Far more Albuquerque events take place than we can possibly list on our website—fairs and festivals, concerts, Broadway shows, cultural dances and lectures. However, we can detail a few of the upcoming events in Albuquerque and especially in Old Town. Also listed below are some of the major events during the year in Albuquerque and Santa Fe; websites are provided when possible.

For more details on Albuquerque events, visit the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau or the City of Albuquerque.

Upcoming events

November 27 - December 31: River of Lights Rio Grande Botanic Garden visitors can enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Each year's show unveils a number of ingenious new sculptures and stunning displays designed and constructed by Albuquerque BioPark artists and craftsmen.

December 3: Old Town Holiday Stroll Live entertainment, dancers, family activities, Santa Claus on hand and the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Plaza Don Luis.

December 4 : Twinkle Light Parade A night parade showcasing over 100 entries all decked out in festive holiday lighting in Downtown Albuquerque. The Parade will end at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden where the after festivities will continue under the Big Top, in the west parking lot.

December 24: Luminaria Tour in Old Town and around Albuquerque. The glowing brown sacks that adorn Albuquerque walkways, churches and homes each holiday season are called luminarias and date back more than 300 years. The New Mexican tradition began when the Spanish villages along the Rio Grande displayed the unique and easy to make Christmas lanterns, called luminarias to welcome the Christ child into the world.

Major events through the year

March