Winter holidays provide the perfect time of year for family-bonding time – giving an excuse to try new traditions or even old favorites. This season comes with thoughts of joy and happiness—plus it adds plenty of cheer to little ones eagerly awaiting holiday guests including Santa Claus himself!
Throughout December in Albuquerque, there are many activities for all ages happening, so you won’t want to miss out on the options listed below, feel free to take a look at what events happen during this blessed month and stay tuned for more!
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During Lights of Enchantment drive-thru, families will experience the magic of the holiday season with the tranquility and excitement of Christmas carols on your Christmas station 100.7 FM.
You will enjoy an almost 2-mile Track of Christmas lights and animated displays. Sing along to your favorite Christmas music on the Lights of Enchantment radio station!
Location:
Sandia Speedway
DATES:
4 PM- 9:30 PM. November 25- December 31
River of Lights is New Mexico’s original and largest walk-through holiday attraction!
Purchase your timed ticket to view over 700 light displays, animated and 3D sculptures, and millions of twinkling lights while strolling on the one-way path!
Location:
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
DATES:
November 26-December 30
Get your furry friends together to strike a pose with St. Nick, capturing paw-fect holiday moments to share with family and friends!
Location:
Coronado Center
DATES:
Mondays. November 21 – December 5: 4 PM– 7 PM
Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa.
Kids can join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember!
Location:
Coronado Center
DATES:
November 17 – December 24. Daily
After Thanksgiving, The Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Library will provide a special post box set up so that your children can write to Santa!
Just drop off your letter and get a letter back from Kris Kringle himself.
Location:
The Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Public Library
DATES:
November 26- December 17, 10 AM- 6 PM
Families will get to experience the wonder of the magical The Nutcracker Ballet presented by the New Mexico Ballet company!
Location:
POPEJOY HALL
DATES:
November 26 – 7 PM | November 27- 2 PM | December 3 – 2 PM | December 3 – 7 PM | December 4 – 2 PM
Visit the Albuquerque Museum and celebrate the holiday season by creating your own holiday-themed art project, listening to music, touring the Museum galleries, and shopping for special discounts at the Museum Store.
Location:
Albuquerque Museum
DATES:
December 2, 5 PM- 9 PM
Families will welcome the holiday season and will be entertained by local performers that fill the streets as they check off their holiday shopping list.
The celebrations will continue throughout the month with shopping specials and entertainment in the Gazebo. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque.
Location:
Downtown Albuquerque
DATES:
December 2, 5 PM- 9 PM
The City of Rio Rancho’s Winterfest 2022 marks the beginning of the holiday season.
Families can enjoy dinner at a Food Truck, gather for the parade in front of City Hall in City Center, then watch the tree lighting, and end the night with fireworks. Take your photo with Santa and enjoy a cup of FREE hot chocolate and other family-friendly activities.
Location:
Rio Rancho City Center
DATES:
December 2, 5 PM- 9 PM
Winter Wonderland is a Drive Thru Holiday Experience that combines the holiday spirit and New Mexico culture into a safe, family-friendly winter attraction.
The event features a full walk-thru tour of Villa Hispana, live actors, local vendors, hot cocoa, delicious food options, and even a chance to get a photo with Santa Claus himself!
Location:
EXPO New Mexico
DATES:
6 PM- December 2-31
This is the perfect holiday show for the entire family!
Cardboard Playhouse is teaming up with the National Hispanic Cultural Center to bring this beloved television special to life! Come see young actors from around ABQ play your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, Rudolph.
Location:
National Hispanic Cultural Center
DATES:
Friday, December 2 at 7 PM | Saturday, December 3 & 10 at 2 PM and 5 PM | Sunday, December 4 & 11 at 2 PM
Christmas In New Mexico is back at the National Hispanic Cultural Center this year!!
You will not want to miss this year’s exciting show!
Location:
National Hispanic Cultural Center
DATES:
December 3 & 4. 2 PM
The Twinkle Light Parade is a free, family-friendly holiday event that illuminates a mile-long stretch on 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.
Location:
Downtown Albuquerque
DATES:
December 3, 5 PM
Families will get to watch all the dazzling lights on this wonderful holiday parade!
This year will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, be sure to line Camino del Pueblo to catch candy from the floats! This year’s theme is Christmas on Route 66! The parade will conclude at Rotary Park with a bonfire, biscochitos, and hot cider!
