Night by (flickering) light: Whether it's farolitos or luminarias, Christmas Eve in New Mexico is magical

The holiday season is full of a luminous glow in New Mexico. The nights are cold, but these Christmas Eve traditions add some warmth. Here are a few that will light up the holiday season.

Albuquerque

For nearly six decades, ABQ Ride’s Luminaria Tour has been a tradition for many on Christmas Eve.

Though the tickets for the 2023 tour are sold out, visitors can make a trip on their own by following the map that goes through Old Town and the Country Club area.

Ticket-holders are encouraged to arrive 20 minutes before their scheduled departure, according to an ABQ Ride news release.

Tour times are scheduled for 5:30 p.m., 5:50 p.m., 6:10 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Bathrooms are available at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Drinks with lids will be allowed on the buses, but food and open liquid containers are prohibited.

Free parking will also be available for disabled and special-needs individuals in the parking lot at the northwest corner of Third Street and Marquette Avenue NW, the news release said.

Parking underneath Civic Plaza is also free. The major areas of the Luminaria Tour are: Old Town, the Country Club and Huning Castle neighborhoods. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. As in previous years, tickets for the annual event sold out in minutes, but those willing can take their own tour. A map can be viewed at luminariatour.com.

Night by (flickering) light: Whether it's farolitos or luminarias, Christmas Eve in New Mexico is magical

Mesilla

Dating back to the 1960s, the Town of Mesilla’s most awaited event will once again take place from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24.

The beautifully historic community will be carefully lit up with traditional luminarias, all along Avenida de Mesilla, lighting the way to the plaza.

“Christmas Eve is such a special time here in the Town of Mesilla,” says Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza. “Seeing the look of wonder on the faces of visitors, as they join local residents and the local choir singing Christmas carols, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and cookies. The genuine, heartfelt warmth of our surroundings with the laughter of children in the background and family pictures taken in front of the Christmas tree in the middle of the plaza and of everyone getting together celebrating the birth of the Christ child makes such a heartening, magical moment.”

In keeping with the seasonal cheer, local musical groups will lead the crowd in singing old familiar carols around the gaily decked Christmas tree.

The Mesilla Fire Department will also hold its annual candlelight vigil, to honor fallen service members. The event is free and open to the public.

Santa Fe

During the holiday season, Canyon Road is lit up by thousands of farolitos, which has become a beloved holiday tradition.

On Sunday, Dec. 24, the annual Canyon Road Farolito Walk will take place.

The Farolito Walk is free and open to everyone. No reservations or tickets are needed.

The walk, which starts on Christmas Eve at dusk, draws thousands of people each year.

Officials say to be prepared for crowds and a slow moving pace. To avoid the rush, consider coming later in the evening, around 8 p.m., though the event begins at sundown.

Strollers are very difficult to maneuver along the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks, in addition to blocking pedestrian paths and causing traffic jams. Visit farolitowalk.com for more information.

Taos

A trip to Taos Pueblo is always special. Now imagine hundreds of luminarias on the pueblo during the Christmas Eve Procession at Taos Pueblo.

According to organizers, on Sunday, Dec. 24, the Procession of the Virgin Mary will begin at 5 p.m.

The procession proceeds after mass with the burning of the bonfires, which lasts two hours or so.

Parking is limited, showing up early would be ideal, dress warm! (Free admission after a designated time. Please keep in mind, there is no guaranteed handicap parking.)

On Sunday, Dec. 25, the pueblo will host a Deer or Matachina dance. The Deer Dance will begin at 1 p.m. lasting all afternoon. Matachina Dance will start at 11 a.m. lasting all day. Check the pueblo’s website for more information about the dance performances. There is free admission to the dances.

For details, visit taospueblo.com.