Whether you’re trying to entertain guests or just feel like embracing the holiday spirit, a Christmas lights road trip is an experience that everyone can enjoy. To see the best Christmas lights in NM, take this route, which includes displays of farolitos/luminarias along with colored light displays. Each set of lights is so exquisite that you’ll remember their magic long after the holidays are over.
This drive-thru lights in NM adventure covers 191 miles and takes 4 hours and 16 minutes without stops. If you drive the route end to end, you’ll probably want to stop somewhere overnight because it would be challenging to view every display in the space of one evening. Check out the Christmas displays in NM map.
1. Taos Plaza
New Mexico’s plazas are enchanting during the holidays when they’re illuminated with a combination of farolitos and white and colored Christmas lights. Stroll around Taos Plaza at your leisure, absorbing the sights and sounds of the season. No tickets or fees are required for this memorable Christmas display in NM.
2. Glow, Santa Fe Botanical Garden
See the sculptures at the botanical garden in a whole new light – literally. The plants and statues are thoughtfully illuminated to turn the garden into a fantastical wonderland. Glow starts in Mid-December. Read more about Glow at the Santa Fe Botanical Garden.
3. Santa Fe Plaza
The lights go up on the Plaza just after Thanksgiving and remain in place throughout the holidays. This is another beautiful and free Christmas display in NM. Discover more about Santa Fe Plaza.
4. Madrid
The town of Madrid knows how to put on a light show. When it was a company town, airlines rerouted flights during the holidays so passengers could admire Madrid’s epic light extravaganzas from above. Nowadays, the tradition of lighting up the town continues, admittedly on a less dramatic scale. Still, this small town is charming when lit up for the holidays and a must-see Christmas display in NM if you are in the area. Learn more about Madrid at Christmastime.
5. Old Town Plaza, Albuquerque
Christmas Eve is the best time to visit Old Town Plaza because that’s when it’s transformed by a huge luminaria display, some of the best Christmas lights in NM. However, the buildings are decorated for the season well before then, making an already picturesque place positively bewitching. Check out more information on this area and other plazas in New Mexico.
6. River of Lights, ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
Arguably, the best holiday light show in New Mexico is the River of Lights, a walk-through extravaganza that features more than 500 displays. This event is held at the ABQ Biopark in December. Learn more about the River of Lights.
7. Bugg Lights, Belen Harvey House
Some of the best Christmas lights in NM, Bugg Lights takes place at the Harvey House in Belen. This gorgeous annual display includes 200,000 Christmas lights. Discover more about Bugg Lights.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and make some fantastic memories this holiday season at some of the best Christmas light drive-thru displays.
What do you think are the best Christmas lights in NM? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for more festive things to do? Check out this holiday market in Albuquerque.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
