2009 River of Lights at Albuquerque Bio-Park Information

Costs: $7 adults, $3 Children (members might get a discount)

Hours: 6-9pm

The time has come again to head to the Albuquerque Bio-Park for their annual River of Lights. If you've never been to the River of Lights, you're in for a special Holiday treat! However, if you have experienced the Bio Park during the Christmas season, you know what a delight this scenery is.

The River of Lights is a huge display of Christmas lights in the shapes of things, often animated, running throughout the entire Albuquerque Bio-Park. For example, in the Butterfly Pavillion, you'll find an extremely large moving butterfly created from colorful Christmas lights. Other places you can find animals, flowers, snowmen, and other Christmas themes. The lights are endless in every direction you look, from the children's area to the rose garden. They also do a good job of incorporating our great New Mexican culture into the mix.

One area I would highly recommend taking a trip to is the far back of the Bio-Park which hosts the new Japanese Garden. I've seen the Japanese Garden in the day and its absolutely spectacular. I can't imagine what it will look like at night and I'm excited to find out. My family goes every year and sees what new inventions they've cooked up for us. I also recommend walking to the crops area with the apples and horses as they sell hot chocolate that will warm your throat in that chilly air.

Dress warm and make sure the kids are bundled up. You will be doing a lot of walking, so I recommend that you take a stroller for the babies (and a warm, cozy blanket). Oh, and don't forget your camera with FLASH!

Visit this site: http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/garden/lights.html to find out about special events during the River of Lights, such as live performances or the train schedule.