Luminaria Tour
A Beloved Christmas Eve Tradition
Each year, ABQ RIDE hosts a Luminaria Tour on Christmas Eve to create holiday magic for the community. Crowds of bundled Albuquerque residents gather in City buses with hot chocolate in hand to meander through historic destinations and neighborhoods that are aglow with beautiful luminarias. Starting at Civic Plaza, ABQ RIDE buses wind through Old Town and the Country Club and Huning Castle neighbhooods in a 45-minute tour. Scheduled bus tours times vary annually and year-specific event information can be found under Upcoming Events.
This festive and family-favorite holiday tradition has shined brightly for over 50 years and continues forward for generations of Albuquerque families and friends to enjoy over the holiday season.
Ticket sales begin on Black Friday
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Luminaria Tour?
This year, the Luminaria Tour is on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2024.
What time should I arrive and where can I park?
Tour goers are encouraged to arrive no later than 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
Parking is free at the Civic Center parking structure located at 321 4th Street NW. Please access the parking structure by heading west on Marquette as many downtown streets will be closed for the tour.
Free parking will also be available for disabled and special needs individuals at the parking lot located at the northwest corner of 3rd Street and Marquette (just north of Civic Plaza). For your safety, please follow the signage to the Luminaria Tour.
Where exactly at the Convention Center does the bus pick people up?
Buses pick up passengers on 2nd Street, on the east side of the Convention Center.
Where exactly at the Convention Center will the bus drop people off?
Buses will drop people off on 3rd Street, between Tijeras and Marquette.
How long is the tour?
Tour is approximately 45 minutes long.
If children are free and I have no ticket, how do I get them on the bus with no ticket?
Supervisors will let accompanied children onto the bus.
How can I be a vendor during the tour?
Passengers will be on the bus during the tour with no access to any vendors. ABQ RIDE is not working with any vendors. ABQ RIDE does not handle any planned walking tours.
Can I print tickets bought on the website?
Yes. They can be printed out if bought on the website. There is an option on the website for emailed tickets where purchasers can put in the name of another person who will be using them. Tickets are transferable.
Is the tour accessible to individuals in wheelchairs?
Yes. All the buses are ADA compliant and available for persons with disabilities. Convention Center also has wheelchair access.
Are tickets refundable?
No.
Are there bathrooms on the buses or vans?
No. Bathrooms will be available inside the Convention Center before departure.
Can I take pictures?
Take as many pictures as you’d like!
Can I get off the bus to walk around during the tour?
No. The buses do not stop during the tour to let people off to walk around.
Can I bring food and drinks on the bus?
Drinks with a container and lid such as coffee or hot chocolate will be allowed on the bus. You can bring small bottles of water. You cannot bring food or open liquid containers on the buses. No alcohol is allowed on the buses at any time.
What if it rains or snows, will the tour be canceled?
No. Event is rain or shine.
What streets will be closed or affected by the tour?
Streets may be closed only along the tour route where buses won't be interfered with by vehicle traffic. Click for map of the tour route on ABQ RIDE's Luminaria Tour information page.
What time will the buses stop on Dec. 24 to accommodate the tour?
Many routes will stop at 3pm, with others stopping around 6pm. A detailed list of which routes will be stopping at which time is available will be posted on the front page of ABQRIDE.com titled "Complete Schedule for ABQ RIDE & Sun Van for Christmas & New Year's Holidays"