As the holiday season approaches, Albuquerque residents and visitors alike are getting ready for the return of one of the city’s most cherished traditions—ABQ Ride’s annual Luminaria Tour. This festive event, which highlights some of Albuquerque’s most beautifully decorated neighborhoods, is known for creating memorable Christmas Eve experiences for families year after year. With demand always high, locals are marking their calendars well in advance to secure their seats.
This year’s tickets will officially go on sale at 8 a.m. on Friday, November 28, and only 1,000 seats will be available. Historically, the limited supply means tickets disappear quickly—often in less than an hour—making early online access essential for anyone who hopes to take part.
A Holiday Tradition That Lights Up the City
The Luminaria Tour has become one of Albuquerque’s signature holiday events, drawing crowds who want to experience the warm glow of luminarias without the stress of driving through busy streets. A luminaria, traditionally a small paper lantern lit with a candle, is a New Mexico holiday staple—lining walkways, rooftop edges, and neighborhood streets. Entire communities come alive with soft, golden light on Christmas Eve, showcasing one of the state’s most beloved cultural traditions.
The tour offers a comfortable way to enjoy the spectacle from start to finish. Over the course of roughly 45 minutes, guests board a warm, spacious bus that departs from the Albuquerque Convention Center. From there, passengers are taken through several iconic neighborhoods known for their elaborate displays, including Old Town, Hunning Castle, and the Albuquerque Country Club area. After winding through these luminaria-covered streets, the bus returns to the Convention Center, completing a loop that highlights the best of Albuquerque’s seasonal charm.
A Safe and Family-Friendly Experience
City leaders emphasize that the tour is designed not only to offer a festive outing but also to ensure safety and accessibility for all. Transit Director Leslie Keener shared that the ABQ Ride team takes great pride in organizing the event each year.
Also Read – Balloon Fiesta Unveils Winning Images From This Year’s Memorial Photo Contest
“There are many ways to admire Albuquerque’s luminarias, and ABQ RIDE’s Luminaria Tour is a great option for families at an affordable price,” Keener said. “Our team works hard to make sure this is not only a fun holiday event, but a safe tour for all passengers.”
In addition to promoting the tour itself, Keener also reminded residents of the benefits of public transit during the holiday season. With shopping centers, community events, and nightlife experiencing heavier traffic, buses offer an easy way to avoid parking challenges and reduce congestion.
Tour Schedule for 2025
For the 2025 holiday season, ABQ Ride has scheduled four separate tours on Christmas Eve, allowing more families to participate. The official departure times are:
-
5:30 p.m.
-
5:45 p.m.
-
6:15 p.m.
-
6:30 p.m.
Each departure offers the same route and viewing experience, ensuring that every rider has the chance to enjoy the evening lights regardless of the time slot they choose. Because the schedule is tight and demand is high, ABQ Ride encourages guests to arrive early and be prepared for boarding procedures.
Why the Luminaria Tour Matters to Albuquerque
The Luminaria Tour is more than just a bus ride—it’s a shared community experience built on tradition, culture, and the joy of the holiday season. For many families, especially those with young children or elderly relatives, the tour provides a stress-free way to participate in a time-honored New Mexican custom. It has become a yearly ritual for locals, and for newcomers, it offers a warm introduction to Albuquerque’s holiday spirit.
Beyond its festive appeal, the tour reflects the city’s commitment to accessible cultural events. By providing an affordable option for viewing luminarias, ABQ Ride helps ensure that holiday celebrations remain inclusive and open to all members of the community. The thoughtful planning behind the event—amount of seating, safety protocols, route selection—keeps the experience enjoyable and meaningful.
Tips for Getting Tickets
Because tickets sell out rapidly, ABQ Ride is urging participants to prepare ahead of the November 28 sale date. Those who want to attend should consider setting alarms, bookmarking the website, and logging on a few minutes early to improve their chances.
Also Read – Albuquerque Police: 18-Year-Old Charged With Homicide After Fleeing With Body in Car
Tickets will be sold exclusively online at luminariatour.com, making the process convenient and straightforward. Once tickets are gone, no additional seating is released, reinforcing the importance of early action.
What to Expect on the Tour
Passengers can expect a warm holiday atmosphere aboard each ABQ Ride bus. Windows offer clear views of the luminarias and neighborhood displays, and the route is carefully crafted to include some of the most admired holiday areas in Albuquerque. Riders often describe the experience as calming, festive, and full of the quiet magic that makes Christmas Eve special.
Families are encouraged to bring cameras, dress comfortably, and embrace the slow, peaceful pace of the evening as the bus winds through streets lined with thousands of glowing luminarias.
