Luminaria Tour draws thousands

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Luminaria displays are lighting up the city as thousands enjoy the sites of the New Mexico Christmas Eve tradition.

More than 3,600 people plan to enjoy luminarias by riding on the sold-out bus tour from ABQ RIDE.  

Since the 1960s, many people have opted for a bus tour of the light show.
   
This year, tickets for the ABQ Ride sold out within days.

"It’s kind of become a tradition because we sold out our tickets five days in, which is the quickest we've ever sold out…3600 tickets and they're all gone,” ABQ Ride spokesperson, Rick DeReyes, said.

Others who weren’t able to get tickets will walk the neighborhoods of the light displays.

"This place is buzzing with activity until midnight or later, people driving through at all hours of the life,” said Albuquerque Country Club resident Chad O’Connor. “These luminarias, the better ones burn through the night. I've come out at dawn to find half the candle still going."

If you haven’t seen the luminaria displays yet, it’s not too late.

Barricades along the main route are expected to be removed around 8:30. Cars will then be allowed along routes in Old Town, the Los Altos neighborhood, and the Albuquerque Country Club.

To see a map of those areas and the best places to walk, or drive after 8 pm>>