Tumbleweed snowman.  Bizcochitos.  Ordering your enchiladas “Christmas.”  These are some of the fascinating things you will find in New Mexico during the holidays, and specifically in Albuquerque.  There are many truly joyful events that happen throughout our wonderful city during the month of December that you absolutely will not find anywhere else. 

Kicking off the holiday season in Albuquerque’s cultural epicenter Nob Hill, the Shop and Stroll closes the streets to vehicles in this fabulous neighborhood, giving patrons the opportunity to walk the streets and shop locally until late.  During the Shop and Stroll shoppers enjoy the opportunity to ride in pedicabs, take in street performers, enjoy the excellent cuisine in Nob Hill’s restaurants and of course, shop!  This year is extra-special because Nob Hill is abuzz, celebrating its one hundredth year anniversary.

While New York City has its Rockefeller Center and the Lighting of The Tree, so does Albuquerque, but in Old Town.  Old Town is more steeped in history than 100 Rockefeller Center, as it dates back to 1706 when founded by the Spanish.  Even today Old Town keeps its Spanish roots, preserving a central plaza and gazebo—Mariachis included of course!—, surrounded by historic golden-colored adobe buildings and the San Felipe de Neri Church.  Just one day after the Shop and Stroll the mayor lights the tree in Old Town and wishes peace and joy on all observing Burqueños. 

The third day of celebrations brings us back to Nob Hill to witness the Twinkle Light Parade, The Sugar Team’s all-time favorite.  This year there are 96 participants floating down the street with the one requirement that every entrant—whether it be a clown, bicycle or low-rider—be bedazzled with twinkle lights.  The culmination of live music, red and green flashing lights and overall kitschiness provides a scintillating experience for the senses.

However, the Twinkle Light Parade really doesn’t own the market on quirkiness in ‘Burque.  Just the second year running, the Rail Yards in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood hosts their Rail Yards Holiday Market.  Located in the historic Blacksmith Shop which was completed in 1917, it has often been the backdrop for many Hollywood productions.  Albuquerque is pushing to convert this locale into a public market similar to what is found in cities like Barcelona and Los Angeles.  It is a great place to purchase local crafts, homemade chow and unusual souvenirs.

On Christmas Eve there is a gorgeous tradition that takes place yearly here in Albuqerque and dates back more than 300 years: Luminarias.  Luminarias are brown paper sacks filled with sand and a votive candle.  Historically, nuevomexicanos lit the candles on December 24th to welcome the Christ child into the world.  Today Albuquerque’s older neighborhoods like Old Town, North Valley, South Valley and Country Club place these ethereal decorations to adorn their walkways, churches and homes.  I promise you, you don’t have to be religious to appreciate this beautiful detail.

Last but not least, we have the River of Lights.  The River of Lights is an exhibit of visual light sculptures throughout the ABQ BioPark Botanical Garden running from the end of November through the beginning of January.  Although many other cities host a similar event, Albuquerque’s has been running strong for 19 years and simply is the best.  Where else can you find gorgeous light representations of a barrel of 14 monkeys, a butterfly bush, eight dragonflies, three cow skulls and a hot air balloon?  The River of Lights is the perfect holiday conclusion following the excess of egg nog, spicy tamales and ugly Christmas sweaters.  And it really is a pleasure to meander along the illuminated botanical garden paths, delightfully discovering what new “creature” has been rendered in lights.

So there you have it…Albuquerque during the holidays.  From the unique shopping opportunities of Nob Hill’s Shop and Stroll, historic Old Town’s Lighting of the Tree, the scintillating Twinkle Light Parade, quirky Holiday Market at the Rail Yards, ethereal Luminarias, to the River of Lights, Albuquerque has something for everyone at this time of year.  And that is why The Sugar Team is so proud to call “The Duke City” home.  Call us today (505) 850-9977 if you would like to work with a Realtor® that loves Albuquerque as much as we do!