Holiday Traditions That Make Albuquerque Special

With glowing luminarias, neighborhood gatherings, and delicious food, the holidays are a special time around Albuquerque. There are so many ways to celebrate while immersing yourself in the city's culture. Our real estate brokers have their own favorite holiday traditions, and we've gathered some of the best ways to celebrate around town to help you start a few of your own this year.

Albuquerque Holiday Traditions to Enjoy This Season

• Old Town Holiday Stroll: Shop local, enjoy live entertainment, and watch the Christmas tree lighting on December 4.
• Twinkle Light Parade: See illuminated floats and festive displays along Route 66 in Nob Hill on December 5.
• River of Lights: Explore hundreds of glowing light displays at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.
• Christmas Eve Luminarias: Experience Albuquerque's illuminated neighborhoods on foot or during a holiday tour.
• Las Posadas: Learn about a cherished New Mexican Christmas tradition celebrated with processions and songs.
• Celina's Biscochitos: Pick up traditional New Mexican cookies and specialty flavors.
• Golden Crown Panaderia: Enjoy biscochitos, green chile bread, and other bakery favorites.
• El Modelo Mexican Foods: Bring home tamales from a longtime Albuquerque restaurant.

Don't Miss These Holiday Events Around Albuquerque

Old Town Holiday Stroll - Albuquerque, NM

Address: Old Town Plaza, 200 N. Plaza St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Enjoy music, shopping, and festive lights at the Old Town Holiday Stroll. This event takes place on December 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Old Town Plaza, and it's an excellent opportunity to browse local shops and enjoy the city's rich history. Don't miss the tree-lighting ceremony in Plaza Don Luis, beginning at 6 p.m. You can also snap some pictures in front of the San Felipe de Neri Church, a historic landmark overlooking the plaza. The Albuquerque Museum is also nearby, and so are these gorgeous Albuquerque homes for sale.

Twinkle Light Parade - Albuquerque, NM

Address: Central Avenue in Nob Hill, Albuquerque, NM

Watch local businesses, school groups, and community organizations illuminate Route 66 at the Twinkle Light Parade. This free community event has become an annual tradition and a great excuse to check out local restaurants and stores around Nob Hill. The parade takes place on December 5 at 5:15 p.m.

River of Lights - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 2601 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Garden paths become a glowing outdoor gallery during River of Lights, an event that runs from November 28 through January 3. Enjoy handcrafted sculptures, animated displays, and over 700 handmade light displays. This outdoor walk is about 1 mile long, so be sure to dress warmly. Timed-entry tickets are available online. The event closes December 24 and 25.

Christmas Eve Luminarias and ABQ RIDE Luminaria Tour - Albuquerque, NM

Address: Neighborhoods Around Albuquerque, NM

You'll definitely want to add this popular Christmas Eve tradition to your list. Enjoy streets lined with luminarias, or simple paper lanterns, as one of Albuquerque's most recognizable holiday displays. You can enjoy these lanterns across Old Town, Country Club, and Huning Castle neighborhoods, and The ABQ RIDE Luminaria Tour offers a bus ride throughout each one. The ABQ Trolley Co. Trolley of Lights tour is another great way to experience Albuquerque's holiday beauty.

Las Posadas  - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 2005 N. Plaza St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

Las Posadas recalls Mary and Joseph's search for shelter and is celebrated with procession, songs, and welcoming gatherings. This cultural event is observed from December 16 through 24. San Felipe de Neri is a historic local church and community landmark that has hosted Las Posadas celebrations in the past

Celina's Biscochitos - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 404 Osuna Road NW, Suite A, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM 87107

Biscochitos are cookies traditionally flavored with anise and cinnamon, and they're also a popular holiday tradition. Celina's Biscochitos offers traditional and specialty varieties that make for great gifts or delicious desserts. 

Golden Crown Panaderia - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 1103 Mountain Road NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Biscochitos and green chile bread are two specialty holiday treats you'll find at Golden Crown Panaderia, one of our favorite local bakeries.

El Modelo Mexican Foods - Albuquerque, NM

Address: 1715 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Tamales are another New Mexican holiday favorite, and El Modelo Mexican Foods makes some great ones. This longstanding community eatery is definitely worth a visit around the holidays.

Celebrate the Holidays in Albuquerque

From gorgeous lights to amazing cuisine, Albuquerque is full of holiday traditions you can make your own. Contact us to start your home search today.