Posted in New Mexico
November 26, 2016
The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through New Mexico That’s Nothing Short Of Magical
Whether you’re trying to entertain guests or just feel like embracing the holiday spirit, a Christmas lights road trip is an experience that everyone can enjoy. This route includes displays of farolitos/luminarias along with colored light displays. Each set of lights is so exquisite that you’ll remember their magic long after the holidays are over.
This adventure covers 191 miles and takes 4 hours and 16 minutes without stops. If you drive the route end-to-end, you’ll probably want to stop somewhere overnight because it would be challenging to view every display in the space of one evening. Here is the map.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
New Mexico’s plazas are enchanting during the holidays when they’re illuminated with a combination of farolitos and white and colored Christmas lights. Stroll around Taos plaza at your leisure, absorbing the sights and sounds of the season. No tickets or fees are required for this memorable experience.
See the sculptures at the botanic garden in a whole new light – literally. The plants and statues are thoughtfully illuminated to turn the garden into a fantastical wonderland. Glow starts on December 16th and runs until January 1st. The hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and tickets are available starting November 18th. (There is a preview party for Glow on December 7th as well). For more info.
The lights go up on the Plaza just after Thanksgiving and remain in place throughout the holidays. This is another beautiful and free display.
The town of Madrid knows how to put on a light show. When it was a company town, airlines rerouted flights during the holidays so passengers could admire Madrid’s epic light extravaganzas from above. Nowadays, the tradition of lighting up the town continues, admittedly on a less dramatic scale. Still, this small town is charming when lit up for the holidays.
Christmas Eve is the best time to visit Old Town Plaza because that’s when it’s transformed by a huge luminaria display. However, the buildings are decorated for the season well before then, making an already picturesque place positively bewitching.
Arguably, the best holiday light show in New Mexico is the River of Lights, a walk-through extravaganza that features more than 500 displays. This event, which is held at the ABQ Biopark, runs from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. each evening through December 30th, save for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more info.
Bugg Lights takes place at the Harvey House in Belen. This gorgeous annual display includes 200,000 Christmas lights. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. It is open nightly from
5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more info.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some fantastic memories this holiday season.
Address: 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501
Address: 104 North 1st Street, Belen, NM 87002