Location:
Town of Bernalillo
DATES:
December 3, 6:30 PM
Families can join this event before the mall open for Santa Cares Day.
Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are welcome to a sensory-friendly visit for fun family photos with Santa!
Location:
Coronado Center
DATES:
December 4, 9 AM- 10 AM
This amazing holiday show is coming to Rio Rancho Events Center and features holograms, projection mapping, holiday music, and incredible lasers, along with a cast of award-winning acrobats, daredevils, and cirque performers.
Location:
Rio Rancho Events Center
DATES:
December 4, 3 PM
A part of the World Ballet Series, the Nutcracker is performed live by a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers gathered to bring this most beloved holiday tradition to life.
You will enjoy a family-friendly experience accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-crafted sets, and classic Marius Petipa choreography.
Location:
Kiva Auditorium
DATES:
December 11, 6 PM
Enjoy the Season with Christmas trees, luminarias, nutcrackers, egg nog, and holiday lights!
ABQ Trolley Co. presents Trolley of Lights – a holiday lights tour! Join ABQ Trolley Co. this December and head out to see Albuquerque’s holiday lights aglow. The Trolley of Lights departs from Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town.
Location:
Downtown Albuquerque
DATES:
December 15-23. 6 PM
Families will have a blast during the 6th annual Last Minute Navidad. There will be food, music, vendors, and kids’ activities!
There’s something for everyone at this Mercado! So bundle up and bring all the familia and friends!
Location:
El Chante: Casa De Cultura
DATES:
December 18, 12 PM- 3 PM
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the entire family at Albuquerque Museum by creating a new-year-inspired artwork, touring the Museum galleries, and all for free admission!
Location:
Albuquerque Museum
DATES:
December 31, 10 AM- 2 PM
This hour-long magical journey takes the whole family across the beautiful New Mexico desert and returns where you and your family can enjoy a wondrous Elf winter village.
Enjoy cocoa and cookies while making new holiday family memories. You may even meet Pablito himself! This adventure includes: – Special Christmas bell presented by Mrs Claus – Holiday Sing-A-Longs – Complimentary Hot Cocoa and Cookies in the Holiday Village!
Location:
Sky Railway
DATES:
November 25- December 24. Saturdays and Sundays
Enroll Your Child In this Holiday Gift Workshop where they can create unique, handmade, high-quality gifts for the holidays!
Kids will make up to 12 of their own thoughtful and creative gifts using a range of art mediums.
Location:
Dragonfly Art Studio
DATES:
9 AM- 4 PM. December 3,4,10,11,17, 18.
Families will join this delightful winter celebration at the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
Explore and enjoy family-friendly activities at each of the museum’s sites throughout the program.
Location:
MUSEUM OF INTERNATIONAL FOLK ART
DATES:
December 16, 4 PM- 7 PM
Families can enjoy a unique morning bird walk to observe who visits the Garden.
Randall Davey Audubon will be on site with fun activities for the whole family to learn cool facts about local birds and some helpful tips to identify the birds that visit your yard.
Location:
Santa Fe Botanical Garden
DATES:
December 17, 10 AM- 11:30 AM
During this class, kids will make a variety of traditional holiday cookies, including Cut-Out Cookies, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Biscotti, Bizcochitos, and Gingerbread People.
Decorating tips and icings will be covered. Then they will have an old-fashioned cookie swap and send all the goodies home with the students.
Location:
Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe
DATES:
December 17, 3 PM- 5 PM
Kids will explore the magic world of wizardry and adventure into the arctic during this awesome camp!
Campers will be enchanted by the weekly themes and educated through art, science, and play each day! Featuring the return of the Stargazer planetarium, new projects, and enhanced exhibits to explore!
Location:
Santa Fe Children’s Museum
DATES:
9 AM- 3 PM. December 19– 23 & December 26– 30
One of Santa Fe’s most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who promenade this famous path on Christmas Eve.
Location:
Canyon Road
DATES:
December 24
Ring in 2023 before bedtime with special guests, activities, and a festive balloon drop at 12 pm at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum!
Location:
Santa Fe Children’s Museum
DATES:
December 31, 11 AM- 1 PM
This is the perfect event to ring in the New Year in Santa Fe!
Families will enjoy a FREE, fun, festive party as The City Different says ¡Adios! to 2022 at the 8th Annual New Year’s Eve on the Santa Fe Plaza.
Location:
Santa Fe Plaza
DATES:
December 31, 8 PM
