Old Town Holiday Stroll 2026

After the countdown

The tree lighting gives the evening a shared starting point, but the stroll extends beyond the plaza. Entertainment is planned afterward in Plaza Don Luis, at the Gazebo and around the district, alongside Old Town’s shops, galleries and restaurants.

Local choirs and performers are expected, though individual acts have not been named and the Gazebo listing remains to be announced. Visitors hoping to follow a particular performance should check for an updated program.

Further reading: Old Town Holiday Stroll 2026 — Old Town Albuquerque Events ↗

Three stops, different approaches

Albuquerque Museum pairs a holiday art activity and live music with access to its galleries and Museum Store. It closes at 7 p.m. for the stroll, so visitors who want time inside should fit it around the ceremony rather than leave it until the end. Check the museum’s admission terms separately from the free outdoor stroll.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is taking its festivities outdoors during renovations. Along Mountain Road across from Tiguex Park, the plans include illuminated dinosaurs, the New Mexico Rocks! mobile exhibition and a holiday pop-up shop. Observatory stargazing is weather permitting.

Explora offers a later stop, with free event-night admission until 9 p.m. Its announced activities include snowflake chromatography, marshmallow engineering and Van de Graaff demonstrations, as well as holiday craft stations. The mix reflects the science center’s broader focus on interactive learning.

Further reading: Old Town Holiday Stroll 2026 — Old Town Albuquerque Events ↗ · Art. History. People. — City of Albuquerque ↗ · Visitor Information - Explora ↗