Albuquerque is a top Southwest travel destination and a city that embodies a variety of modern activities while not forgetting its deep Hispanic roots. From experiencing historic Old Town to participating in family-friendly community events, every visitor to Albuquerque is sure to find an activity or attraction they’ll enjoy.
The Twinkle Light Parade has been a holiday fixture in Albuquerque for 28 years. This celebration attracts nearly 30,000 people and is perfect for all ages. The parade route runs through Albuquerque’s historic Nob Hill Neighborhood, which will feature over 300,000 holiday lights. Local homes and storefronts also incorporate festive holiday themes. Over 3,000 people will be participating in the parade with their floats, show cars, firetrucks, holiday displays, and much more. After the parade is over, you won’t want to miss out on Nob Hill’s fantastic selection of restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and more. We got the chance to interview Bree Ortiz, Events and Operations Manager for the City of Albuquerque, to talk about this famous parade.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
BO: This will be the 28th year for the Twinkle Light Parade. It started in the neighboring city of Rio Rancho, and was moved to Albuquerque in 2003.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
BO: There are about 3,000 participants in the parade and 30,000 parade watchers during the two-hour event.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
BO: The parade is an annual family tradition that attracts all ages and is the perfect kick-off to the holiday season with shopping and dining in the historic Nob Hill neighborhood. We start at dusk, so everyone can see the lights, then the parade heads west (by design) as the sun goes down, offering a picture perfect backdrop for a fun-filled event.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
BO: We are open to everyone! As a community event, we invite everyone to be a part of the magic. We have school groups, church groups, car clubs, holiday enthusiasts, equestrian clubs, bicycle groups, commercial entries, and more. The entries vary from floats to 600 walking Girl Scouts -- this truly is the community’s parade.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
BO: The streets close a few hours before the parade, which offers pedestrian-friendly shopping on Route 66. The parade kicks off at 5:15 pm and travels through Nob Hill.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
BO: There are local TV anchors and radio DJ’s on hand to judge the parade entrants.
RAL: What will patrons find for dining options?
BO: Nob Hill has dozens of restaurants that will be open and ready to warm up parade attendees.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
BO: The Twinkle Light Parade has been in Nob Hill for the past five years. The streets close before the event and stay closed for a few hours after the parade to support local businesses.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
BO: The free event is hosted by the City of Albuquerque and encourages participants to promote their causes and spread their family-friendly messages.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
BO: The Twinkle Light Parade is currently competing for USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Award. Albuquerque partners with organizations and businesses of all sizes to offer a holiday destination event. The parade has grown a reputation over the years of being a quality event that locals and visitors alike can enjoy.
For more information about the Twinkle Light Parade, please visit their website.