Learn more about the Winter Wonderland at Expo New Mexico

Walk or drive through the magic of Winter Wonderland at Expo New Mexico for the holiday season.

For five years, Winter Wonderland has brought the classic holiday tradition of enjoying festive lights and attractions to New Mexicans. From Santa Claus photos to interactive holiday lights and live actors, the event promises the full feeling of wintertime.

“This event is super family-friendly and something one of a kind in New Mexico,” said Kori Kobayashi, one of the organizers of the event. “There are other winter light shows ... but ours is the first to be both a walking and driving experience, which is more accessible for everyone in the family.”

Walking in a ...: Winter Wonderland returns to Expo New Mexico with holiday lights, Santa's Forest and more

Guests will have the option to experience Winter Wonderland from the comfort of their vehicle, or they can step into the frosty weather and look at hundreds of lights up-close. Take a moment under the 300-foot long light tunnel and take a photo under the glimmer of the lights.

This year, the tour will feature two sections: Villa Hispana and the Indian Village. Holiday sightseers can enjoy a variety of holiday decorations, including classic New Mexican winter traditions like luminarias.

Guests can take a moment to enjoy Santa’s Forest, a section of the tour dedicated to extravagantly decorated Christmas trees, before stopping at one of several local vendors to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa or cookie bites.

Visitors can expect to spend roughly 20 minutes at the experience if they drive. Family, friends and four-legged pets can all participate as long as they stay within the vehicle.

Beyond festive lights, guests will have the opportunity to encounter familiar festive faces like Santa Claus and classic Disney princesses. Photo opportunities are available for guests who want to snap a photo with Santa at his workshop before giving him your wishlist.

“I think we have one of the best Santa Clauses in the town,” Kobayashi said.

Guests can share the holiday spirit with New Mexicans in need. During the tour, visitors will notice Toys for Tots boxes sitting at the entrance and exits of the event. Visitors can give a cash donation, or they can bring a toy donation to give back to the community. A portion of each Winter Wonderland ticket sale will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities New Mexico and Animal Humane New Mexico.

“We have something really unique that everybody in the family can enjoy,” Kobayashi said. “There’s something for everyone here.”