Old Town Holiday Stroll

Old Town Holiday Stroll | Friday, December 2 | 5-9 p.m. 

Join the City of Albuquerque for the kick-off of the holiday season. Be entertained by local performers that fill the streets as you check off your holiday shopping list. The Lighting Ceremony will begin at Plaza Don Luis at 6 p.m. when the Albuquerque tradition gets a fresh update.  The celebrations will continue through the month with shopping specials and entertainment in the Gazebo. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque.

Lighting of the Tree

The City of Albuquerque is dedicated to continuing the Old Town tradition of the lighting of a tree in Plaza Don Luis. This year's fire season overwhelmed certain regions of the state and damaged the tree farm supply. The City has partnered with a local company, Red Shovel Landscape, to create an alternative plan to continue the custom. A 30-foot sequoia replica tree will be erected and decorated so the community can carry on this time honored celebration. 

Bring family and loved ones to Historic Old Town to experience the tradition. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and end with a countdown to a cheerful and bright display. Entertainment will follow in Plaza Don Luis, on the Gazebo and throughout plazas in the area. 

Entertainment 

Sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town and on the Gazebo as local musicians and dance groups bring holiday cheer to your strolling experience. 

Entertainment Schedule

Gazebo:

• 5 p.m. - Albuquerque Girl Choir
• 5:40 p.m. - Manzano Day School Choir
• 6:20 p.m. - Baila! Baila!
• 7 p.m.  Sandia Singers
• 8 p.m. - Mountain View Mennonite Choir

Plaza Don Luis:

• 6 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony
• 6:15 p.m. - Mariachi Amigos de Nuevo Mexico
• 7 p.m. - Old Fashioned Carolers
• 7:45 p.m. - Roadrunner Brass 

Be prepared to be entertained throughout Old Town streets by local talent such as Manzano Day School Red Hot Peppers Jump Rope Team, Mariachi San Jose from Albuquerque High School, Low Down Rhythm Jazz Band, A Montoya ES in Tijeras, Secret 7 Duo, Burying Caesar and more! 

Getting There

Streets throughout Old Town will be closed to traffic starting at 3 p.m. Please plan accordingly and arrive early. Be aware of and obey all posted street parking signs. 

Shuttles

Parking is available at the lot on the corner of 18th St. and Bellamah Ave. and in the Sawmill area. Free shuttles will take event goers from the Sawmill Lot and to the Albuquerque Museum lot near Old Town plaza. The last shuttle back to the lot leaves at 9:30 p.m. The lot is a short walk to and from Historic Old Town for event goers who want to check out the shops and stops along the way. Shuttle are provided by Airport Parking. 

Stroll, Shop & Eat Local 

Stroll over to the Albuquerque Museum and celebrate the holiday season by creating your own holiday-themed art project, listening to music, touring the Museum galleries, and shopping special discounts at the Museum Store. Guests can enjoy free admission and a performance by Rodney Bowe. 

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science will have treats, live entertainment, fractals, and even a visit from Santa! Check out popular exhibitions like Roving With Perseverance and Chocolate: The Exhibition after hours. Additionally, the Museum’s unique First Friday Fractals shows will be taking place in the Planetarium hourly from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. And don’t miss the chance to visit and take photos with Santa Claus upstairs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Museum’s Sandia Room. The Museum’s gift shop, NatureWorks, will be open as well to help you shop for the science-lovers on your gift list. NatureWorks will have biscochitos available, and snack bags on sale for $5. Admission to the Museum that evening will be by donation.

Shop local from dozens of unique shops to get all of your holiday shopping. Be sure to visit your favorite Old Town merchants in their shops, boutiques and galleries. Grab food or make a reservation at a variety of eateries around Historic Old Town and ask about holiday specials. 

Event Details 

Old Town Holiday Stroll is free for the public to attend and is a rain or shine event. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome. 

December in Old Town

The holiday celebrations continue throughout the month. Free performances by local talent will take place during every weekend in December to entertain shoppers as they support local stores and restaurants in Historic Old Town. 

• Saturday, December 3
  • Noon - Dance Divas Performing Group
• Saturday, December 10
  • 3 p.m. - Tuba Christmas 
• Sunday, December 11
  • 1 p.m. - Territorial Brass Band 
• Friday, December 16
  • 3 p.m. - New Mexico Bowl Pep Rally 
  • 7 p.m. - High Tea Carolers 
• Saturday, December 17
  • 4 p.m. - Roadrunner Brass 
• Sunday, December 18
  • 1 p.m. - Enchanted Mesa Show Choir 
• Saturday, December 24
  • 6 p.m. - Mountain View Mennonite Choir

Thank you to our sponsors! 

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