This Iconic Holiday Event in New Mexico is the One Thing You Must Do This Season
The holiday season is upon us and it's time to celebrate with the traditional Luminaria Tour in Albuquerque on Christmas Eve.
The holiday season is upon us and it's time to celebrate! Between festive dinners, ugly Christmas sweater parties, holiday light displays, and festivals, our December calendars are packed with joyful holiday events. But if you only have time for one holiday event in New Mexico this year, make it ABQ RIDE’s 59th Annual Luminaria Tour.
Held on Christmas Eve in Albuquerque's Old Town, the Annual Luminaria Tour is a traditional event during which you'll see thousands of luminaria on a tour around town. So, what are luminaria? Well, "luminaria" means "light" or "illumination," and they are made of paper bags illuminated by a candle as part of a Christmas Eve procession.
Now, there has been a centuries-old debate between northern and southern New Mexico about luminaries vs. farolitos. In fact, it's been a hotly contested issue for more than 425 years. The term "luminaria," or "light," is commonly used in Southern New Mexico while "farolito," meaning "little lantern,' is commonly used in Northern New Mexico. For this annual event in Albuquerque, the term "luminaria" is used and refers to the paper bag lanterns.
The Luminaria Tour begins and ends at the Albuquerque Convention Center and is sponsored by ABQ Ride, the city's transit system. The tour is 45 minutes by bus through Old Town and the Country Club area of the city and passes by thousands of glowing luminaria along the way.
If you are unable to purchase a bus ticket, you can always take a stroll through the neighborhoods and the historic plaza to view the luminaria up close. It's such a magical Christmas Eve tradition in Albuquerque that everyone should experience it at least once.
Are you ready for the holidays? I sure am! Do you plan on attending the Annual Luminaria Tour in Albuquerque's Old Town? Luminaria events have such a beautifully magical quality to them, and I hope you attend this holiday event in New Mexico on Christmas Eve to experience it by bus or on foot this year. For location and time information, visit the Luminaria Tour website.
Time is ticking to order all those gifts for the holiday. Take a look at our Holiday Gift Guide if you're stuck on ideas this year. And for more things to do this winter, check out our Ultimate Guide to Winter Attractions and Activities in New Mexico.
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