As a native New Yorker turned Albuquerque transplant, for me, holidays mean traveling. Thankfully, since having my daughter, I get to stay put for Thanksgiving and my family spends the holiday in New Mexico. While I love the ease of staying home, it is sharing my city with the people I love most that makes Thanksgiving in Albuquerque special.
New Mexico really shines during the fall. The crisp temperatures and panoramic views are sure to leave any out-of-town guests planning their next visit.
This guide is designed to give you some ideas for a relaxing, yet unforgettable, New Mexican holiday weekend.
Wednesday, 11/26
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is usually touted as the busiest travel day of the year. After giving your guests some much-needed time to relax and recharge, you can check out the Pit and catch a Lobo basketball game. Swing by Frontier on your way to the game to grab a delicious, cheap meal without worrying about dishes.
Thursday, 11/27
Thanksgiving Day is all about family time and making memories. Whether you have a large home-cooked meal or a takeout spread (I hear that Cracker Barrel does a wonderful job), this day is all about family. Check out this article if you need some ideas for fun new traditions!
Friday, 11/28
Morning
The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to show off the New Mexican landscape while getting in some activity and movement.
Budget Pick: Start your day with a cup of coffee and make your way to the Bosque trail for some walking or biking. If your guests need to rent bikes, there are several options such as Routes in Old Town or Fat Tire Cycles on Montano.
Bonus: If you want to explore beyond the Bosque, check out this article on local day hikes: Family-Friendly Hikes and Trails In and Around Albuquerque.
Upgrade Option: Book a trail ride with Tamaya Horse Rescue. Located at the Stables at Hyatt Tamaya, this horse rescue offers trail rides for adults and children 8+. A guide will take you through the beautiful landscape of the Santa Ana Pueblo with stunning views of the Sandias. If you have time, explore the grounds of the Hyatt hotel. Your guests will love this little slice of luxury. (If you happen to go in the evening, be sure to grab a drink and sit around one of the beautiful firepits!)
Lunch
Head home for some Thanksgiving leftovers and relaxation.
Afternoon
After a morning of movement and a nice big lunch, there is nothing better than putting on your comfiest clothes, loading everyone up in the car, and heading to the movie theatre. You can show off the unique Flix Brewhouse or catch a 4D movie at Regal Winrock Cinemas. If your crew is more into nature than the big screen, you can take a drive up to the Sandia Crest for beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Dinner
If your crew is looking for a bite to eat after the movies or drive, you can head somewhere easy and casual like Dion’s. My family of New Yorkers absolutely loves Dion’s. They see green chile and pepperoni on pizza, and they suddenly forget to be pizza snobs.
Saturday, 11/30
Now that your guests have been acquainted with the landscape and had their fill of Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s time to get into the holiday spirit.
Morning
Treat your guests to a breakfast burrito and head to Old Town for some local flair and holiday shopping. If perusing local shops is not up your family’s alley, you can pop over to the Explora Museum and check out the over 250 exhibits.
Lunch
Church Street Cafe’s charm is elevated during the holiday season. Whether your family is ready for a full meal or wants to nosh on some guacamole and chips, your guests will appreciate the decor and hustle and bustle of this Old Town establishment around this time of year.
Afternoon
Head back home for some downtime before an active night. Alternatively, if your family is not ready to stop shopping, you can check out the 25th Annual Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival at the Expo Center. There are over 100 local artisans and vendors selling uniquely New Mexican gifts and souvenirs. The festival also has a “Kids’ Creation Station” where children can make their own handmade gifts.
Dinner
Option 1: My all-time favorite place to grab dinner at Christmastime is Cervantes Mexican Restaurant on Gibson. This option is a little more out of the way, but the Christmas trees, fireplaces, and little decor touches really set the holiday mood. Encourage your guests to try some enchiladas with the ever-appropriate Christmas option for chile.
Option 2: If ease and proximity are important to you, you cannot go wrong with Sawmill Market. With over 25 food and drink options, there is something for everyone here. If the weather permits, your crew can huddle around one of the large firepits while your kids run and play in the outdoor area.
Evening
Your guests and children alike will be dazzled by the beautiful displays at the River of Lights at the ABQ Botanical Gardens. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and take in the 30-foot Brachiosaurus and unicorn light display. Saturday is the opening night, so it will likely be busy. Buy your tickets ahead of time and take advantage of the free Park & Ride.
Sunday, 11/31
Morning
Send your guests off with a taste of local culture and flair. Grab a quick bite to eat at home or one of our local brunch favorites. Next, make your way to the Albuquerque Balloon Museum, which is free on Sundays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Children will love the interactive “Elevation Station” exhibit.
Lunch
Next, a lunch at Indian Pueblo Kitchen will introduce your guests to Indigenous cuisine. If time permits, head inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The Native American Student Art Show will be taking place and will feature stunning artwork by local Indigenous students.
