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Travel Highlights Archive: December
Holiday Adventures in New Mexico (2010)
You can't throw a biscochito without hitting a luminaria (southern New Mexico) or a farolito (northern New Mexico) this time of year! The entire state seems to be aglow with these festive lights, as well as electric light shows and torch parades. Here are some of the places that will be lit for your pleasure this holiday season.
Christmas on the Pecos: Visit Carlsbad this time of year not only for the world-famous caverns, but for a 45-minute boat ride along the Pecos where you can view over 105 homes along the banks decorated for the 
holidays. This festive adventure begins Thanksgiving weekend and continues to December 31, but not on Christmas Eve. Tickets are sold in advance and at the ticket office on days of departure. Space is limited and reservations are strongly suggested especially on the weekends and as Christmas approaches. Learn more.
14th Annual River of Lights at the Botanic Garden: In Albuquerque, you'll want to visit the BioPark Botanic Garden for New Mexico's largest walk-through light show. You can visit between 6 and 9 p.m. through December 16, then until the 30th, it stays open an hour later until 10. Closed December 24 and 25. Also offered are other activities such as supper with Santa and garden-wide holiday displays. Learn more.
Christmas on the Chicorica: Visit Sugarite Canyon State Park near Raton on December 18 when farolitos will line the creek.
Santa Land: Head up to Cloudcroft for a bonfire, hot chocolate and marshmallow roast with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Zenith Park December 19.
Christmas Eve on the Mesilla Plaza: Historic Mesilla, just outside Las 
Cruces, is especially beautiful on Christmas Eve. Luminarias light the plaza, hot chocolate is available for all, and folks sing Christmas carols by candlelight. Learn more.
Farolitos Display: The town of Carrizozo is lit by farolitos on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Farolitos: Lincoln State Monument will also be ablaze with these festive lights on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve in Santa Fe: Farolitos will light the way at the lovely 
Santa Fe Plaza as well as along Canyon Road and throughout the historic east side of town.
Torchlight Parade and Fireworks: While they're not farolitos or luminarias, you'll enjoy the lights at Angel Fire Ski Area on Christmas Eve with skiers heading down the slopes with torches. You can also find torchlight parades at Taos Ski Valley and Red River Ski Area, as well as Ohkay Owingeh, which celebrates with a Torchlight Procession of the Virgin Vespers and Matachines Dance.
