In the Land of Enchantment, you know Christmas is coming when New Mexican’s start putting out the luminarias. A luminaria, also known as a farolito, is a small paper bag that is most commonly filled with sand and a small candle. These bags are used in New Mexico during Christmas time, and especially on Christmas Eve. Lighting the luminarias is a holiday tradition that New Mexicans look forward to every year, and at this annual luminaria display in Farmington, you can get into the holiday spirit right away.

This year is the 40th Annual Luminaria Display at San Juan College in Farmington, NM. You can experience this free event on December 1, 2018.
Visit Farmington/Facebook
Dozens of glowing bags will fill the campus of San Juan College, an event that students and locals look forward to every year. There’s no sight like seeing the rooftops, sidewalks, and courtyards glimmering with beautiful luminarias.
The illuminating display is a free event you can walk through, or drive through.
Sandor Weisz/Flickr
Two entrances are open to the college for this holiday event. If you’re walking through the display, you can start at 5p.m., but the drive through route begins at 6p.m.

Related Stories

Explore 230,000 Acres Of Trails, Flora, and Fauna At New Mexico's Otherworldly Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

Explore 230,000 Acres Of Trails, Flora, and Fauna At New Mexico's Otherworldly Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge

 You'll Find A Wide Variety Of Craft Brews At This Women-Owned Brewery In New Mexico

You'll Find A Wide Variety Of Craft Brews At This Women-Owned Brewery In New Mexico

 Get Creative And Customize Your Food Order At Roasted Rooster In Las Cruces, New Mexico

Get Creative And Customize Your Food Order At Roasted Rooster In Las Cruces, New Mexico
There will even be a Park n’ Ride Trolley available to take you through the glowing display.
SJC Student Activities/Facebook
The Red Apple Luminaria Trolley is available from 6p.m. to 8p.m. Drivers are asked to turn off their lights while driving through the display, offering a truly magical experience. Park your car and hop on the trolley to see all the glowing lights at ease.
This night is truly a fun-filled event for New Mexicans near and far.
Visit Farmington/Facebook
Snacks and beverages will be available from Mary’s Kitchen from 5p.m. to 8:30p.m. The college’s student radio station, KSJE 90.9 FM will be playing all of your favorite Christmas tunes, and the school’s planetarium is hosting a stargazing event, weather permitting. This night is filled with so many activities to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.
This amazing luminaria display at San Juan College in Farmington is an enchanting event to kick off the Christmas spirit.
Visit Farmington/Facebook
The 40th Annual Luminaria Display is taking place on December 1, 2018 from 6p.m. to 11p.m at San Juan College which is located at 4601 College Blvd., Farmington, NM.

San Juan College invites community members to help set up the luminarias on November 30, 2018, or help light the bags the afternoon of the event. If you wish to help out, you can contact San Juan College Office of Student Activities at (505) 566-3403.

To learn more about this event, you can visit San Juan College’s Facebook event right here.

Have you ever been to this incredible luminaria display? What did you think? Let’s hear your favorite part about this holiday event in the comments, and don’t forget to share photos from your outings with us in our New Mexico Nature Lovers Facebook group, or tag us on Instagram by tagging #onlyinnewmexico for a chance to be featured!

For another enchanting night out, you have to take this enchanting stroll through New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles