During the holiday season, New Mexico is illuminated by the warm glow of candles placed in sand-filled paper bags. Whether you call these decorations farolitos or luminarias, their beauty doesn’t change. Arranged on top of walls, these simple decorations transform everything around them, as if by magic.

In New Mexico, you’ll have many opportunities to view displays of farolitos and luminarias. And there is no shortage of colored Christmas lights in New Mexico that are popular throughout much of the country. Here are some of the brightest and best New Mexico Christmas lights of all kinds. These destinations and events are sure to put you in a festive frame of mind:

1. River of Lights, ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

Our list of the best Christmas light displays in New Mexico begins at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden. Every year, this holiday light display fills all who see it with awe. This year’s show will feature more than 500 light displays. For more information about this must-experience holiday event, be sure to visit the official River of Lights website.

2. Holiday Lights Parade “Peace on Earth,” Los Alamos

This holiday lights parade is part of Winterfest, a family-friendly winter event that promises to dazzle all ages. Winterfest typically takes place during the first weekend in December, but there are events scheduled throughout the entire season you won't want to miss. Learn more about dates, times, and details when you visit the official WinterFest website.

3. Christmas on the Pecos, Pecos River Village Conference Center, 711 Muscatel Avenue, Carlsbad

Experience this unique light display from aboard a boat that transports you along the Pecos River.

More than 100 Carlsbad homeowners with waterfront property festoon their yards and docks with lights. This holiday light spectacular is one you won't want to miss! To learn more about planning your trip to this festive region of New Mexico, be sure to check out the official Carlsbad tourism website.

4. Twinkle Light Parade, Albuquerque

This year, the Twinkle Light Parade promises to be bigger and better than ever! View gorgeous illuminated floats as the parade processes through Nob Hill on Central (between Washington and Girard). And the best part of all? The event is completely free! Learn more when you visit the official Twinkle Light Parade website.

5. Riverglo & San Juan College Luminarias, Farmington

You have plenty of opportunities to see Christmas lights in Farmington this year. Stroll along luminaries trails beside the Animas River during Riverglo. This event includes a live nativity scene, bonfires, and Father Christmas. San Juan College becomes a blaze of luminarias as 40,000 of them are used to decorate the campus. For more information on this spectacular event, check out the Riverglo event listing.

6. Madrid, Highway 14

When Madrid was a company town it would put on an annual light display so impressive that airlines would alter their routes so passengers could view the show from above! Today, the celebration continues in the form of the annual Christmas Parade down the town’s main drag. Learn all about this charming town by visiting the Madrid website.

7. Christmas Carols and Luminarias on the Plaza, Mesilla

On Christmas Eve, the Mesilla Plaza transforms into a softly glowing wonderland, lit by luminarias. There's even carol singing involved! Learn more when you follow Old Mesilla on Facebook.

8. Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk, Elephant Butte Lake State Park

One of the best Christmas light displays in New Mexico, the Elephant Butte Luminaria Tour features a lighted boat parade, thousands of luminarias, and Santa Claus. Tickets aren’t required, but you do need to pay the park admission fee. For more information, be sure to check out the official Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk event page.

9. The Plaza, Santa Fe

Celebrate the holidays in New Mexico when the lights go up the Plaza. The evening features caroling, live music, and an appearance from Santa. The lights stay up throughout the season so you can appreciate them at your leisure. Curious to learn more? Check out the official Santa Fe Travel Guide for more details that will help you plan your visit.

10. Electric Light Parade, Las Vegas

Every December, Las Vegas hosts its Electric Light Parade, which starts on 5th Street and ends at the Plaza. In addition to the illuminated parade, there will be a marching band and an appearance by Santa. Curious to learn more? Check out the Electric Light Parade website for more details.

11. Luminarias on the Plaza Art Stroll, Socorro

Head to Socorro’s Plaza on December 3rd for this event. Enjoy an electric light parade, meet Santa Claus, and witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. To learn more about all the festivities that are to take place, check out the City of Socorro website.

12. Farolito Walk, Canyon Road, Santa Fe

Canyon Road is THE place to be on Christmas Eve in Santa Fe, where locals and tourists alike take part in the annual Farolito Walk. The street is lined with farolitos and small bonfires. The event is free and no tickets are required. Learn more information when you visit the official Farolito Walk Facebook page.

Have you been to any of these? Do you agree that this list includes some of the best Christmas light displays in New Mexico? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! Which places in New Mexico fill you with the holiday spirit? If you aren't sure and need some inspiration, maybe visiting a New Mexico Christmas town would be a fun holiday adventure.