River of Lights in Albuquerque 2024, New Mexico

River of Lights is an annual holiday light display at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visitors are enchanted by a magical walk through the Botanic Garden among about 600 intricately designed sculptures and light displays. There is no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to stroll through the alleys surrounded by millions of twinkle lights.

Light Sculptures

Every River of Lights sculpture is created on the basis of a toy or a concept and a color scheme. Then it is transformed with light ropes by artists into a glowing 3D masterpiece. Every sculpture is hand-welded and strategically lit. Some sculptures appear to move, run, or fly. Overall, there are 800 light displays and animated sculptures, from a 12-ich flower to a 30-ft Brachiosaurus. It takes from 6 to 600 hours to create one sculpture.

River of Lights Highlights

Kids will enjoy a ride on Polar Bear Express, a fairytale-like nighttime experience aboard the Rio Line Train. Experience the festive glow of millions of lights and meet Santa at the end of your trip. Other attractions include Holiday Nature Crafts in the Education building, G-Scale Model Railroad that features special holiday trains. Magic hour is available from 5 to 6 p.m., when only 400 exclusive guests get the chance to tour and admire light displays before gates open to the general admission ticket holders.

History

River of Lights was first held in 1997 and attracted 32,000 visitors with just 30 basic rented light displays. Its first-ever 3D sculpture was a yucca cactus .Now, the display has grown into Albuquerque’s number one holiday destination and the biggest Christmas light display in the state, which draws about 130,000 visitors each year. The display spans over 200 miles of twinkle lights scattered through the Botanic Garden, and 12 miles of extension cords supply electricity to all our sculptures and lights. Organized by the New Mexico BioPark Society, River of Lights is its top annual fundraising event, making about $1 million annually.

Tickets

Admission is $14 and $7 for children (age 3-12) from Monday through Thursday. On Friday – Sunday adults pay $17, children pay $9. Children 2 and under are free.