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River of Lights

The holidays sparkle each year at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.

River of Lights Banner 2022

River of Lights

Presented by TLC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2022 | Closed December 24 and 25

Get into the holiday spirit at River of Lights, New Mexico’s original and largest walk-through holiday attraction! Purchase your timed ticket to view over 700 light displays, animated and 3D sculptures, and millions of twinkling lights while strolling on the one-way path! 

River of lights is a walking tour through the Botanic Garden. Please plan on walking just under 1 mile total to see and experience everything. There are also shorter path options available.

Admissions:

Thank you for supporting the ABQ BioPark!

All sales are final.

Due to the limited entry spots available, we cannot transfer ticket times or dates within 48 hours of the scheduled entry time.

No exceptions.

 

Monday-Thursday

Adult: $14

Child (age 3-12): $7

Friday-Sunday

Adult: $17

Child (age 3-12): $9

(Children 2 and under free)

Member Tickets Presale

Tuesday, November 1 – Friday, November 4, at 9:59 a.m.

For a limited time, we're offering active members early access to purchase timed tickets to the 25th anniversary of River of Lights! Check your member eblast for a promo code, or email [email protected] for assistance.

General Public Ticket Sales: Friday, November 4, 2022, at 10 a.m.

https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/402859

Timed Ticketing Details

A River of Lights visit requires a reserved timed ticket, available online only. The timeslot you select for your timed ticket only pertains to your arrival time. You can check in anytime during your timed ticket window and stay as long as you would like.

The timeslot required for your purchase is your entry window of time rather than the amount of time you have to visit the event.

Please Note: Tickets are valid only for the date and time specified on the ticket. Early entry is not available. 

All Sales are final. We cannot transfer ticket times or dates within 48 hours of the scheduled entry time.

River of Lights is a fundraiser; refunds will not be offered for missed entries or visits.

Getting There

FREE Park & Ride:

Beat the traffic and utilize the official River of Lights' free Park & Ride at the ABQ BioPark Zoo.

Service runs nightly. Closed December 24 and 25.

Pick Up: ABQ BioPark Zoo, 903 Tenth St. SW, Albuquerque NM, 87104

Drop Off: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden – River of Lights

Return service to the Zoo runs until 10 p.m.

FREE ART SERVICE

Take advantage of ART and ride to River of Lights free of charge. Last bus will leave River of Lights ART station around 9:30 pm, 7 days a week.

Stay safe, observe the HAWK signals, and keep clear of the ART lane.

Bus Frequency

ART will arrive every 8-15 minutes.

ART will replace the 766 Red Line and extend the 777 Green Line.

766 Red Line

The 766 Red Line will provide service from the Central & Unser Transit Center to the Uptown Transit Center and all ART stations in between.

777 Green Line

The 777 Green Line will provide service from the Central & Unser Transit Center to Central & Tramway and all ART stations in between.

For more information about ART, click here.

Learn about the HAWK Signal:

Parking Information

The Botanic Garden does have an ample number of accessible parking spaces. However, for the best chance of securing one of these parking spaces at the Botanic Garden during River of Lights, we recommend visiting during one of the less crowded times. Guests visiting on weekdays and during the first River of Lights arrival window have the best opportunity to park in these spaces at the Botanic Garden.

However, there are also many accessible parking spaces available at the Zoo for Park and Ride. There is always at least one shuttle in rotation from park and ride during River of Lights that can accommodate wheelchairs as well.

River of Lights Presents: Santa's Magical Experience

Your active membership also allows you early access to our reimagined River of Lights event!

Enjoy a magical VIP experience with Santa Claus and his elves for an extraordinary evening of ho-ho-holiday merriment before being whisked away to the enchanting River of Lights!

Select dates starting Friday, December 2, 2022
ABQ BioPark Tingley Beach
Santa's New Mexico Headquarters

Children & Adults: $30 | Toddlers 2 and under: $18
No member discount

From a build-your-own s'mores station and a holiday story to a meeting with Santa, a plush winter-themed animal, and a shuttle ride to jump the line into River of Lights, this magical evening is one you don't want to miss.

Member Tickets Presale

Tuesday, November 1 – Friday, November 4, at 9:59 a.m.

For a limited time, we're offering active members early access to Santa’s Magical Experience tickets! Check your member eblast for a promo code, or email [email protected] for assistance.

General Public Ticket Sales

Friday, November 4, 2022, at 10 a.m.


For a complete description and event dates: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/403467