River of Lights

November 29 through December 30, 2008 (closed December 24 & 25), Rio Grande Botanic Garden visitors can enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Each year's show unveils a number of ingenious new sculptures and stunning displays designed and constructed by Albuquerque BioPark artists and craftsmen.

 

In addition to several new light sculptures, a spectacular glass snowman collection lighted by fiber optics will be on display in a glass-windowed building on the plaza. River of Lights is sponsored by the New Mexico BioPark Society , the City of Albuquerque, KOB TV-4, 100.3 The Peak, and Big I 107.9.

 

The public is invited to take a spin on the 22 by 36 ft. rink that will be located in the Botanic Garden plaza. Skaters must supply their own skates, but there is no charge to use the rink. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The rink will be open from 6:00-9:00pm on the following dates: Dec. 5-7; Dec. 12-14; Dec. 18-23; and Dec. 26-30.

 

• Tickets for River of Lights are $7 for adults; $3 for children 3-12. There are no senior discounts or member discounts for this special fundraiser. No charge for children two and younger. Advance tickets may be purchased from any BioPark cashier or you can buy tickets online now.

• It’s official!!! There is now a Group Rate for River of Lights tickets available ONLY through the New Mexico BioPark Society: 10% discount on the purchase of 50 or more tickets; 20% discount on the purchase of 100 or more tickets. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance by calling the BioPark Society at (505) 764-6212, Monday – Friday, 9:00am -5:00pm.

• On-site ticket sales start at 5:30pm and end promptly at 8:30 pm. No telephone orders, please. For additional information about River of Lights, please call 764-6212.

• Gates open for the event at 6:00pm and close at 9:00pm.

• On December 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 only, the Heritage Farm parking lot will be open for visitor parking.

• From December 19-23 and December 26-30, River of Lights visitors may also park at Tingley Beach and ride the train to and from the Aquarium/Garden station.

• Visitors can enjoy live entertainment from a variety of local choirs, participate in Holiday Nature Crafts programs, purchase hot food and beverages on site and find a unique holiday gift. 

• The G-scale model railroad at the Botanic Garden will operate from 6:00 to 8:30pm Wednesdays through Sundays through December 30 (closed Dec. 24 & 25).  

• The Shark Reef Cafe will be open evenings from December 16 though December 23 and December 26 through December 30 for holiday dining. Call (505) 848-7182 for information or to make reservations for Supper with Santa at the Shark Reef Cafe. (For River of Lights event information, please call 764-6280.) Click here to download the Supper with Santa and the Holiday Menus for 2008 .

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 the Albuquerque Biological Park's BioVan educational outreach program. The BioVan curriculum teaches about the Rio Grande and the native plants and animals that depend on it for existence. BioVan outreach visits to Albuquerque elementary schools are free of charge. Thank you to the following River of Lights sponsors:

 

River of Lights Entertainment Schedule

Download a printable schedule .

• In addition to the performances below, The Fanfare Victorian Carolers will be strolling and caroling from 6:00-7:30pm on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

Date	Garden Tent 7:00-8:30pm	Ceremonial Rose Garden 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 29	Les Chanteuses	Duke City Sound
Sunday, November 30	Sandia Singers
Monday, December 1	St. Pius High School
Tuesday, December 2	Albuquerque Boy Choir
Wednesday, December 3	Washington Middle School
Thursday, December 4	New Mexico Territorial Brass Band
Friday, December 5	Regal Brassmen	Santa Maria de la Paz Handbell Choir
Saturday, December 6	Sandia High School	Albuquerque Tuba Christmas
Sunday, December 7	Holy Ghost Catholic School	Four Sister Sax Quartet
Monday, December 8	Eisenhower Middle School	Bosque School
Tuesday, December 9	Rio Grande High School Choir
Wednesday, December 10	New Mexico Territorial Brass Band	Valley High School
Thursday, December 11	Enchanted Mesa Show Choir	James Monroe Middle School
Friday, December 12	Regal Brassmen
Saturday, December 13	Ambush Brass	Rio Grande Orchestra
Sunday, December 14	Albuquerque Concert Band	Instruments of Joy
Monday, December 15	Albuquerque Civic Chorus	James Monroe Middle School
Tuesday, December 16	NewMexiChords
Wednesday, December 17	The Enchanters	J’azamm
Thursday, December 18	NewMexiChords	J’azamm
Friday, December 19	Sierra Vista Elementary	Four Sister Sax Quartet
Saturday, December 20	Ambush Brass	Whirlwinds
Sunday, December 21	Enchanted Mesa Show Choir	Whirlwinds
Monday, December 22	Albuquerque Girl Choir	Two Roses
Tuesday, December 23	Fanfare Victorian Carolers	Two Roses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no entertainment after December 23. River of Lights continues through December 30 (closed December 24 & 25).

 

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