We found three Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Albuquerque with 2026 dates: one parade and two tree lightings and lighting nights, one free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.
By date
Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.
Lighting festival · 5–10 p.m.4DecFriOld Town Holiday StrollTree lighting · 5–9 p.m.5DecSatTwinkle Light Parade
Parade · 5:15pmNothing matches that filter yet.
Christmas parades
Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.
Nob Hill · Central Ave. (Route 66), Nob Hill, Albuquerque, NM
Good to know: A mile-long lit parade along Central. Central Ave. closes to traffic from 3pm; arrive early or use the free Park & Ride.
Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade
Tree lightings
Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden · Old Town area
Good to know: Closed Dec. 24 and 25.
Old Town Plaza · Old Town
Good to know: City of Albuquerque kickoff with street performers.
Before you go
SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.Every year
Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in ABQ
Keep planning
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Free things to do in ABQFree days, free events and places that never charge
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This week in ABQDated outings for ages 0–6, checked every ThursdayGood questions
Twinkle Light Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 5:15pm.
River of Lights at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden: Nov 28 – Jan 3, 5–10 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.). Old Town Holiday Stroll at Old Town Plaza: Fri, Dec 4, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
One of the three we list are free to watch: Twinkle Light Parade. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.
Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.
Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 21, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.
One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in ABQ that weekend, parades included.
Old Town Holiday Stroll