Albuquerque: Events at the Biopark

11th Annual River of Lights top November 24 - December 30, 6:00pm - 9:00pm November 24 through December 30 (closed Dec. 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. All sculptures and displays are designed and constructed by Albuquerque BioPark artists and craftsmen. Printable Entertainment Schedule

This year there's a fun new feature at River of Lights--an ice skating rink. Starting Friday, November 30, at 6:00pm, 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 ice 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.

Gates open at 6:00pm and close at 9:00pm. On-site ticket sales start at 5:30pm and end promptly at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $6 for adults; $2 for children 3-12 (no charge for children two and younger). There are no senior discounts. Advance tickets may be purchased from any BioPark cashier or buy tickets online courtesy of the New Mexico BioPark Society. No telephone orders. For additional event information, please call (505) 764-6212.


On December 14, 15, 16, 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 Dec. 13 through 23 and Dec. 26 through 30 for holiday dining. Please call (505) 848-7182 for information or to make reservations for Supper with Santa at the Cafe. (For general information about the event, please call 764-6212.)

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:





---------------------------------------------------------- Holiday Nature Crafts at River of Lights top Wednesdays, December 5, 12 and 19, 6:00 to 7:30pm Bring your whole family to River of Lights and visit the Education Building to make beautiful gifts inspired by nature! All craft materials will be provided. No admission is required. Call 764-6280 for more information.

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December Garden Holidays at the Botanic Garden top Through the end of December, 9:00am to 5:00pm Embrace the holiday spirit at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden during the daylight hours through the month of December. Four thousand ‘Freedom’ poinsettias, meticulously grown by the BioPark Horticulture staff, are stunning with their vibrant deep reds and golden whites as they bring a sparkle to many of the displays. Botanic Garden hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. The holiday poinsettia show is included with general admission ($7 adults; $3 seniors and children).
The Mediterranean Conservatory is the scene of a Classic Holiday display. The conservatory has the majority of the red and gold poinsettias, arranged in tiered baskets, hanging from railings and walls and placed among the existing collection of Mediterranean plants. The Desert Conservatory is home to a Southwest Holiday, featuring red and yellow ornamental peppers, mounds of silvery dusty miller, and red Christmas cactus surrounded by wreaths made of dried grasses and chile ristras.

The Aquarium lobby is a Seashore Holiday, with pink poinsettias set among tiny white euphorbias and pink-tinged seashells. Look closely and you’ll see Santa fishing from the bridge above the display.
Activities complement two additional displays Wednesdays - Sundays. Wagon rides at the Heritage Farm are part of an Old Fashioned Holiday from 10:30 – 4:30. Throughout the day visitors can relax in the adobe farmhouse with a decorated tree and more poinsettias. The Garden Railroad is a Holiday in Miniature and operates 1:00 – 4:00, with an interactive rail car operated by Santa. After viewing the garden, visitors can warm up in the Shark Reef Café with hot chocolate and special desserts, at tables decorated with compact poinsettias and dried arrangements. Everywhere you go at the garden, the holiday spirit is hard to miss. Call 848-7115 for more information.

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Quilting Demonstration at the Heritage Farm top Wednesday, December 12, 10:00am - 2:00pm Visit with the artisans of the New Mexico Quilters Association as they work on their Botanic Garden quilt and other projects at the Heritage farmhouse.

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Supper with Santa during River of Lights top Thursday through Friday, December 13 - 23, 5:30 - 9:00pm Meet Santa and enjoy a special holiday buffet for $13.95 or order from a holiday menu before or after your visit to River of Lights. Reservations are recommended but not required. Call 848-7182 for more information or to make reservations.

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Orangutan Day at the Zoo top Saturday, December 15, 12:00 noon - 2:00pm Escape the holiday rush as you learn about these amazing animals from the tropical jungles of Sumatra. Explore the world of orangutans by visiting the education station at the orang exhibit. Make a holiday enrichment “gift” to be given to the Zoo’s orangutans! These family-friendly activities are included with regular Zoo admission.
For more information, call 764-6214.








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http://www.cabq.gov/biopark/common/decemberevents.html