Santa riding in a blue truck with "Youth & Family Services" on the side

Celebrate, Give, and Stay Cozy: Albuquerque’s Winter Break Programs Bring Families Together

City hosts holiday events for the family and all-day youth and teen programs

December 01, 2025

ALBUQUERQUE – The holiday season in Albuquerque just got brighter for families. From all-day youth programs to festive community events, the City’s Department of Youth & Family Services is making sure kids stay engaged, families get support, and everyone enjoys a season full of warmth and cheer.

“While the holidays are a joyful time, they can also be challenging for working families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our goal is to make sure kids have a safe, fun place to be while parents work, and to provide resources that bring comfort and joy to families across the city.”

Winter Break Programs for Youth & Teens

Registration for the City’s winter break programs opens December 8th at 8 a.m. These programs, available for children in grades K-8, run December 22 – January 5 at community centers. Participants will enjoy:

All-day activities and on-site holiday fun
Off-site field trips
Free lunch every day
Festive Events for the Whole Family

Community Center Activities

Teens out of school for winter break can stay active and engaged with free amenities and classes offered at our community centers. Memberships are available online, allowing parents to secure a pass for their teens before break begins.

Teen Passes available for ages 12-17.
Free computer labs, game rooms, gymnasiums and classes.
Fitness rooms also available for 16+ (ages 14-15 may use the fitness room with a parent or guardian present)

Families can also enjoy Albuquerque’s many holiday events, offering everything from hot cocoa to toy giveaways and warm coats for children:

Coats & Cocoa Christmas Parade – Dec 20, 12–2 p.m., Thomas Bell Community Center. Coats distributed for youth and teens under 18, plus a holiday parade, food and community resources.
A Grinchmas Celebration – Dec 14, 4:30–8 p.m., Mesa Verde Community Center. Music from the Albuquerque Youth Symphony, free toys, and festive fun for all ages.
Inclusion Recreation Holiday Dance – Dec 11^th, 7-10 p.m., 50^th Anniversary Holiday Dance for the Inclusion Recreation Program. Come and enjoy music from Lo Phat, pictures with Santa and a night of fun and holiday cheer. Those of all abilities are welcomed.

Give Back This Holiday Season - For those in the giving spirit, there are multiple ways to help:

Donation Drives:

Crossing Guard Holiday Food Drive - From December 8th–12th, our dedicated crossing guards will be collecting non-perishable food items to help local families in need. You can drop off donations at your neighborhood elementary school crossing or community center.
Mesa Verde Toy Drive – Now until Dec. 8th, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Mesa Verde Community Center is collecting toys for their annual Grinchmas event. Toys must be new and unwrapped. Help us spread joy this holiday season!

For full details on programs, events, and volunteer opportunities, visit: cabq.gov/winter.