Old Town Holiday Stroll


Old Town

Old Town Holiday Stroll | Friday, December 2 | 5-9 p.m. 

Join the City of Albuquerque for the kick-off of the holiday season. Be entertained by local performers that fill the streets as you check off your holiday shopping list. The Lighting Ceremony will begin at Plaza Don Luis at 6 p.m. when the Albuquerque tradition gets a fresh update. The celebrations will continue through the month with shopping specials and entertainment in the Gazebo. Bring the family to discover new stores, visit familiar staples, and continue the tradition in the beautifully illuminated heart of Albuquerque.

Lighting of the Tree

The City of Albuquerque is dedicated to continuing the Old Town tradition of the lighting of a tree in Plaza Don Luis. This year's fire season overwhelmed certain regions of the state and damaged the tree farm supply. The City has partnered with a local company, Red Shovel Landscape, to create an alternative plan to continue the custom. A 30-foot sequoia replica tree will be erected and decorated so the community can carry on this time honored celebration. 

Bring family and loved ones to Historic Old Town to experience the tradition. The lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and end with a countdown to a cheerful and bright display. Entertainment will follow in Plaza Don Luis, on the Gazebo and throughout plazas in the area. 

The City of Albuquerque and Old Town Merchants have partnered with the National Forest Foundation. They work on behalf of the American public to inspire personal and meaningful connections to our National Forests. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF leads forest conservation efforts and promotes responsible recreation. Each year the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitat, facilitates common ground, plants trees in areas affected by fires, and improves recreational opportunities. The NFF believes our National Forests and all they offer are an American treasure and are vital to the health of our communities. Learn more at nationalforests.org

Stay tuned to see how you can show your support towards the National Forest Foundation during the holidays. 

Entertainment 

Sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment throughout Old Town and on the Gazebo as local musicians and dance groups bring holiday cheer to your strolling experience. 

Entertainment Schedule: 

Gazebo:

  • 5 p.m. - Albuquerque Girl Choir
  • 5:40 p.m. - Manzano Day School Choir
  • 6:20 p.m. - Baila! Baila!
  • 7 p.m. Sandia Singers
  • 8 p.m. - Mountain View Mennonite Choir

Plaza Don Luis:

  • 6 p.m. - Tree Lighting Ceremony
  • 6:15 p.m. - Mariachi Amigos de Nuevo Mexico
  • 7 p.m. - Old Fashioned Carolers
  • 7:45 p.m. - Roadrunner Brass 

Be prepared to be entertained throughout Old Town streets by local talent such as Manzano Day School Red Hot Peppers Jump Rope Team, Mariachi San Jose from Albuquerque High School, Low Down Rhythm Jazz Band, A Montoya ES in Tijeras, Secret 7 Duo, Burying Caesar and more!