River of Lights
The holidays sparkle each year at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.
New Mexico BioPark Society’s 28th Annual River of Lights
Presented by TLC Plumbing Heating Cooling Electrical
Nov. 29 - Dec. 30, 2025 | Closed Dec. 24 & 25
Enjoy a stroll through our 1.6-mile path of over 700 one-of-a-kind hand-welded light displays, animated and 3D sculptures, and millions of twinkling lights at New Mexico’s favorite and largest original walk-through holiday light show.
For all River of Lights event information, visit the official website www.riveroflights.org
Admissions
General Admission
Adults 13+: $21
Youth (age 3-12): $12
On Specified Nights
Value Nights
Adults 13+: $15
Youth (age 3-12): $20
On Specified Nights
Children 2 and under are free and require a $0 reservation.
2025 Ticket Add-on Options
- Flex: Timed Entry with the ability to exchange your ticket.
- Extra Cheer (for General Admission only): No time restrictions! Arrive anytime before 9:15 p.m. and receive our first annual River of Lights collector pin!
- Elf Workshop, 18+: Channel your inner elf in a winter wonderland of creativity!
For group ticket sales, visit www.riveroflights.org
River of Lights Experiences
Low Sensory Nights
River of Lights will offer two low-sensory nights on December 1, 2025 and January 2, 2026. During these evenings, guests can experience the spectacular light displays that we are known for, but with modifications to make it a more sensory-supportive environment
Santa’s Magical Experience
Enjoy an enchanted VIP experience with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves before being whisked away to River of Lights!
Santa’s Beach Bash
Santa is trading his sleigh for some well-deserved vacation vibes. Wrap up the holiday season with vacation-mode Santa before being whisked away to River of Lights!
Event Extras
Education Activities
Holiday Crafts
December 3, 10, 17
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Join our Education team and volunteers on select evenings in the Heritage Farm Cider Barn education classroom for a fun-filled opportunity to make a selection of holiday nature crafts!
River of Lights Proposal Package
Let your love shine brightly and surprise your forever person with a proposal at River of Lights, New Mexico’s largest holiday light show. You choose your special night, and we’ll arrange placement of our “Will you marry me?” light sculpture. When the time is right, we’ll flip the switch to surprise your loved one!
For more information visit www.riveroflights.org
Getting to River of Lights
Free Park & Ride
Beat the traffic and use the official River of Lights free Park & Ride at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Service runs nightly. Closed December 24 and 25. More info at riveroflights.org.
Free ART Service
Take advantage of ART and ride to River of Lights free of charge. More info at riveroflights.org.
Event Details:
River of Lights is a fundraising event; ticket purchases are not refundable. Valid only on date and time selected at time of purchase and not transferable to another night unless you have purchased a Flex Ticket.
River of Lights is an all-weather event. We do not offer refunds or rescheduling of tickets missed due to inclement weather when the event is open. Purchase a Flex Ticket for the flexibility to exchange your ticket in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For weather updates, check riveroflights.org and follow us on social media. If the event is canceled by New Mexico BioPark Society management, an alternative date will be offered.
Box office hours are available 7 days a week. Monday – Sunday. Email [email protected], and an associate will return your message within 48 hours. Include your name, contact number, and your order confirmation number.
River of Lights is closed on December 24 and 25 to allow our staff to celebrate the holidays. Event hours resume on December 26.