Source - River of Lights
Get ready to be dazzled by the River of Lights, New Mexico's largest and most enchanting holiday lights experience! This magical event invites guests to stroll through the beautiful ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, where they'll encounter over 800 stunningly designed sculptures, captivating light displays, and millions of twinkling lights that transform the garden into a winter wonderland.
Since its inception in 1997 by the dedicated New Mexico BioPark Society (NMBPS), a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting the ABQ BioPark Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach, River of Lights has grown from a humble beginning of 32,000 visitors and just 30 rented displays. Today, it proudly attracts over 120,000 attendees each year, making it the premier holiday light show in New Mexico, and it raised an impressive $1 million in 2022 alone. This annual event also serves as the top fundraising initiative for the New Mexico BioPark Society, bringing joy to families and communities all while supporting our beloved BioPark attractions.
Check Out: Luminarias or Farolitos - New Mexico Christmas Traditions | New Mexico TRUE
The preparation for this spectacular show is truly a year-round endeavor. Our dedicated team of three full-time craftsmen works tirelessly to ensure that each holiday season is even more dazzling than the last. New sculptures and displays are crafted, additional strands of twinkling lights are added, and enduring favorites are lovingly restored to bring them back to life. Each sculpture in our River of Lights collection is meticulously hand-welded and illuminated, reflecting the passion and artistry of our talented creators. They begin with a simple toy or concept, carefully imagining it into a beautiful flat or 3D masterpiece. A thoughtful color scheme is developed, and rope lights are painstakingly attached to highlight the curves and corners of every design.
But our sculptures aren't just static—they seem to come alive! With over 700 animated displays and sculptures, you’ll find everything from a delicate 1-foot flower to a towering 30-foot Brachiosaurus. Creating a 1-foot sculpture takes about six hours of skilled work, while bringing the colossal Brachiosaurus to life demands nearly 600 hours of craftsmanship. The journey begins in mid-September, where a dedicated crew of ten works diligently to place sculptures and twinkle lights throughout the Botanic Garden. Our sculptures are cleverly designed for easy installation and storage, with many built in sections. Be sure to spot our very first handmade sculpture, the flat panel saguaro cactus, along with the first-ever 3D yucca cactus. You can even see a T-Rex inspired by a whimsical wind-up toy!
Every year, we utilize more than 100,000 zip ties to secure rope lights to our enchanting creations. In total, there are over 200 miles of twinkling lights illuminating the Botanic Garden, with over 12 miles of extension cords powering our displays. River of Lights was honored to be a contestant on the ABC & Disney’s 2023 Season of The Great Christmas Light Fight, showcasing our unique holiday spirit.
The preparation for this spectacular show is truly a year-round endeavor. Our dedicated team of three full-time craftsmen works tirelessly to ensure that each holiday season is even more dazzling than the last. New sculptures and displays are crafted, additional strands of twinkling lights are added, and enduring favorites are lovingly restored to bring them back to life. Each sculpture in our River of Lights collection is meticulously hand-welded and illuminated, reflecting the passion and artistry of our talented creators. They begin with a simple toy or concept, carefully imagining it into a beautiful flat or 3D masterpiece. A thoughtful color scheme is developed, and rope lights are painstakingly attached to highlight the curves and corners of every design.
But our sculptures aren't just static—they seem to come alive! With over 700 animated displays and sculptures, you’ll find everything from a delicate 1-foot flower to a towering 30-foot Brachiosaurus. Creating a 1-foot sculpture takes about six hours of skilled work, while bringing the colossal Brachiosaurus to life demands nearly 600 hours of craftsmanship. The journey begins in mid-September, where a dedicated crew of ten works diligently to place sculptures and twinkle lights throughout the Botanic Garden. Our sculptures are cleverly designed for easy installation and storage, with many built in sections. Be sure to spot our very first handmade sculpture, the flat panel saguaro cactus, along with the first-ever 3D yucca cactus. You can even see a T-Rex inspired by a whimsical wind-up toy!
Every year, we utilize more than 100,000 zip ties to secure rope lights to our enchanting creations. In total, there are over 200 miles of twinkling lights illuminating the Botanic Garden, with over 12 miles of extension cords powering our displays. River of Lights was honored to be a contestant on the ABC & Disney’s 2023 Season of The Great Christmas Light Fight, showcasing our unique holiday spirit.
Check Out: Taos Shines Bright This December! | Discover New Mexico
Mark your calendars for this year's event, which runs from November 29 to December 30, 2025, with two special Low Sensory Nights on December 1 and January 2. We invite you to join us daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, located at 2601 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. Please note, the last entry for the event is at 8 p.m., and we will be closed on December 24 and 25.
Prepare to create unforgettable memories with family and friends at the River of Lights—an experience that promises to brighten your holiday season like never before!
Mark your calendars for this year's event, which runs from November 29 to December 30, 2025, with two special Low Sensory Nights on December 1 and January 2. We invite you to join us daily from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, located at 2601 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. Please note, the last entry for the event is at 8 p.m., and we will be closed on December 24 and 25.
Prepare to create unforgettable memories with family and friends at the River of Lights—an experience that promises to brighten your holiday season like never before!
No comments:
Post a Comment