Albuquerque Holiday Events and Specials
New Mexico's largest city observes the holiday season with notable style and festivities. Take part in the holiday celebration including coupons, centuries-old traditions and
numerous events that offer something for everyone.
Holiday/Winter Hotel Packages & Deals
Luminarias
The holiday season in Albuquerque means Luminarias. Learn more about how these humble paper sacks adorn rooftops and walkways to light up the holiday season in the heart of the Southwest. The annual Old Town
Luminaria Tour on December 24th is not to be missed. Watch our special two minute holiday video about Luminarias,
"Life of a Brown Paper Bag."
Native American Dancing and Pueblo Feast Days
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center on weekends and enjoy Native American dancing and art demonstrations, you can also take part in baking bread and making art. The holidays are a wonderful time to visit the neighboring pueblos, many of them hold feast day celebrations in November and December. View more information and see the schedule here.
Shopping & Dining:
Albuquerque has the biggest and best shopping in the entire state with three premier malls and many special shopping areas and specialty stores. Stroll through two of Albuquerque’s historic neighborhoods and shop in unique local shops on two consecutive days.
- The Nob Hill Shop and Stroll takes place on Thursday, December 1 in what is considered to be the most fashionable district in Albuquerque, and features some of the best local shops Albuquerque has to offer.
- The Old Town Stroll on Friday, December 2 features live entertainment, dancers, family activities, Santa Claus and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.
The festive season brings traditional New Mexican culinary specialties to the forefront with tamales, posole, and biscochitos on every table. Treat yourself to a special holiday dinner at one of Albuquerque's
fine dining establishments. Add a taste of Albuquerque to your holiday season with
traditional New Mexican recipes.
Holiday Escape
The holidays can be hectic and stressful, treat yourself to a relaxing spa treatment at one of the premium Albuquerque area spas.
Museums
Visit one of the many
distinguished museums and learn about the centuries-old history of Albuquerque, the 19 pueblos of New Mexico as well as turquoise, dinosaurs, hot air balloons, rattlesnakes and more!
Outdoor Activities
Special Holiday Events
Traditional New Mexico Holiday Recipes from Jane Butel November 3
Learn to make traditional New Mexico holiday specialties from Jane Butel, the authority on American Southwest and regional Mexican cooking.
Weems International Artfest November 4-6
A major multi-cultural art event displaying over 270 top artisans in every medium and price range.
KayDee Holiday Arts & Crafts Show November 12
Featuring local artists and craftsmen that create beautiful handmade items. Our show features fiber art, paintings, photography, glass art, jewelry, wood working and so much more.
With cheerful music, artist demonstrations, Kids Creation Station, Holiday Cookie Walk and much much more this show puts everybody in the spirit of the season.
This event will feature approximately 40 artists presenting high-quality art and crafts for sale to holiday shoppers and all lovers of fine art.
Native Heritage Art Market November 25-27
This premier event will showcase the work of many of the top American Indian artists as well as demonstrations, performances and workshops.
Santa Fe Winter Indian Market November 26-27
Take the
NM Rail Runner Express for a day trip to Santa Fe. Includes 130 Native artists, eight artist demonstrators, silent auction, a holiday concert by Robert Mirabal and a "Fashion Row" featuring the work of Native fashion designers.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy the dazzling displays of animals, fantastical creatures and much more as they stroll throughout New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show.
Visit Historic Nob Hill and enjoy a wonderful holiday tradition of shopping and fun with your family, friends and neighbors.
Old Town Holiday Stroll December 2
Shopping, live entertainment, dancers, family activities, Santa Claus on hand and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.
A Christmas Story December 2-24
Albuquerque Little Theatre presents the beloved 1983 film classic on stage. Follow Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a “Genuine Red Ryder 200 Shot, Carbine Action Range Model Air Rifle” under the Christmas tree.
Keshet’s Nutcracker on the Rocks is an original rock-n-roll rendition of the classical holiday tale, incorporating the music of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and Janis Joplin.
Special guest appearance by Santa Claus and free photos. Bring your own ornament or craft supplies (or use ours) and create an ornament for a child at Carrie Tingley at the Elves' Workshop. All weekend, enjoy live entertainment from local acts.
Local artisans will be on hand for some early holiday shopping along with activities throughout the day including pictures with Santa, holiday music and dance performances, food vendors, face painting, and the "Official Lighting" of Civic Plaza all leading up to the parade.
Bosque Fiber Fest December 3
Fiber Arts show and sale, demonstrations for weaving, spinning, lace making, felting and more! Handmade items, art pieces, and holiday gift items.
North Fourth Holiday Stop and Shop December 3-4
More than 30 shops offering a variety of free gifts, discounts, refreshments and Grand Prize Gift Baskets! Explore the great businesses and find unique gifts for everyone on your list and something fabulous for yourself! As you drive down North Fourth Street from Griegos Road to Roy Avenue, look for the Stop & Shop signs designating all participating merchants.
Christmas at Kuana December 4
Start the holiday season with us and enjoy the annual lighting of hundreds of flickering luminarias. There will be dancers, music, and traditional storytelling.
Bring the family for a visit with balloon pilot Santa! Explore the "decked out" Balloon Museum and the new exhibition - Cluster Balloons. Enjoy fun throughout the museum with holiday crafts, face painting and balloon hats, holiday balloon decorating and live holiday entertainment.
Garden Holidays December 6-31
Embrace the holiday spirit at the Botanic Garden during the daylight hours through the month of December.
A Charlie Brown Christmas December 8
Grammy-nominated pianist David Benoit and his quartet play music made famous by Vince Guaraldi on Charlie Brown Christmas specials.
New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concert December 9-10
Enjoy a holiday concert from the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus. Music includes traditional American holiday songs as well as music from around the world.
Come celebrate the Spirit of Christmas in dance as the Performers Ballet & Jazz Company will present the 26th season of its Bravos award-winning holiday production.
Holiday Strings Concert December 10
Enjoy a string quartet that will perform light classical, popular and holiday music at San Felipe de Neri Church, considered the “heart of Old Town” and one of the City’s true historic treasures.
Buy direct from Native American artists at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Mariachi Christmas December 11
The thrilling horns and whirling dancers bring the colorful celebrations of a Mexican Christmas to our stage.
Las Posadas December 16
Los Poblanos Inn & Organic Farm will be hosting Las Posadas, a traditional holiday event celebrated in Mexico for centuries. The evening will include a traditional New Mexican feast featuring fresh organic ingredients from the farm and our local food shed.
The Nutcraker Ballet in the Land of Enchantment December 22-23
The Nutcracker Ballet, a beloved holiday tradition comes to life in the late 1800s in territorial New Mexico. Resplendent with New Mexico heritage and traditions while maintaining the classical grace of its origins
Lights & Luminaria Holiday Bike Tour December 23-24
Holiday Magic on Two Wheels!
This holiday season Routes Rentals & Tours takes you through the
heart of Albuquerque, down luminaria-lined avenues in Old Town and past
some of the most impressive light displays in the state.
Luminaria Tour December 24
Enjoy a New Mexican tradition and take a magical ride with the City of Albuquerque and ABQ RIDE through a twinkling wonderland in Old Town, the festively adorned Albuquerque Country Club, and other hot spots decked out for the holiday.