Albuquerque Holiday Lights: Where to Find the Best Displays in 2024
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Each year,Albuquerque transforms into a winter wonderland wiht dazzling holiday light displays and festive events. This guide showcases some of the best places to experience the magic of the season, updated with the latest information for 2024.
McCord Light Display: A Local Tradition
Chris McCord, affectionately known as “mr. Christmas” by locals, creates a spectacular holiday display at his home, delighting visitors with thousands of lights, inflatables, and synchronized music.Beyond the visual spectacle, the McCord display also serves a charitable purpose, collecting food and toy donations for the Albuquerque community.
“Our house has over 50,000 lights,” mccord stated in a 2023 interview with KRQE News 13. “The best part is hearing the kids just in awe when they see it.”
Location: 6401 Pepperdine Street NE, Albuquerque. It’s recommended to check the McCord Light Display Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on operating hours and donation needs.
River of Lights: A New mexico Premiere
The River of Lights at the ABQ BioPark is a long-standing New Mexico tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. This immersive walk-through experience features elaborate light displays, animated sculptures, and twinkling lights stretching along a 1.6-mile path.
In 2024, the River of Lights runs from November 24th, 2024 through December 31st, 2024. According to the ABQ BioPark website, tickets must be purchased in advance and are timed to manage capacity. The event features over 700 displays, making it one of the largest and most impressive holiday light shows in the Southwest.
Other Notable Displays (As of December 2nd, 2024)
while the McCord display and River of Lights are highlights, Albuquerque offers many other options:
* Holiday Lights at Explora: Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum hosts a festive light display and holiday-themed activities.Check the Explora website for details.
* Neighborhood Displays: Many Albuquerque neighborhoods go all-out with decorations. Driving around areas like Nob Hill, Old Town, and the Heights can reveal hidden gems. Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor are frequently enough good sources for finding addresses of especially impressive displays.
Key Takeaways
* McCord light Display: A dazzling, charitable display with over 50,000 lights.
* river of Lights: A premier New mexico event at the ABQ BioPark, requiring advance ticket purchase.
* Explore Local Neighborhoods: Discover hidden gems by driving through decorated neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Albuquerque’s holiday light scene continues to grow each year. Keep an eye on local news and event listings in late 2025 for updates on returning favorites and new displays.