Spreading the Desert Cheer: Your Guide to Holiday Lights and Christmas on the Pecos
Those who live here know that Carlsbad has delightful features all year-round, but Christmas on the Pecos in Carlsbad, NM, is especially magical. This time of year, we celebrate the holidays in a big way. Locals can catch Santa when he is in town, take a ride on the Pecos Express, or visit Carlsbad Caverns while avoiding peak tourist season. But Carlsbad's main holiday attraction is the beautiful River of Lights along the Carlsbad River.
Here at Avalon at Carlsbad, the premier apartment community in Carlsbad, we love the holiday season and all of the amazing events throughout the city. Weve put together a list of our favorite holiday displays so residents can spread the holiday cheer.
Christmas on the Pecos Boat Tours
Christmas on the Pecos, also known as the River of Lights, features hundreds of light displays with thousands of lights along the homes, boats, and islands along the river. The day after Thanksgiving, the 65-seat Rudolph, the 50-seat Noelle, and the more intimate 10-seater, the Pecos Diamond, slowly cruise along the river while showing off the magical lighting displays. The River of Lights boat tours are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but continue again afterward for the week leading up to New Year's Eve.
The boats, Rudolph and Noelle, offer tours nightly, between 6 and 9 pm. The Pecos Diamond is available November 28 and 29, December 5 and 6, and nightly between December 12th through 30th, except for Christmas Eve and Day. They depart at 6:15 pm, hourly, with the last tour leaving at 9:15 pm.
Tickets to enjoy the lights and music of what is known as New Mexico's largest and oldest light show along a river can be made in advance on through Christmas on the Pecos website.
For those participating in one of the 40-minute boat tours, it is suggested you bundle up for what could be a chilly evening cruising the waters. You should arrive and check in at the Pecos River Recreation area 30 minutes in advance where you can enjoy crafts, food, and drinks.
Santa on the Pecos
As a part of the Christmas on the Pecos festivities, check the event calendar to see when Santa will be visiting the Pecos this year. There is fun for residents and visitors of all ages, including DIY ornament-making, face painting, photos with the jolly man, and lots of hot cocoa from 6-9 pm. Check the Christmas on the Pecos website to check the exact location.
Catch a Ride on the Pecos Express
Whether you miss a boat or want additional way to view the Christmas lights in Carlsbad, NM, the Pecos Express offers a new way to enjoy the season. Take a ride in one of the roomy cars, which are fully ADA accessible, and enjoy the fun. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
The Pecos Express runs nightly through December 30th starting at 6 pm with the last train leaving the station at 9:45 pm. However, the conductor and crew will be taking Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off to spend time with their families.
Rollin' on the Pecos
Those who are inclined can lace up or buckle up some skates to enjoy the Rollin' on the Pecos retro-themed roller rink. The neon-lit rink will feature a live DJ from 6-9 each evening. Accessibility at the rink is free, and if you find yourself hungry, check out the visiting food trucks for a choice of cuisine. Check the event calendar to see when Rollin on the Pecos happens this year.
Holidays at the Caverns
Known for its limestone caves with North America's largest accessible cave chamber, the Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a short drive from town and just 18 miles away. Although the caverns are closed on Christmas and New Year's days, visiting them on other days this time of year offers a peaceful view with fewer out-of-the-area visitors.
The temperature in the caves remains constant at around 56°F, year-round, no matter the outside temperatures. Light jackets or sweaters are recommended along with hiking boots or sturdy shoes. Entry times start at 9:30 am and end at 2:30 pm, with the caves closing at 4:45.
Catching a guided tour during winter is especially enlightening, as with fewer visitors, you will receive a more personalized tour. Self-guided tours, too, are more pleasant for those who enjoy more space with fewer people. However, the well-known Bat Fly Program and Bat Flight Amphitheater are closed until April. Summer is the peak time for the famous sunset bat flight with hundreds of thousands of bats departing from Lechuguilla Cave. If you haven't witnessed the event, it is highly recommended.
Check with reservations to ensure time-entry and self-guided or ranger-guided tours are available on the day you wish during the winter, as there may be limited staff available.
New Year, New Home?
If you’re looking for your next home, then visit us at Avalon at Carlsbad. We offer beautiful 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans designed with the perfect balance of comfort, style, and spaciousness. Residents also gain access to exclusive amenities like an outdoor swimming pool, enclosed dog park, well-equipped fitness center, and much more.
Schedule a tour today and discover your next home in Carlsbad.