Albuquerque-
An early morning Friday e-mail from the City of Albuquerque was disguised as the Grinch of New Mexico traditions. The City of Albuquerque announced they will no longer offer the famous Luminaria Tour on Christmas Eve.
According to the City, they said for decades, ABQ RIDE employees have spent their Christmas Eve’s operating special bus tours through the Huning Castle and Old Town neighborhoods instead of spending time with their families. While tickets for the tour are typically reserved quickly, a significant number of ticket holders ultimately do not attend. Over the last decade an average of 62% of reserved tickets have went unused.
City officials say in 2025, the tour cost approximately $200,000 to serve 586 attendees, or that came out to a whopping $341 per person, which includes transit operations, staffing, barricades, police traffic control, signage and other event costs.
Under Federal Transit Administration rules, ABQ RIDE cannot charge more than its regular bus fare for the tour. Because ABQ RIDE is a zero-fare transit system, the tour does not generate fare revenue to offset those operating costs.
“Luminarias are part of who we are as Albuquerque, and that tradition isn’t going anywhere,” said Director Leslie Keener. “We’re working closely with community members on new ways for the public to enjoy the luminaria tradition while supporting neighborhood needs, using resources efficiently, and creating an approach that can be sustained.”
ABQ RIDE and the Huning Castle Neighborhood Association are working with neighbors and community partners on alternatives that preserve the luminaria tradition while reducing operational demands of the bus tour. Potential options could include a walking tour or a revised bus tour that offers residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy in a more sustainable way.
The e-mail goes on to say, ABQ RIDE thanks the employees, neighborhood residents and community partners who have helped make the Luminaria Tour an Albuquerque Christmas Eve tradition. The City will share additional information about ways residents can experience luminarias and other holiday traditions across Albuquerque this season, including events accessible by local bus routes.
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