Celebrate in Albuquerque this Winter

Experience the holidays the New Mexican way in Albuquerque. Walk through one of the state’s largest walk-through holiday attractions at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden’s River of Lights through Dec. 30. Visitors can also experience a new event, Winter of Enchantment, at Big Jim Farms. Enjoy the rich traditions of a New Mexican Christmas with the charm of a farm through Dec. 31. If you’d rather stay in your vehicle, check out the magical Winter Wonderland holiday drive-through at EXPO New Mexico through Dec. 31.

For fun all winter long, head to the Sandia Mountains for some snowshoeing. Companies such as Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals and MST Adventures offer guided snowshoe tours. Hop aboard the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to soar above the snow. Warm up with some hot chile at TEN 3 while enjoying the incredible views at the top of the mountains.

There are also new and expanding businesses for you to check out this winter and beyond. Albuquerque has two new sober bars. Lost Cultures Tea Bar serves tea-based drinks, including kombucha and non-alcoholic cocktails. Luxe Lounge offers non-alcoholic cocktails, wine and beer. Albuquerque wineries are expanding as well. Pasanda Tiempo Winery opened a larger wine tasting room in August. Casa Rondeña Winery is adding a new event center that will be ready to welcome guests in 2024. The ABQ BioPark Zoo opened a new Asia exhibit in October 2023, with homes for sea eagles, a Malayan tiger, snow leopards, orangutans and siamangs. Other exhibits under construction, including an expanded Australia exhibit, are set to open in 2024.

Photo by MarbleStreetStudio.com