Evening of Lights

Aztec Ruins National Monument will host the annual Evening of Lights holiday display. This event celebrates New Mexico traditions with hundreds of luminarias while sharing the ancestral Pueblo history by LED lanterns illuminating the Aztec West great house. The lantern display is a one-night- only event and a time to experience Aztec West in a new light.

The viewing will be open from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. Visitors can walk along the paved trail into the central plaza to view the archeologic site illuminated by the soft glow of lantern light. Photography is welcome.

The Evening of Lights is the opening event for the Aztec Sparkles weekend each year. This year, Aztec Ruins plans to add more lights to this display. Visitors can also enjoy cultural demonstrators, and a kid’s activity table in a heated outdoor event tent. Complimentary cookies and hot cocoa is provided by the Friends of Aztec Ruins.

Visitors can also enjoy a 15% off store-wide sale at the Western National Park Association store. According to the park store manager Elisa Bird, “This year’s new items include etched glassware and new postcards, key chains, lapel pins, and tote bags.”

Parking will probably be tight during this popular event. Those wanting to park offsite and walk along the Old Spanish Trail over the Animas River footbridge will enjoy holiday lights along the trail. Flashlights and warm clothing are suggested.

For more information, Call (505) 334-6174 or visit www.nps.gov/azru