The theme for this year’s parade is a “The Nightmare Before Winterfest

 

Event slate:

  • 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Parade line-up
  • 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Parade float judging
  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Music in the Campus Park Sky Room
  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Food trucks and free hot chocolate
  • 5 p.m. to 9 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.

 

Rio Rancho’s Winterfest celebrates the holiday season with multiple fun activities on Friday, Dec. 2.

The event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at City Center Campus Park, includes live music, food trucks, free hot chocolate, photos with Santa, a parade, a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks.

Parade Registration

The theme for this year’s parade is a “The Nightmare Before Winterfest,” which is a take on the children’s film The Nightmare Before Christmas. Participants are encouraged to decorate floats that reflect this theme, in addition to being well lit with holiday lights. 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 Nov. 29. The parade route begins and ends in the upper northwest parking lot of the Rio Rancho Events Center.

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.

Visit the City’ website at www.rrnm.gov. Follow city government on Twitter (twitter.com/RioRanchoNM), and like it on Facebook (facebook.com/RioRanchoGov).