Christmas Light Shows in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Nothing says Christmas more than lights. We put them on our trees, around our houses, and sometimes even around our cars. I love the holidays and nothing gets me more into the holiday spirit than seeing all the beautiful ways that people express their Christmas spirits with lights. This year, take in a professional light show in addition to your usual trip through Old Town to see the luminarias.

Twinkle Light Parade, theme: "Night Magic, Light Magic"

Where: Parade will start on Central from 3^rd Street and will continue down Central (west) to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden where you can purchase tickets for River of Lights (see below).

When: November 29^th

Time: 5:15pm

Cost: Free

Extras: Free rapid ride from the hours of three to ten p.m. and free shuttles to River of Lights from the south-side the Atrisco Plaza parking lot off of Central and Atrisco.

More info: www.cabq.gov or call 311.

River of Lights: A Holiday Light Show

Where: Rio Grande Botanic Garden

When: November 29^th-December 30^th, excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm

Cost: $7 adults, $3 children ages 3-12, and free for children two and under.

You can purchase tickets when you go to the show, or purchase them ahead online at https://cogpubbkp.cabq.gov/ecommerce/itemList.aspx?node_id=8220.

There are no senior or member discounts.

Location: 2601 Central Ave NW (west of Rio Grande Blvd)

Extras: The ice skating rink, located in the Botanic Garden Plaza, will be open during the same times as the River of Lights on these dates: Dec. 5-7; Dec. 12-14; Dec. 18-23; and Dec. 26-30. Best of all it is FREE! (You must bring your own skates).

Also: Live entertainment most nights and you can make holiday crafts in the Education Building on Dec 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Admission is free and they will supply craft items.

More info: http://www.bioparksociety.org/events/Events_RiverofLights.html or (505) 764-6212.

Miracle on Main Street: Electric Light Parade and Christmas Festival

Where: Belen, NM (approximately 45 minutes south of Albuquerque.

When: November 29, 2008.

Time: The festival will be between two and nine pm on Becker Ave between the Gazebo and the library.

The Electric Light Parade starts at six pm and will begin at the Recreation Center and will travel north to Aragon Rd.

Cost: Free

Extras: Holiday fireworks at 8:00pm in front of the Belen Catholic Church.

More info: http://www.belen-nm.gov/promotions/promotions.htm or (505) 864-0584.