Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade
other

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade

Experience the magic of Ruidoso's Festival of Lights Parade, a cherished annual tradition that illuminates the winter wonderland with twinkling lights and community spirit. This enchanting evening event brings friends and family together for a spectacular display. Attendees are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots, which will have a dedicated float collecting donations during the parade.

What to Expect

Annual Festival of Lights Parade with Toys for Tots donation drive

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Ruidoso

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Special Events & Promotions

  • Toys for Tots donation drive during the parade

Tags

paradesholiday eventcommunity celebrationcharity eventfamily friendlyfestive atmosphereholiday traditionseasonal activities

Featured Video

Location

Village of Ruidoso
535 Resort Drive
Ruidoso, NM

Event Details

Duration

3 hours

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Ruidoso Valley Chamber of Commerce

Food & Drink

Beverage vendors available

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, as this is a popular community event.
  • Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots; their float will be collecting donations during the parade.
  • Dress warmly in layers, as December evenings in Ruidoso can be quite cold.
  • Check the Ruidoso Parks & Recreation social media pages for any last-minute updates or route changes.
  • Consider bringing a thermos of hot chocolate to enjoy while watching the festive illuminated floats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the parade start?

The parade begins at 5:30 PM and is expected to last until 8:30 PM.

Is there an admission fee for the parade?

No, the Ruidoso Festival of Lights Parade is a free event for all attendees.

What is the parade route?

The specific parade route is not detailed on the event page, but it typically runs through the main streets of Ruidoso.

Can I bring my pet to the parade?

The event policy states 'No pets allowed', so please leave your furry friends at home.

What should I do if I want to donate to Toys for Tots?

You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the parade. The Toys for Tots float will be collecting donations along the route.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

Follow us for updates and more events!