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Albuquerque River of Lights

Find Light Displays, Music, and More

By , About.com Guide

Albuquerque River of Lights Courtesy City of Albuquerque
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The Albuquerque River of Lights has provided sparkling fun in Albuquerque since 1997. Each year, volunteers create new sculptures to add to the light displays found throughout the Botanic Gardens. Watch running animals, twirling snowmen, Snoopy on the garden train, and all the decorated objects found in the gardens.

The 2012 River of Lights runs from Saturday, November 24 through Sunday, December 30, and is closed December 24 and 25.
The show runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. November 24 through December 13, and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. December 14 through December 30. There are nearly 400 light sculptures, and for each season, some new sculptures will be on display.

Tickets
Tickets can be purchased from any ABQ BioPark cashier during regular hours, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily, at the gate beginning at 5:30 p.m., or online. Group discounts are available for groups of 50 or more. Call (505) 764-6212 to purchase group tickets.
Cost: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12.
Hours: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 11/24 - 12/13; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. 12/14 - 12/30.

What to Expect
The River of Lights provides a place to enjoy the holiday season. In addition to the light sculptures, there is always something else going on, from carolers to a snowman display house to the opportunity to have Supper with Santa. Visiting the River of Lights is fun for the entire family.

Light Sculptures
Each year, the River of Lights has new sculptures on display. Over 150 displays will dazzle and glow to become larger than life displays. Some displays are animated, others in 3D. The display is based in a botanic garden, so there are plants such as cactus and yucca, but there are also spiders, birds, zoo animals and trucks. The displays expand every year, some life sized, and others larger than life. All are fun.

Tips Before Heading Out:

  • Dress warmly, and in layers. Once the sun sets, it gets dark, and wandering the gardens is primarily an outdoor affair. Bring hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. As my mother used to say, bundle up.
  • River of Lights is busiest closer to Christmas, and on weekends. Consider visiting on a Monday or Tuesday, when the traffic is light.
  • Bring something the young ones can rest in, whether that is a stroller or wagon. Toddlers especially tire easily, bring a blanket to keep them warm in stroller or wagon.
  • Wagons are available at the entry, $5 for a regular wagon, $7 for two seaters.
  • Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A driver's license is necessary. Find the wheelchairs at the Shark Reef Cafe.
  • Bike racks are available at the entryway.
  • Consider eating in Old Town first, or if you have young children, why not have Supper with Santa? Kids enjoy the Shark Reef Cafe because they can watch the fish and other creatures while they eat. This option is available from December 13 - 23, beginning at 5 p.m.
  • Holiday Dining will be available at the Shark Reef Café December 26 through 30, beginning at 5 p.m.
  • Live entertainment happens nightly from November 24 through December 22.
  • See a glass snowman collection in the Moorish Garden.
  • The model trains will be running Wednesdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., weather and staff permitting. Look for Snoopy Santa on the holiday train.
  • There will be other food for sale at the gardens as well.
  • There will be Holiday Nature Crafts on Wednesdays from 6 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Visit the education building December 5, 12 or 19 and create some holiday presents.
  • The Garden and Aquarium gift shops are open during River of Lights.
  • Don't forget your camera!

    Parking
    Parking is free and there are always spaces at the Botanic Gardens lot. On busy nights, the lots by the Heritage Farm and Tingley Beach are used for overflow.

    Park and Ride
    Enjoy this free service on select nights and beat the traffic snarl. Note: Park and Ride is NOT wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking can be found at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden parking lots.
    Friday and Saturday nights: November 24 and 30, December 1, 7, 8, and every night, December 14 - 30.

    Park and Ride Locations
    ABQ BioPark Zoo
    903 Tenth Street SW (school bus ride)
    Tingley Beach
    1800 Tingley SW (train or shuttle ride)

    See images of River of Lights displays.

    Visit the city of Albuquerque website about the River of Lights.

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