Illuminating experience: Old Town Holiday Stroll features tree lighting, music, shopping

The beloved tradition of the lighting of the tree in Old Town returns.

The Old Town Holiday Stroll will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at Plaza Don Luis, 303 Romero St. NW, in Old Town. The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.

Illuminating experience: Old Town Holiday Stroll features tree lighting, music, shopping

“The city is honored to continue the Old Town Holiday Stroll and bring the spirit of the season to the heart of Albuquerque,” said Bree Ortiz, the city’s community events division manager. “It is wonderful to hear from the community as they look forward to taking their families to the event as they have for generations.”

A 30-feet tall sequoia tree replica will be decorated for the celebration, with a countdown leading up to the illumination of the tree.

“Plaza Don Luis, once again, is home to the tree lighting that will take place at 6 p.m.,” Ortiz said. “The tree will remain lit throughout the holidays in addition to the lights on the gazebo to be the perfect backdrop for your holiday shopping.”

Entertainment will also be part of the celebration and can be found in various areas of Old Town, according to the event website.

Starting at 5 p.m., the ABQ Girl Choir will kick things off at the Old Town Plaza gazebo. The choir will be followed by The Good Apples — Manzano Day School, Baila! Baila! and the Mountain View Mennonite Choir.

Plaza Don Luis visitors can catch the Old Fashioned Carolers at 5:30 p.m. and later the Trio Carillo Mariachis and HoneyChords.

The Sandia Singers will perform at 5 p.m. and the Santisevan Mariachis will entertain at 6:15 p.m. at Plaza Hacienda.

At the intersection of Romero and Church streets, guests can watch the Manzano Day School Red Hot Peppers Jump Rope Team at 5 p.m. Also, on Church Street, Something Major A Capella will perform at 6:15 p.m.

Over at Poco A Poco, the Spirit of the A Montoya Singers will hit some high notes at 5:30 p.m. Down the road, at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, just off Mountain Road NW, eventgoers can enjoy Burying Caesar at 6 p.m. and Everette at 7 p.m.

“Old Town will be full of holiday entertainment with performances in a variety of plazas,” Ortiz said. “The groups have all volunteered their time to add to the magic of the evening.”

Old Town restaurants, eateries, wine tasting rooms and bars will be open for eventgoers to stop in for a bite or drink.

Attendees will also be able to get a jump on holiday shopping, with many Old Town shops staying open late.

Museums near Old Town will also will be participating in the stroll by offering free activities for the entire family and staying open late.

“Visit the Albuquerque Museum, Explora and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, as they will be open with free admission for the evening,” Ortiz said.

The Albuquerque Museum will have activities where visitors can make a holiday-inspired work of art, listen to live music by Paul Pino and the Tone Daddies and tour the museum’s galleries, as well as shop the museum’s gift shop.

Across the street from Tiguex Park, Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum shoppers will receive 10% off their purchases at the store inside. Families also can enjoy interactive fun with activities throughout the night that include salt ornament making, snowflake chromotography and holiday card making, as well as treat themselves to cookies and hot chocolate.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science will have education tables and activities throughout the facility. Its planetarium and naturalist centers will also be open to the public. Children also can see Santa, who will be making an appearance.

The rain or shine event is a popular pastime that draws thousands. Streets throughout Old Town will be closed to traffic beginning at 3 p.m. to keep everyone safe. Arriving early to the event is suggested, according to the event website.

Parking will be available at the lot on 18th Street between Mountain Road and Bellamah Avenue NW in the Sawmill District. Free shuttles, provided by Airport Parking, will take eventgoers from the Sawmill lot to the Albuquerque Museum, which is close to the Old Town area.