Albuquerque December Guide: Weather Tips, Packing List, and Top Attractions

It’s the darkest time of the year, so everyone brings out the lights. Find out where to enjoy them, from the River of Lights to local displays to luminaria tours.

Be sure to take a look at the holiday calendar for listings on holiday events.

For dining options during Christmas, see the Christmas dining guide.

Find Nutcracker Ballet performances for the holiday season.

Discover where to cut your own Christmas tree.

Find holiday music in the Albuquerque area.

Explore free holiday events.

December Events

Bugg Lights
The walk-through displays feature handcrafted characters. The Bugg Lights have been a local tradition for over 40 years. Refreshments, musical entertainment, and Santa in his workshop, along with nightly entertainment, are all at the Harvey House Museum in Belen.
Dates: November 28 – December 31

Nob Hill Shop and Stroll
The annual shop and stroll features Santa Claus, free trolley rides, mariachis, carolers, and great shopping and food.
Date: December 3

Nutcracker on the Rocks
The Keshet Dance Company’s Nutcracker defies expectations and performs classic rock and roll tunes, using wheelchairs for ballet to create an exciting performance that has become an Albuquerque classic. Experience it at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Dates: December 3 – 13

Old Town Holiday Stroll
Enjoy live music, dancing, strolling carolers, and even a visit from Santa Claus in Old Town. The luminarias will be glowing, and the shops will be overflowing with holiday fare. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., and the tree will be lit at 6:15 p.m. The Santa parade also begins at 6:15 p.m. The stroll is free and takes place along Museum Row.
Date: December 4

Pueblo Shop & Stroll
Join the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for holiday traditions that include a performance of the Fire Dance by the White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers. Experience a bonfire, Native artists selling goods, and holiday arts and crafts for the kids. A free shuttle from Old Town is also available.
Date: December 4

First Friday Fractals
Art and science meet under the planetarium dome for these live presentations. Fractals Rock has more rock music and less talk.
Date: December 4

First Friday ARTScrawl
With over 20 different galleries throughout the city participating, choose which ones to visit to discover what’s happening with guilds, individual artists, and ongoing shows.
Date: December 4

Holiday Fair
Find fresh garlands, wreaths, and poinsettias made by master gardeners at the Albuquerque Garden Center. There will be over 40 crafts booths. The craft and plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dates: December 4 – 5

Madrid Christmas Open House
Santa will be on hand in Madrid to listen to whispered wishes, along with Mrs. Claus, stagecoach rides, music, carolers, and a variety of entertainment will be available. There will also be open galleries and art shows Madrid is famous for.
Date: December 5

Home for the Holidays Concert
Three UNM choirs will sing at the KiMo Theatre. Enjoy holiday favorites performed by UNM Children’s Chorus, the UNM Concert Choir, and Las Cantantes.
Dates: December 4 – 5

The Festival of Trees
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser to benefit Carrie Tingley Foundation, helping children with special needs. The festival takes place at the Albuquerque Convention Center.
Dates: December 4 – 6

Elf the Musical Jr.
An orphan crawls into Santa’s bag and is transported to the North Pole, growing up thinking he is an elf. Experience this joyful performance at the South Broadway Cultural Center.
Dates: December 4 – 13

The Wind in the Willows
This beloved tale will be brought to life in a colorful and witty recreation at the Aux Dog Theatre.
Dates: December 4 – 24

A Christmas Carol
Enjoy the classic Charles Dickens tale about Scrooge and his warming heart, performed at the Albuquerque Little Theatre on weekends through Christmas.
Dates: December 4 – 24

The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holiday
This theatrical production takes you to December 1936, where a Broadway star famous for playing Sherlock Holmes invites the cast to a Connecticut castle for a weekend, leading to unexpected events.
Dates: December 4 – 20

Handbell Ensemble Concert
Hear the Albuquerque Handbell Ensemble perform in a free concert at Erna Fergusson Library from 2 to 3 p.m.
Date: December 5

