Twinkle Light Parade

Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 5:15 p.m. | Nob Hill  

The time has finally come, the Twinkle Light Parade is here! This is a free, family-friendly holiday event that illuminates a mile-long stretch on Route 66 in Nob Hill. Local businesses, community and school groups, and a variety of Albuquerque organizations come together to present an exciting event that brings a sparkle to all.

Shop local! Central Ave. will close to traffic starting at 3 p.m. giving shoppers the freedom to get holiday shopping done at a variety of stores or eat at restaurants in Nob Hill. Plan to arrive early, shop, then grab your spot to view the Twinkle Light Parade as it will dazzle thousands of spectators.

Applications to participate in the 2025 Twinkle Light Parade are linked here and close on Monday, October 13 at 5 pm. 

The parade will end  with a jolly surprise, Santa’s sleigh rolls in last so don’t leave early!

Free Park & Ride

Skip the traffic! Free parking will be available at the parking lot located on the southwest corner of Lomas Blvd. and University Blvd. Buses will run from 3-10:30 p.m., taking parade goers from the lot to UNM’s Johnson Field near Girard Blvd. and Central Ave.

Transportation to the event is also available with a free ABQ RIDE bus service on Routes 5, 11, and 66. Plan your route by using Transit App or Google Maps. 

Event Details

Public restrooms will be available at the following locations. 

Central Ave. & Adams St.
Central Ave. & Sierra Dr.
Central Ave. & Hermosa Dr.
Central Ave. & Bryn Mawr Dr.
Central Ave. & Dartmouth Dr.

Street Closures 

• 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Silver Ave. will be closed between San Mateo Blvd. and Washington St.
• 3 - 11 p.m. - Central Ave. will be closed from Washington St. to Girard Blvd.
• 3 - 7:30 p.m. (as soon as parade is through) - Washington St. will be closed between Silver Ave. and Copper Ave.
• 4 - 7:30 p.m. (as soon as parade is through) - Central Ave. will be closed between San Mateo Blvd. and Washington St.
• 4 - 9 p.m. - Girard Blvd. will be closed between Central Ave. and Campus Blvd.
• 4 - 9 p.m. - Monte Vista will be closed between Girard Blvd. and Dartmouth Dr.
• Businesses will remain accessible.

Bus routes will be effected. Please check ABQ Transit webpages for route changes. 

Twinkling Together as a Community 

Did you know that this holiday parade consists of your favorite businesses, school groups, non-profits, and neighbors? This year over 4,000 people are in the parade with 260 vehicles. Twinkly entries include trucks and trailers, cement mixers, box trucks, buses, marching bands, ambulances, firetrucks, dance groups, athletic teams, show vehicles, and more!

The entries that comprise the Twinkle Light Parade are hard working groups that take twinkling very seriously. Participating groups put the time and effort into creating an illuminated entry because they love doing it for the community. Thank you to everyone involved in making this the best and brightest Albuquerque parade. 

2024 Twinkle Light Parade Results

Best in Show
The Spirit of Christmas by Ha’alele Hahana

2nd Place Overall
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Cruising by Majestics Car Club

3rd Place Overall
Feliz Navidad by ABOA Operation Santa’s Child and Creative Landscaping

Best First Year Entry
Seusville Jeeps by New Mexico Jeep Group

Most Improved
Shine Bright Like a Good Neighbor by Belinda Barreras State Farm

Staff Favorite
5 Ton of Holiday Fun by 1- Call Mechanical

Motorcycle/Car Club
1st - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Cruising by Majestics Car Club
2nd - A Patriotic Holiday by NM Legion Riders Chapter 32
3rd - Suesville Jeeps by New Mexico Jeep Group

Show Vehicle
1st - Silver Bells by Jose Padilla
2nd - Moana by The Cordero Family
3rd - Cruising in Style for Christmas by The Kelly Family

Commercial
1st - Santa’s Workshop by Duke City Redi-Mix
2nd - The Nightmare Before Christmas by Rio Grande Credit Union
3rd - How the Grinch Unclogged Christmas by TLC Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical

Government
1st - How the Grinch and Max Saved Christmas by Albuquerque Fire Rescue
2nd - Selfie with Elfie by City of Albuquerque Department of Youth and Family Services
3rd - 85 Years of Flight: Celebrating the Past and Soaring Into the Future by City of Albuquerque Aviation Department

Community
1st - The Spirit of Christmas by Ha’alele Hahana
2nd - Feliz Navidad by ABOA Operation Santa’s Child and Creative Landscaping
3rd - The Juice is Loose by Los Burros

Community Performance
1st - Chile Nights! Festive Lights! A Red and Green Fiesta! by John Adams Middle School
2nd - The Bulldog Express by Albuquerque High School Flag Team
3rd - A Christmas Celebration by Narrow Church

Large Walking Group
1st - Jaguar Pride Band by Atrisco Heritage Academy High School
2nd - The Orediggers’ Jingle Bell Rock by Colorado School of Mines
3rd - Rockin Jingle Bell Bobcats by Alamosa Elementary

Small Walking Group
1st - Warm Twinkling Fuzzies by NDI New Mexico

The Albuquerque Twinkle Light Parade is free for the public to attend and is a rain or shine event. Please be aware of and obey all posted street parking signs. Do not block Nob Hill residents' driveways and access to their homes. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

Thank you to our Sponsors! 

Let's Get Social!