Albuquerque – Ten years may not seem like a long time once you have celebrated your 300th birthday, but 2007 is indeed a milestone for Old Town Albuquerque. It marks the 10th year of its now-famous Holiday Stroll event, sponsored by the City of Albuquerque, News Radio 770 KKOB, and 99.5 Magic FM. As always, this holiday festival and charity fundraiser will be held on the first Friday in December. The date to mark on your calendar in 2007 is Friday, December 7. Holiday Stroll activities that day are scheduled from noon to 9 PM, with entertainment continuing on Saturday, December 8. 

News Radio 770 KKOB first proposed the idea of a holiday stroll to the Old Town Merchants Association in the summer of 1998 as a way to renew interest in Albuquerque’s original town site. Since then, The Old Town Holiday Stroll has grown into one of the best-attended events of New Mexico’s holiday season; last year’s Holiday Stroll drew an estimated 20,000 visitors. The 10th annual event will attract local residents and visitors from across New Mexico with its unique combination of family attractions:

  • Musicians, dancers, singers, and other entertainers throughout Old Town from noon to 9 PM on Friday, December 7, and continuing from 9 AM-3 PM on Saturday, December 8
  • Thousands of luminaries lit at dusk
  • 14th annual lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis starting at 6 PM
  • Santa Claus in attendance throughout the evening
  • Santa’s Parade around Old Town Plaza at approximately 6:30 PM
  • Pet adoptions at the Dawg House, located at 522 Romero Street NW in Old Town
  • A chance to win two round-trip tickets from Albuquerque to anywhere Southwest Airlines flies, courtesy of The Church Street Café in Old Town.

Shoppers wearing an official Holiday Stroll button on Friday and Saturday will receive discounts from participating Old Town merchants. Buttons can be purchased on Old Town Plaza during the Holiday Stroll, with proceeds benefiting one of the city’s most respected charities. The Barrett Foundation provides housing and supportive services to women and children who are striving to break the cycle of homelessness. Last year alone, Barrett Foundation received over $7,000 through the sale of Holiday Stroll buttons and raffle tickets.

Over the years, the Old Town Holiday Stroll has been featured in media coverage around the country, including a special segment on Good Housekeeping TV. 770 KKOB remains the official radio station of the event; other sponsors include the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico Department of Tourism, The Old Town Merchants Association, 99.5 Magic FM, Barrett Foundation, Flying Star Cafe, Comcast, Plaza Don Luis and Clear Channel Communications.

Parking and Shuttles

  • For the safety of the visitors, Old Town’s streets will be closed from 3 PM to 9 PM on Friday to all vehicle traffic (but will remain open all day on Saturday)
  • The City of Albuquerque Transit Department provides free Rapid Ride bus rides to Old town on the night of the Holiday Stroll, with extended service throughout the evening
  • Free parking at the Plaza Vieja parking lot on Central Avenue, between San Felipe Street and Romero Street
  • Free parking at the City parking garage at 20th Street and Mountain Road
  • Free parking in the parking lot on 18th Street (off Mountain Road) shared by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and explora! Science Center and Children’s Museum
  • Additional free parking and shuttle service to the Old Town Holiday Stroll from locations to be announced.