December in Albuquerque is a magical time of year for us because, as a city, we shine brightly in so many ways. There are lights, music, great food, and family-friendly events for all. Check it all out below on our list of must-dos in Albuquerque during the holidays.
Thank you to TLC Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for sponsoring this Guide to Holiday Events.
The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also be stressful for your home. Between hosting guests, extra appliances running, and everyone needing a warm shower on those chilly mornings, your home is running to its max.
There’s nothing worse than having your heat go out, a water heater fail, or an electrical issue pop up right in the middle of your holiday celebrations. TLC hopes you won’t need them this season, but if you do, they’re available 24/7 to keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable.
TLC has been locally owned and operated for the past 35+ years, and their licensed Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical technicians are dedicated to helping fellow New Mexicans so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying time with family and friends.
Right now, TLC is offering special holiday deals to help you save:
- Free electrical panel inspection *homes older than 1985
- $2,500 tank water heater installation
- $50 off any heating repair
Don’t let a home emergency steal your holiday cheer. Trust TLC, your local comfort experts, to be there when you need them most.
Also check out our budget-friendly local gift guide here for more ideas on what to get that someone special for the holidays.
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ABQ Mom Team Recommendations
“We always make it a point to go to the tree lighting in Old Town. A fun thing you can do is park somewhere and ride the shuttle. One place is parking at or near Explora. The museums usually have festivities for the kids. You can ride a shuttle to Old Town. A favorite memory is when we rode the shuttle back to our car, a musician who performed at Old Town serenaded us with some music. So fun! Another idea is parking by the UNM area and riding the city bus to Old Town. It changes up your experience just enough and you never know what cool people you will meet!” -Elizabeth J.
“I love going to Uptown for the tree lighting every year. They have hot chocolate vendors and choirs singing. Same with Old Town.” -Jade
“I love driving around to look at Christmas lights and walking among luminarias on Christmas Eve. The Albuquerque Holiday Light Displays Facebook group provides great recommendations for neighborhoods that are lit up for both activities.” -Rachel S
“Since we moved to New Mexico six years ago, even before my first daughter was born, it has been a family tradition to go to the River of Lights. It feels so magical every year. We discovered the Park and Ride the second year, and it was so much easier to navigate the traffic.” -Karina
“We love seeing the lighting of the tree in Old Town. It’s pretty chilly, so layer up the kids. We purchase hot cocoa and get there early for a good spot to count down.” -Stephanie L.
“River of Lights is our most favorite event within ABQ . . . It’s the kind of memory that lasts forever; bundled up, cocoa in hand, and awe and joy on our children’s faces.” -Jamie
Upcoming Holiday Events
Week 1: November 16 - 22
Week 2: November 23 - 29
Week 3: November 30 - December 6
Week 4: December 7 - 13
Week 5: December 14 - 20
Week 6: December 21 - 27
Week 7: December 28 - 31
Do you know of other holiday events in the Albuquerque area? Email [email protected] with all the details so we can add them to our list.
More Holiday Resources
Where to See Santa In and Around Albuquerque
Winter Break Activities for Kids
Guide to Lights and Luminarias in the Albuquerque Area
Free Holiday Events & Experiences in Albuquerque
