7 Christmas Light Displays In New Mexico That Are Pure Holiday Magic
By Melissa Mahoney|Published November 06, 2023
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
‘Tis the season when we start searching for “Christmas lights near me” only to discover that there are dozens, even hundreds, of Christmas light displays around the state. If you’re intent on visiting the most magical Christmas light displays in New Mexico, we’re here to help. Here are some of the most over-the-top and festive light displays around the Land of Enchantment!
1. River of Lights, ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
ABQ BioPark - Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104, USA
The River of Lights is the city of Albuquerque's biggest and brightest event during the holiday season. In fact, it's one of the best Christmas light displays in New Mexico! Between the weekend after Thanksgiving and Dec. 30, visitors can enjoy a 1.5-mile walkway that meanders through over 800 life-sized displays of characters and twinkling lights. This event is held at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden and can't be missed! It is closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, so keep that. in mind. These are some of the best Christmas lights in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
2. Santa Fe Plaza
Santa Fe Plaza, 63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
There's something just so magical about Santa Fe during the holiday season, and perhaps the best light display can be found at the Santa Fe Plaza. The kickoff event for the holidays at Santa Fe Plaza is the day after Thanksgiving. Join in on the merriment and festivities this year and feast your eyes on the magical light display here! The Plaza has some of the best Christmas lights in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
For one of the most epic drive-through light displays in New Mexico, you'll have to head to EXPO NM in Albuquerque. Not only can you drive through light tunnels and twinkling light displays but there's a walk-thru experience, local food vendors, and Santa Claus as well.
Perhaps the best Christmas lights in Las Cruces, New Mexico are on Christmas Eve at the Old Mesilla Plaza. Celebrate the season with caroling and thousands of luminaries on Christmas Eve on the Plaza. It's truly magical!
For some of the best Christmas lights in Taos, New Mexico, visit Taos Plaza. Come here for the celebratory tree lighting ceremony and you can partake in the festivities, visit with Santa, peruse the shops for gifts, and feel the spirit of the season while surrounded by thousands of lights.
Christmas in the Park at Wingfield Park in Ruidoso is a much-anticipated holiday event for residents. It kicks off with its annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30. You'll love the lights and festivities! Wingfield Park has some of the best Christmas lights in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
7. Christmas on the Pecos, Carlsbad
Christmas on the Pecos, 711 Muscatel Ave, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
For the best Christmas lights in Carlsbad, New Mexico, you can't the displays at Christmas on the Pecos. Turly an enchanting experience, you can take a boat ride past holiday displays along the river. 'Tis the season for magical lights and Carlsbad certainly has its share.
When you’ve done a search for “Christmas lights near me,” what’s come up in the results? Have any of the Christmas light displays in New Mexico made the cut? Let us know. And happy holidays!
If you’re looking for holiday gifts for your friends and family this year, be sure to check out the OnlyInYourState Holiday Gift Guide for some ideas!
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