ALBUQUERQUE, NM (November 20, 2012) – The holidays are here again, and in the Southwest our holiday traditions are not to be missed. From the twinkling luminarias on rooftops to the smell of posolè and tamales cooking, to our local music and theater productions, Albuquerque offers a holiday experience for everyone. With many great deals, travel packages and city events, it’s a great time to visit and celebrate the season with us. Check out www.ItsATrip.org/holidays2012 for information on holiday shopping, seasonal culinary specialties and festive events around Albuquerque.

Holiday Highlights & Events

Nov 24-Dec 30: River of Lights
Enjoy the dazzling displays of animals, fantastical creatures and more while strolling through New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Gardens.

Dec 1: Nob Hill Shop & Stroll with Twinkle Light Parade
From noon to midnight, enjoy shopping, food specials, family entertainment, photos with Santa during the Shop & Stroll plus the Twinkle Light Parade through the Nob Hill neighborhood.

Dec 7: Old Town Holiday Stroll
Shopping, live entertainment, dancers, family activities, Santa Claus on hand and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.

Dec 24: Luminaria Tour
Visitors enjoy the walk-through luminaria display throughout Historic Old Town, but you can also choose to let ABQ Ride take you through this and other festively-adorned hot spots decked out for the holidays.

Special Shows & Performances


Dec 1, 2, 29 & 30: Pueblo Winter Stories
In Native American tradition, winter stories are told to young and old alike. Join Shkeme Garcia for the gift of storytelling.

Dec 14: Holiday Strings Concert in Old Town
The City of Albuquerque and the Mexican Consulate present a string quartet concert in Historic Old Town's San Felipe de Neri Church.

Dec 14: Mariachi Christmas

Listen to thrilling horns and take in whirling dancers as they share the colorful celebrations of a Mariachi Christmas at Popejoy Hall.

Dec 14-16: The Farolitos of Christmas
Delight in this performance that is a timeless, heartwarming play by iconic New Mexican author Rudolfo Anaya at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.

Dec 20-23: The Nutcracker Ballet in The Land of Enchantment
Watch the beloved holiday ballet come to life in the late 1800s in territorial New Mexico. This version shares New Mexican heritage and traditions while maintaining the classical grace of its origins.

Holiday Travel Packages and Recipes

Every year Albuquerque hotels, inns, restaurants and shops warmly welcome holiday visitors and offer enticing specials. For an updated list of coupons, deals, packages and a complete list of events, visit www.ItsATrip.org/holidays2012.

One of the best parts of the holiday celebrations is the festive cuisine, which traditionally includes dishes like posole, tamales, biscochitos and many more. Try a taste of New Mexico this holiday season with these favorite local holiday recipes.

High resolution holiday photos are available upon request by emailing media@itsatrip.org