Above: The ABQ BioPark’s River of Lights returns this year. Photograph by ZUMA Press Inc./Alamy.
Christmas on the Pecos
Christmas on the Pecos means a 40-minute boat cruise that takes you from Carlsbad’s Pecos River Park to a winter parade of fairy-lit backyards, boats, and islands. Themed displays depict desert landscapes, Santa’s workshop, and other magical tableaus that reflect brilliantly off the water, transporting you to a floating landscape where it’s always Christmas. Nightly boat tours run from November 27 to December 31, except Christmas Eve.
Farolito Walk
Mask up and march down Santa Fe’s Canyon Road for the free Farolito Walk. (Last year’s drive-through version may make a repeat this year, or there could be a hybrid cruise or walk.) Paper lanterns line the artists’ promenade every Christmas Eve, welcoming thousands of revelers who swarm the historic neighborhood to carol at bonfires, sip cider, and admire the illuminated ensembles.
River of Lights
ABQ BioPark’s River of Lights is New Mexico’s largest walk-through festival of lights, though last year it became a scaled-down drive-by event. It’s back in action, with twinkling sculptures and installations created by the artistic geniuses at the BioPark Botanic Garden. River of Lights runs nightly from November 27 to December 30, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas.