Best Places to See Holiday Lights in Rio Rancho and Albuquerque
The holiday season in New Mexico is perfect in every way: delightful weather, variety of holiday activities and, most important, dozens of spots to enjoy sparkling holiday lights. From building gingerbread houses before you venture out to sipping hot chocolate while on the drive, create memories as you discover magical light displays in and around Rio Rancho and Albuquerque this season.
1. Cabezon Neighborhood, Rio Rancho, NM
About a 20-minute drive from Rio Rancho is the Cabezon Neighborhood, with its homes magnificently decorated for the holidays. Whether you feel like driving or walking around, you are sure to see spectacular light displays.
Admission: Free
2. Reynosa Loop, Rio Rancho, NM
The Reynosa Loop section of the Cabezon Neighborhood in Rio Rancho presents a magical display of holiday lights each year. Not only is every home decorated, but they put up string lights between each home to give the street a tunnel-like effect. It is breathtaking and a wonderful spot to share the fun of holiday lights with the family.
Admission: Free
3. Old Town Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM
Known as the oldest section of Albuquerque, Old Town’s buildings, streets, rooftops and sidewalks are resplendent with decorations. If you want to explore all of Albuquerque’s festivities this holiday season, Old Town is a fantastic place to start.
Admission: Free
4. Country Club Area, Albuquerque, NM
The Country Club neighborhood, just outside of Old Town Albuquerque, features beautifully decorated homes, making it the perfect spot to see holiday lights with your loved ones. During December, city bus tours are available to take you through the neighborhood.
Admission: Free
5. Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, along historic farmland on Rio Grande Boulevard from Old Town, features homes completely adorned in holiday lights and decorations. These homes always feature the “Farolito,” which are the Albuquerque’s famous paper-lantern decorations.
Admission: Free
6. Sandia Heights, Albuquerque, NM
Sandia Heights is an upscale neighborhood in northeast Albuquerque where homeowners decorate their properties in modern holiday displays. Sandia Heights is also within easy walking distance of other neighborhoods with decorated homes, giving you the ultimate holiday-light walking opportunity.
Admission: Free
7. River of Lights, Albuquerque, NM
The River of Lights is a family-friendly and fun event that takes place during the winter season. This event includes lights, electronic displays, festivities, and an exciting look into the marvelous world of Albuquerque’s winter season. Enjoy the magic this season with more than a million twinkling lights and 600 holiday displays.
Admission: Free
Looking for a new home or custom homesite near Albuquerque? Nestled among the foothills of Rio Rancho, Mariposa is a master-planned community 30 minutes north of Albuquerque. Mariposa is designed for living naturally and offers a fully-equipped fitness center, resort-style indoor and outdoor pools, parks, sports courts, miles of trails, abundant open space and endless views at the Mariposa Preserve and surrounding mountains. Learn more at https://www.mariposa1.wpengine.com/
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