WHEN TO GO
Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/Denver
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The free December parade takes over a stretch of Route 66, with neighborhood shops and restaurants accessible before spectators settle in.
All times are local to the venue · America/Denver
Local schools, businesses and community groups are part of the Albuquerque Twinkle Light Parade, a holiday procession along Central Avenue in Nob Hill. The 2026 parade begins at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 5, and is free to watch.
The parade uses a mile-long stretch of Route 66 as its setting. Rather than a lineup of announced headliners, the City describes entries from local businesses, schools, community groups and other Albuquerque organizations; it has not named individual participants.
Nob Hill’s shops and restaurants offer a way to spend time in the neighborhood before the procession. The City says businesses will remain accessible during the street closures, and suggests arriving early to shop or eat before choosing a viewing spot.
Further reading: Twinkle Light Parade — City of Albuquerque ↗
Central Avenue and several nearby streets will close to traffic. The City lists both 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. as the start of the Central Avenue closure between Washington Street and Girard Boulevard, so check for updated guidance before driving in. Follow posted parking signs and keep residential driveways clear.
The City lists public restrooms at Central Avenue’s intersections with Adams Street, Sierra Drive, Hermosa Drive and Dartmouth Drive.
The parade takes place rain or shine. Well-behaved pets are welcome on leashes.
Free parking is available at the lot on the southwest corner of Lomas Boulevard and University Boulevard. Buses run from 3 to 10:30 p.m. between the lot and UNM’s Johnson Field, near Girard Boulevard and Central Avenue.
No. Admission to the parade is free.
Yes. Well-behaved pets are welcome on leashes.
The City says the event takes place rain or shine.
The City describes the types of local groups taking part but has not named individual entries.
Central Avenue, Nob Hill, Albuquerque, NM
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-28 against the linked sources.