas Trees (Los Ranchos)
A family-run lot in the North Valley, known locally for fresh trees and a community atmosphere during the season. Many Albuquerque families rely on Garcia’s for a close, family-friendly experience.
- Jericho Nursery
A long-standing local nursery that stocks fresh-cut Oregon trees, garlands, wreaths, and tree-care supplies; they also provide planting advice and a selection of live trees and ornamentals.
- Big Jim’s Christmas Tree Farm
Step into Winter of Enchantment at Big Jim’s Christmas Tree Farm, where the holidays come alive! Stroll through glowing luminarias, pick your perfect Christmas tree, cozy up by the bonfires, explore our winter market full of local gifts and wreaths, and join festive workshops and classes for all ages. Capture the season with a mini photo session with Santa and make holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
Volunteer Opportunities (Give Back This Season)
- Roadrunner Food Bank
The state’s largest hunger-relief organization, Roadrunner coordinates holiday food distributions, warehouse volunteer shifts, and group opportunities. During the holidays, they run special distribution events that rely on volunteers to sort, pack, and hand out food. Sign up on their volunteer page.
- Martin’s Hospitality Center / HopeWorks
A downtown organization that runs shelter services, employment support, and meal programs; volunteers help with meal service, donation drives, and outreach during the holidays. Check their volunteer portal for schedules.
- Joy Junction (Holiday Feasts and Meals)
Joy Junction organizes large holiday meal events and community feasts that require volunteers for serving, set-up, and guest hospitality. These events are an excellent way to serve on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
- OneABQ / Volunteer Matching
OneABQ’s volunteer portal lists dozens of seasonal needs across charities and city departments, from toy drives to coat distributions and park clean-ups. It’s a great central place to find short-term, holiday-focused volunteer shifts.
Happy Holidays from Barrera Law Group, LLC
Albuquerque’s holiday season balances hometown rituals and inventive spectacles, with luminarias that recall centuries-old tradition sitting comfortably alongside walk-through light shows and bustling artisan markets.
This year, you’ll find options for every kind of holiday, from quiet Old Town strolls, high-energy festivals, farm-sourced gift boxes, and neighborhood light drives to meaningful volunteer shifts that help neighbors in need. Use the businesses and links in this guide to map a weekend, plan a family tradition, or build a local gift list.
Above all, bundle up, bring a sense of wonder, and let Albuquerque’s mix of Southwestern warmth and holiday sparkle make this season memorable!