Rio Rancho’s Winterfest celebrates the holiday season with multiple fun activities for all. On Friday, December 1, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at City Center Campus Park, there will be live music, food trucks, free hot chocolate, photos with Santa, a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, and fireworks.
Event Schedule
•4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Parade line-up
•5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – Parade float judging
•5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Music in the Campus Park Sky Room
•5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Food trucks and free hot chocolate
•5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Photos with Santa at Campus Park
•6 p.m. – Parade through the City Center area
•7:30 p.m.—Tree-Lighting Ceremony followed by fireworks
**Schedule is subject to change.
Parade Registration
Participants are encouraged to decorate floats that are well-lit through the adornment of holiday lights. The use of LED low-energy lights is recommended. Parade registration can be done online by visiting www.rrnm.gov/activenet. It is free to take part in the parade. The deadline to register for the parade is November 24. The parade route begins and ends in the upper northwest parking lot of the Rio Rancho Events Center.
Additional Information
All event start times are subject to weather, and may be canceled due to such conditions as snow, rain, wind, lightning, or public health orders. Admission is free. Parking and park seating space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Blankets and coolers are permitted. Food vendors will be on-site. No glass, outside alcoholic beverages, or individual grills will be allowed. Visitors can access City Center/Campus Park via Unser Blvd./King Blvd. and Paseo del Volcan/Broadmoor Blvd. The Winterfest Parade and associated activities are coordinated by the Rio Rancho Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Rio Rancho Events Center.
For questions about Winterfest, please call (505) 891-5015.