River of Lights

November 29 through December 30, 2008 (closed December 24 & 25), Rio Grande Botanic Garden visitors can enjoy the magic of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling holiday displays at New Mexico’s largest walk-through light show. Each year's show unveils a number of ingenious new sculptures and stunning displays designed and constructed by Albuquerque BioPark artists and craftsmen. River of Lights is sponsored by the New Mexico BioPark Society, the City of Albuquerque, KOB TV-4, 100.3 The Peak, and Big I 107.9.

The public is invited to take a spin on the 22 by 36 ft. rink that will be located in the Botanic Garden plaza. Skaters must supply their own skates, but there is no charge to use the rink. The (artificial) ice rink will be open the same hours (6 - 9pm) and days as River of Lights. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

 

• Tickets are $6 for adults; $2 for children 3-12. There are no senior discounts. No charge for children two and younger. Advance tickets may be purchased from any BioPark cashier or buy tickets online courtesy of the New Mexico BioPark Society.

• On-site ticket sales start at 5:30pm and end promptly at 8:30 pm. No telephone orders, please. For additional information about River of Lights or about purchasing tickets online, please call 764-6280.

• Gates open for the event at 6:00pm and close at 9:00pm.

• On December 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 only, visitors may park at the Heritage Farm parking lot, and purchase tickets and enter River of Lights at the Cider Barn.

• Visitors can enjoy live entertainment from a variety of local choirs, participate in Holiday Nature Crafts programs, purchase hot food and beverages on site and find a unique holiday gift. 

• The G-scale model railroad at the Botanic Garden will operate from 6:00 to 8:30pm Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 30.  

• The Shark Reef Cafe will be open evenings from Dec. 11 though Dec. 23 and Dec. 26 through Dec. 30 for holiday dining. Call (505) 848-7182 for information or to make reservations for Supper with Santa at the Shark Reef Cafe. (For River of Lights event information, please call 764-6280.)

River of Lights began in 1997 as a fund raising project sponsored by the New Mexico Zoological Society. Proceeds from River of Lights help support the Albuquerque Biological Park's BioVan educational outreach program. The BioVan curriculum teaches about the Rio Grande and the native plants and animals that depend on it for existence. BioVan outreach visits to Albuquerque elementary schools are free of charge. Thank you to the following River of Lights sponsors: