Join the City of Albuquerque for the kick-off of the holiday season. Be entertained by local performers that fill the streets as you check off your holiday shopping list. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque.
The City of Albuquerque is dedicated to continuing the Old Town tradition of the lighting of a tree in Plaza Don Luis. A 30-foot sequoia replica tree will be erected and decorated so the community can carry on this time honored celebration. Bring family and loved ones to Historic Old Town to experience the tradition. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and end with a countdown to a cheerful and bright display. Entertainment will follow in Plaza Don Luis, on the Gazebo, and throughout plazas in the area.
Sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town and on the Gazebo as local choirs and performers bring holiday cheer to your strolling experience.
TBD
6 pm - Tree Lighting Ceremony
In order to ensure the safety of all shoppers, the following streets will be closed Friday, December 5 in Old Town starting at 2:30 p.m. and will last until approximately 10 p.m. Please plan accordingly and arrive early. Be aware of and obey all posted street parking signs.
Free parking will be available in the Albuquerque Museum lot as well as the surrounding side streets. Please follow all traffic laws and do not block any businesses or homes in the area.
Transportation to the event will also be available for free with ABQ Ride bus service on Route 66 or by parking at the following ART locations:
Plan your bus route by using the Transit App or Google Maps.
Stroll over to the Albuquerque Museum as they stay open late until 7 pm for the annual Old Town Holiday Stroll. Make a holiday-inspired work of art, listen to live music, and tour the Museum galleries. Shop the Museum Store for all of your holiday gift needs.
During renovations, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science will be bringing the festivities outdoors! From 5-9 pm, enjoy light-up dinosaurs and a holiday pop-up shop with candy canes, Christmas ornaments, and other festive must-haves. The mobile exhibition, New Mexico Rocks!, will be on display and illuminated for the holidays. Join the party along Mountain Road across from Tiguex Park. Make sure take the time to stargaze from the Observatory (weather permitting) and get photos with the roaring Bisti Beast, Bonita!
Explora Science Center & Children's Museum will be open with free admission until 9 p.m. All shoppers will receive 10% off for stopping by. Enjoy activity stations including Make Your Own Popsicle Stick Reindeer & Holiday Christmas Trees, Decorate your Own Snowman Station, Holiday Wish Wall , Snowflake Chromatography, Marshmallow Engineering, and Van De Graaff Demonstrations.
Shop local from dozens of unique shops to get all of your holiday shopping. Be sure to visit your favorite Old Town merchants in their shops, boutiques and galleries. Grab food or make a reservation at a variety of eateries around Historic Old Town and ask about holiday specials.
Old Town Holiday Stroll is free for the public to attend and is a rain or shine event. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome.