New Mexico state parks feature weekend luminaria events

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico state parks are hosting numerous events this weekend featuring luminarias, a Southwest holiday tradition.

State parks officials say the warm glow provided by thousands of burning candles known as luminarias will be on display at Elephant Butte Lake Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. The event will feature community booths, carolers and a floating lights parade.

Similar events will be held Saturday at Pancho Villa State Park and Rockhound Park. Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad on Saturday will host a program called “Holidays with the Animals.”

Sugarite Canyon State Park will host “Christmas on the Chicorica” beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 15, featuring a stroll along Chicorica Creek on a path lit by 1,500 luminarias.