Luminaria de Abo

Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument invites you to celebrate the annual Luminaria de Abó on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening among the Ancestral Pueblo and Spanish Franciscan Mission of Abó, where more than 1,000 luminarias will illuminate the centuries-old walls with a warm and festive glow. Enjoy the beauty of this holiday tradition while discovering the rich cultural heritage of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Visitors are invited to warm up with free hot chocolate and biscochitos, generously provided by the Friends of Salinas Pueblo Missions (FSPM).

To preserve the historic integrity of the Abó Unit, enhance the visitor experience, and manage high attendance, all parking for the event will be in the Town of Mountainair. Complimentary shuttle buses will depart from the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center located at 105 South Ripley Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036.

 

Over 1,000 luminarias set the majestic 17th-century historic Abó mission church and convento aglow under a starry New Mexico sky.

NPS Photo courtesy of Richard Estrada.

 

Evening Highlights & Schedule

Immerse yourself in authentic Southwestern culture and holiday traditions.

 

Gateway to Luminaria de Abó

4:00PM | Begin your journey at the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center, featuring museum exhibits, a theater, and park souvenirs.

Luminaria Viewing

5:00PM | Wander through the Ancestral Pueblo and 17th-century Abó mission church and convento, illuminated by over 1,000 luminarias.

Traditional Treats

5:00 PM | Warm up with hot cocoa and delicious anise-flavored biscochitos, individually wrapped, and generously provided by FSPM.

 

Parking & Shuttle Buses

 

IMPORTANT EVENT PARKING INFORMATION

ALL event parking for Luminaria de Abó will be located in the Town of Mountainair

No public event parking will be available at the Abó Unit. Please follow directional event signage to designated parking areas in the Town of Mountainair. Please do not attempt to park along roadways, shoulders or closed areas near the Abó Unit.

 

Event Parking

All general event parking will be located in the Town of Mountainair.
Parking is available along the business corridor of US Highway 60. Parking is also available at the intersection of US Highway 60 and NM Highway 55. As well as along West Main Street. Please follow directional event signage to designated parking areas in the Town of Mountainair.

Handicapped Parking

Designated handicapped parking is available in the main parking lot at the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center. Valid placard or parking permit required. Please follow staff directions to park in designated handicapped parking areas.

 

Location of general and handicapped parking for Luminaria de Abó in the Town of Mountainair.

NPS Photo.

 

Location of shuttle bus pick-up and drop-off in front of Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center in the Town of Mountainair.

NPS Photo.

Shuttle Pick-up & Drop-off

Shuttle buses will pick up and drop off visitors right outside the front door of the Mountainair Headquarters Visitor Center located at 105 South Ripley Avenue, Mountainair, NM 87036.

Basic Information

• Shuttle buses are FREE to ride.
  • You do not need a permit, ticket, or reservation to use the shuttle buses.
• FIRST shuttle will depart Mountainair at 4:30 PM.
  • Shuttle buses will run every 15-30 minutes from Mountainair to the Abó Unit starting at 4:30 PM.
• Shuttles buses take about 20 minutes to drive between Mountainair to the Abó Unit.
  • This means a round trip takes about 40 minutes to one hour.
• LAST shuttle will depart the Abó Unit at 8:00 PM.

Ripley Avenue between West Main Street and US Highway 60 will be closed to all vehicular traffic as shuttle buses will be utilizing Ripley Avenue as a shuttle bus route for visitor pick up and drop off.

Rules of the Road

• There is no eating or smoking on the bus.
• Only capped bottles of water are allowed.
• Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses.

 

Got Questions?
Visitor FAQs & Checklist

Everything you need to know to stay warm and be prepared for your evening at Abó.

 

Is parking available at the Abó Unit for the event?

Can I be dropped off at the event?

How long should I plan for my visit?

What should I wear to stay warm?

Are restrooms available at the Abó Unit?

Is photography allowed?

Are flashlights or headlamps permitted?

Is the Abó Unit accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Can I bring my pet?

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?