River of Lights

The holidays sparkle each year at the Botanic Garden

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Location

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Hours

6 to 9 p.m. - Nov. 26 - Dec. 15
6 to 10 p.m. - Dec. 16 - 30
Closed on Dec. 24 and 25.

Tickets

Adults (13+): $8
Children (3-12): $4
Children (Under 3): Free

No senior or member discounts for this special fundraiser.

Contact Us

For additional information, call (505) 764-6280.

Enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show!

Tickets

In advance:

Buy tickets from any BioPark cashier from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily.
Purchase print-at-home tickets online now.
There is no will-call for River of Lights tickets.

At the gate: Ticket sales available 5:30 p.m. until closing (9 p.m. through Dec. 15 and 10 p.m., Dec. 15 - 30)

Group Discounts

Group discounts (10% off for groups of 50+ and 20% off for 100+) are available through the New Mexico BioPark Society. Group tickets may be purchased by calling 505-764-6212. On-line group discounts are not available.

Parking

Parking is free in the Botanic Garden parking lots.

Park & Ride

On select nights, travel on the free Park & Ride!

Opening Night: Nov. 26
Friday & Saturday Nights: Dec. 2 - 3, 9 – 10
Every Night: Dec. 16 – 30

Remote Lot Locations:

Zoo (School Bus Ride): 903 Tenth SW
Tingley Beach (Train or Shuttle Ride): 1800 Tingley SW

*Please note that Park & Ride is NOT wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking is available at the Aquarium/Botanic Garden lot.

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Accessibility

A limited number of wheelchairs are available for rent during River of Lights. For more information or to reserve a wheelchair in advance, please call (505) 848-7182 or email biopark@cabq.gov.

Entertainment

Many wonderful local musicians help bring the holiday cheer to the BioPark during River of Lights. Check the Botanic Garden's Event Calendar to see who is performing.

Dinner at the Shark Reef Cafe

The Shark Reef Cafe will be open for Supper with Santa on Dec. 12 - 23 and evening holiday dining on Dec. 26 - 30. Reservations are recommended. For information and reservations, call (505) 848-7182.

Holiday Nature Crafts

BioPark Education will offer Holiday Nature Crafts in the Education building the first three Wednesdays.

G-Scale Model Railroad

Weather and volunteer staff permitting, the G-scale model railroad at the Botanic Garden will operate from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays during River of Lights. Don't miss the special holiday trains!

History

River of Lights began in 1997 as a fund raising project sponsored by the New Mexico BioPark Society. Proceeds from River of Lights help support a variety of ABQ BioPark projects.

Each year's show unveils ingenious new sculptures and stunning displays made by ABQ BioPark artists and craftsmen. This year on the lawn, experience a voyage beneath the sea where you’ll encounter an array of colorful, big-as-life 3-D creatures including: a humpback whale, octopus, stingray, sea turtle, neon & angelfish, live coral and more wonderful surprises!