Family Fun Holiday Art Workshop
Create holiday crafts at the Albuquerque Museum. This free event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
Date: December 5

Twinkle Light Parade
The annual Twinkle Light Parade features Santa Claus and over 100 floats adorned with dazzling lights. Visit this year’s parade in Nob Hill while participating in the district’s annual Shop and Stroll.
Date: December 5

Nutcracker Ballet
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s classic music of the Nutcracker. The New Mexico Ballet Company will be joined by the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra for two weekends of this enchanting performance. Special guest dancers from the New York City and American Ballet troupes will also grace the stage.
Dates: December 5 and 6

Holiday Stop and Shop
This annual event in Los Ranchos features over 30 businesses and restaurants, making it convenient for holiday shopping. Look for numbered signs with balloons for participating shops.
Dates: December 5 – 6

Holiday Concert
The Albuquerque Concert Band will perform holiday music at a free concert at the KiMo Theatre.
Date: December 6

Christmas at Kuaua
Enjoy a festive evening with luminarias, a bonfire, a visit from Santa, Native dancers, biscochito cookies, hot apple cider, and cocoa. Children can create their own Christmas ornament. Experience traditional Pueblo dances and storytelling at the Coronado Monument.
Date: December 6

Holidays Take Flight
Head to the Balloon Museum for a delightful experience of decorating holiday balloon cookies, making crafts, and visiting with balloon pilot Santa. Enjoy hot drinks and treats while shopping with local artisans.
Date: December 6

David Berkeley
Berkeley’s music offers a unique perspective from the characters in his stories. He will perform at the Cherry Hills Library on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. and on Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at Los Griegos Library.
Dates: December 8 and 9

Nitty-Gritty Crafts
Create gifts for family and friends at the San Pedro Library, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Materials will be provided at no cost.
Date: December 12

Winter Carnival
Bring the family to a winter carnival filled with games, music, food, crafts, tennis games, and more, held at the Jerry Cline Recreation Center from noon to 3 p.m.
Date: December 12

Joe West & The Santa Fe Revue Holiday Shindig
Experience the psychedelic country band Joe West & The Santa Fe Revue performing at the Outpost Performance Space.
Date: December 12

Mariachi Christmas
A captivating show featuring swirling dresses, stomping feet, and the vibrant sound of mariachi music.
Date: December 13

Winterfest
Rio Rancho hosts this annual event with a lighted holiday parade featuring special floats, followed by tours of luminarias. A holiday lighting ceremony at city hall at 5 p.m. will occur, along with refreshments, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa until 7 p.m.
Date: December 12

Ballet Repertory Theater Nutcracker Ballet
The Ballet Repertory Theatre presents the classic tale with toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes, and more. This performance has been a cherished tradition since 1996.
Dates: December 12 – 24

See more events on Page 2 >

Mannheim Steamroller
Celebrate Christmas with the iconic music of Mannheim Steamroller, enhanced by spectacular special effects, at Popejoy Hall at 4 and again at 8 p.m.
Date: December 18

Holiday Pops
Under the baton of conductor Jason Altieri, the New Mexico Philharmonic performs classic holiday music featuring local school choirs at Popejoy Hall.
Date: December 19

Nutcracker Ballet in the Land of Enchantment
Performed by the Festival Ballet Albuquerque, this production blends the rich traditions of New Mexico with the classical holiday tale.
Dates: December 18 – 20

Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Watch as the Mountain West Conference winner faces off against a rival from Conference USA at the Pit.
Date: December 19

Luminaria Tour
Christmas isn’t the same in Albuquerque without a tour of luminaria displays on Christmas Eve. Bus tours are available for comfort, while walkers can explore their own luminaria paths.
Date: December 24

Luminarias in Old Town
Enjoy a delightful tour of luminaria displays on Christmas Eve. Stroll around the Old Town plaza and into the Country Club neighborhood, with stops for hot chocolate, carolers, and holiday cheer.
Date: December 24

Merry Christmas!