ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Nov 15, 2013 -- Routes Bicycle Rentals & Tours (www.routesrentals.com), a local bicycle tour and rental shop near historic Old Town Albuquerque, has announced their third annual ‘Lights and Luminarias’ bike tour on December 24 (Christmas Eve). 


Participants will travel through the heart of Albuquerque, down luminaria-lined avenues in Old Town and past the glowing hot air balloons and spectacular holiday displays of the Country Club neighborhood. These areas limit their streets to automobile traffic on Christmas Eve, and together host the City’s largest concentration of lights and luminarias. Old Town also features the City’s impressive holiday tree and the celebrated decorations / ceremonies of the San Felipe de Neri church. 


In its third year, ‘Lights and Luminarias’ is the first professionally-led bicycle tour on Christmas Eve in Albuquerque, and allows participants to bypass the headaches and congestion traditionally faced by motorists. Tour packages may be customized with a number of amenities including twinkle-light bike rentals (each bike is wrapped with LED holiday lights) and a choice of body-warming artisan beverages from the New Mexico Tea Company (www.nmteaco.com) or Chocolate Cartel (www.chocolatecartel.com), which come served in a keepsake Routes mug. All participants will enjoy spiced cider and handmade biscochitos (the state cookie of New Mexico) upon returning to Routes Bicycle Rentals & Tours. 


New Mexico is famous for its 200 year-old tradition of lighting luminarias (or farolitos) on Christmas Eve. Each luminaria consists of a brown paper bag illuminated from within by a votive candle. Thousands of luminarias are arranged in rows and patterns along streets, in plazas, and on rooftops throughout Albuquerque to create an unmatched display of flickering light. 


“We are honored to share the holiday magic of New Mexico with our guests in such an intimate, unique way”, said Josh Arnold, who owns and operates Routes Bicycle Rentals & Tours with his wife, Heather. “Albuquerque has one of the most impressive holiday displays in the United States, and this bicycle tour allows total immersion. Lights and Luminarias has become one of the city’s most beautiful new