The holidays sparkle each year at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Event Details
2013 Hours and Dates
More details coming soon.
- 6 - 9 p.m. - Nov. 30 - Dec. 30
- Closed - Dec. 24 & 25
Buy Tickets
Tickets not yet available.
In Advance:
- Online
- From any BioPark cashier from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
At the Gate: Starting at 5:30 p.m.
Prices
- Adults (13+): $10
- Children (3-12): $5
- Babies (under 3): Free
No senior or member discounts for this special event. There is no will call for River of Lights tickets.
Group Discounts
10 percent off for 50+ and 20 percent off for 100+
Available from the New Mexico BioPark Society at 505-764-6212 or nmbps@bioparksociety.org.
Free Park & Ride
Avoid traffic. Take a bus from the Zoo or a train from Tingley Beach on select nights. See the 2012 schedule and map or scroll down to learn how to beat the traffic.
- Park & Ride Schedule coming soon.
Buses and trains are boarded via stairs and aren't wheelchair accessible.
Accessible parking is available at the Aquarium-Botanic Garden lot.
Contact Us
Enjoy the magic of millions of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico's largest walk-through light show!
Entertainment
Live Music
Local musicians bring holiday cheer with performances during River of Lights.
Dinner at the Shark Reef Cafe
The Shark Reef Cafe will be open for Supper with Santa on Dec. 10 - 23 and evening holiday dining on Dec. 26 - 30. Reservations are recommended. Please call (505) 848-7182.
Holiday Nature Crafts
BioPark Education offers free Holiday Nature Crafts in the Education building the first three Wednesdays.
G-Scale Model Railroad
Special holiday trains chug through the Garden Railroad exhibit from 6 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, weather and volunteer staff permitting.
History
In 1997, River of Lights began as a fundraiser for the BioPark. Today, proceeds continue to support a variety of ABQ BioPark projects through the New Mexico BioPark Society.
Each year's show unveils ingenious new sculptures and stunning displays made by BioPark artists and craftsmen. Check back for more on what is new this year!
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.
Event Sponsors
NM BioPark Society, KOB-TV Channel 4, Magic 99.5, and 92.3 KRST
Beat the Traffic with Free Park & Ride (2012 Schedule)
Service runs the following nights only:
- November 24th & 30th.
- December 1st, 7th & 8th.
- December 14-30, every night.
ABQ BioPark Zoo - Bus Ride
Meet in the Zoo parking lot at 903 Tenth St. SW.
From the ZOO to RIVER OF LIGHTS
1) Begins on select nights at 6 p.m.
2) Last Zoo Pick-up times:
- 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 24th & 30th and Dec. 1st, 7th & 8th.
- 9:45 p.m. from Dec. 14-30.
Return service from RIVER OF LIGHTS to the ZOO
1) Begins on select nights at 6:15 p.m.
2) Last return service times (no exceptions):
- 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24th & 30th and Dec. 1st, 7th & 8th.
- 10:30 p.m. from Dec. 14-30.
Tingley Beach Lot - Train Ride
Meet at the train station at 1800 Tingley Drive.
From TINGLEY to RIVER OF LIGHTS
1) Begins on select nights at 6 p.m.
2) Runs every 20 minutes.
Return service from RIVER OF LIGHTS to TINGLEY
1) Runs every 20 minutes.
2) Last return service times (no exceptions):
- 9:30 p.m. on Nov. 24th & 30th and Dec. 1st, 7th & 8th.
- 10:00 p.m. from Dec. 14-30.
