When the sun goes down in New Mexico, a whole other side of the state wakes up. If you want to venture out after dark, here are some magical and uniquely New Mexican experiences for every season.
1. Astronomy Parties (All Year)
New Mexico's dark skies are perfect for out-of-this-world start gazing. These private, laid-back guided tours of the night sky, just outside of Santa Fe, are both entertaining and educational. Lead by a "moonlighting" park ranger,
Astronomy Adventures highlights objects best viewed based on the season. While using a large reflector telescope, participants can view details on planets and the moon, plus star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies far, far away. The tours are offered year-round, so if you love it, be sure to book again when the sky show will be different.
2. Balloon Glow (October)
Balloon Glows are one of the coolest Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta events. They happen at twilight, (both pre-dawn and post-dusk). At a glow, balloons are inflated and tethered. On command, balloon burners are ignited. The fire from the burners light up the balloons creating a glowing lantern effect.
3. Meow Wolf (All Year)
Meow Wolf, in Santa Fe, can only be described as unique. Creators of this multimedia art installation turned an old bowling alley into a hands-on adventure that will tickle all your senses. While visiting
Meow Wolf is actually a day-time event, the dimly-lit "House of Eternal Return" makes for a shining New Mexico dark experience.
4. Camping (All Year)
A lot of New Mexico camping locations offer solitude and clear skies, but if you're looking for a really dark spot to camp, check out the Cosmic Campground. The campground and International Dark Sky Sanctuary is 3.5 acres of prime stargazing, with 360-views of the night sky. Nestled down a dirt road in the Gila National Forest, the closest (significant) artificial light is more than 40 miles away. There are no ranger programs here, but local groups do hold star viewing parties at the campground.
5. Carlsbad Bat flight (May-October)
Venturing into the caverns at Carlsbad is a great New Mexico dark experience, but for a bonus, plan your trip to the caverns when the migrating, Brazilian free-tailed bats are in residence. Show up at dusk to watch the bats flock out of the caves on their nightly quest for food. Early risers can also watch the colony return pre-dawn.
6. Lightning Field (May - October)
This after dark adventure work of art and an experience. Created by sculptor Walter De Maria, "The Lightning Field" is a land art installation of 400 stainless steel poles arranged on a flat field, near Quemado. While the rods are designed to attract lightning, during the day, the sun plays off the metal and creates a surreal experience. At night, since you are "out in the middle of nowhere," there is no light pollution. The night sky is clear and bright. And if you are lucky, you will see a lightning show beyond compare. Find out more about the
Lightning Field .
7. Shows at Santa Fe Opera (Dates Vary)
Santa Fe has a world-class opera. We know opera isn't everyone's thing. However, you must see some type of night-time musical performance at this outdoor venue! (They have popular music concerts as well as opera). Even though your attention will be on the music, the experience is enhanced 100-fold by the desert breeze, night sky, and interesting architecture. Don't forget to show up early and tailgate in the parking lot before the show too. It's a big part of the fun.
8. Christmas on the Pecos (Late November-December)
Bundle up and take a 40-minute boat ride down the Pecos River, through a wonderland of twinkling light displays. This holiday boat tour, in Carlsbad, has been selected as a "must-see" by industry professionals. Starting at Thanksgiving, and running through December 31,
Christmas on the Pecos has several tours nightly.
9. River of Lights (Late November-December)
With more than 500 animated sculptures and twinkling surprises, Albuquerque's River of Lights is a holiday attraction that is sure to dazzle. This annual show at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden was named one of "the 15 Most Spectacular" holiday light shows in the U.S.and is New Mexico's largest walk-through light show. To plan your visit, see the
River of Lights website .
10. Luminaria Walks (Late November - December)
Even if it is just around the neighborhood, get out this winter and take a luminaria tour. The Christmas tradition of glowing lights on New Mexico homes, churches and walkways dates back almost 300 years. Originally, these small bonfires (pre-paper bags) were lit as a way of welcoming the Christ child into the world.
11. Parks After Dark (Dates Vary)
Many of us enjoy New Mexico's many parks during the day, but several times throughout the year, many of our parks offer After Dark programs. Ranging from star parties to ghost walks, these nighttime events offer out of the ordinary experiences and an opportunity to learn more about our state. In late October, for example, visitors to
Fort Stanton After Dark have a chance to explore the grounds while interacting with historians and paranormal investigators. For information about other Park After Dark events, contact your favorite National Park.
12. Tour Neon on Route 66 (All Year)
Route 66 runs across New Mexico from Glen Rio, west to past Gallup. After dark, grab a malt from your favorite drive-in and cruise this historic Mother Road. Reminisce about the good-old-days as you see some of the legacy and new neon signs along the route. The coolest signs can be seen in Tucumcari and Albuquerque.
13. Drive-In Movies (Dates Vary)
Snuggle up with your beau, or bring a car-full of friends and catch a weekend double feature at the Fort Union drive-in in Las Vegas. You can find them at 3300 7th Street. For more information and the
Fort Union movie schedule online.
Down south, check out the Fiesta Drive-in, in Carlsbad. This family-owned theater has three screens and top-line digital projection. They are open seasonally, so check the
Fiesta schedule before you head out. Also, come early to beat the lines. Find Fiesta at 401 West Fiesta Drive, in Carlsbad. Both theaters show current films and have a snack bar for your popcorn and junk food fix.
14. Zozobra (August)
Each year, to free ourselves from woes of the past year, New Mexican's proudly torch a fifty-foot tall, moaning and flailing puppet named Zozobra, or "Old Man Gloom." If you haven't been to this spectacle, it should be on your New Mexico bucket list. If your gloom is especially pressing, you can even write down your troubles and have it stuffed inside the marionette. When Zozobra burns, your troubles will waft away in smoke.
What do you like to do that is uniquely New Mexican after dark? Which of New Mexico after dark attractions are your favorites?
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