Christmas time is the perfect holiday to spend time with family and loved ones. The 2021 holiday season in Albuquerque is packed with great family-friendly events and things to do that guarantee a super fun time during families’ favorite time of the year.
Check out our top picks for family-friendly events in Albuquerque this holiday season below:
This is the unofficial beginning of the holiday season in Albuquerque!
You can start your holiday shopping in Historic Old Town, stop by Plaza Don Luis for the Tree Lighting, discover new stores, visit familiar staples of Old Town, sip hot chocolate, enjoy live entertainment by local musicians, and so much more!
Location:
Historic Old Town Plaza
HOURS:
December 3: 5 PM – 9 PM
Families will get to enjoy this drive-through venue with many more lights and features at the Southwest Premier Drive-through Christmas Light Show featuring over 350 light displays with over a million points of light.
Location:
Sandia Speedway
HOURS:
November 19- January 1, 5.30 PM- 9.30 PM
Festival of Trees is back and better than ever!
Families will get to enjoy a brand new kid-centric holiday event that’s part of the Festival of Trees. The whole family can enjoy this holiday event!
Location:
Albuquerque Marriot Hotel
HOURS:
December 3: 6 PM | December 4: 9 AM – 11 PM | December 15: 10 AM – 4 PM
A different national forest is selected every year to provide a tree to appear on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building for the holiday season!
This year, the tree will come from the Six Rivers National Forest in California. Families will enjoy fun activities like ornament-making and special events!
Location:
New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial
HOURS:
November 11: 9 AM- 12 PM
The whole family can enjoy the River of Lights and visit the Education Building to make beautiful gifts inspired by nature!
All craft materials will be provided. No admission is required.
Location:
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden Education Building
HOURS:
December 1, 8, 15: 6 PM- 8 PM
Twinkle Light Parade is Albuquerque’s most dazzling celebration!
This event is free for the public and brings the sparkle to a mile-long stretch of Central Ave. The parade is comprised of local businesses, organizations, school groups, and families, all competing for Best in Show.
Location:
Nob Hill
HOURS:
December 4: 5:15 PM
Drop-in holiday crafts for the whole family at Cherry Hills Library!
This event welcomes all ages to enjoy some arts and crafts! A perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!
Location:
Cherry Hills Library
HOURS:
December 14: 4 PM- 6 PM
Santa’s stuck on the toilet and Rudolph’s nose lost its glow!
Find Rudolph’s favorite snack to brighten up his mood so he can light the way. Maybe find an antacid for Santa while you’re at it. This event is for ages 10 and up.
Location:
Cherry Hills Library
HOURS:
December 18 : 3- 4 PM | December 19: 3-4 PM | December 20: 4 PM – 5 PM // 6:30 PM- 7.30 PM | December 21: 4 PM – 5 PM // 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Take a journey through the sights and sounds of Christmas in New Mexico with this annual holiday show extravaganza.
Theatre-goers of all ages will be delighted with music, song, and dance with the traditional Southwestern flair, as well as unique segments saluting Christmas traditions from all around the globe.
Location:
Albuquerque Journal Theatre
HOURS:
December 3, 7 PM | December 4, 2 PM, and 7 PM
Join the Lomas Tramway Library and create fun holiday crafts for the season.
This event welcomes all ages, especially kids! Celebrate this season by making holiday-themed crafts with your loved ones!
Location:
Lomas Tramway Library
HOURS:
December 18: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
The last ornament has just been returned to Whoville by the “new and improved” Grinch.
Families can celebrate the season by painting this fun classic painting! All supplies will be included.
Location:
SW Craft Connection
HOURS:
November 13, 5 PM- 8 PM
