Celebrate the Season at Los Alamos WinterFest & Holiday Lights Parade

Published on December 01, 2025

Los Alamos WinterFest, a weekend-long event that offers up a variety of family-friendly holiday activities, takes place this year from December 5-7.

The annual Holiday Lights Parade, the highlight of WinterFest, takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6. Organized by Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District (LAMSCD), the parade begins at 6 pm and proceeds down Central Avenue. This year’s theme is “Red, Green, or Christmas.” MainStreet invites you to come out and celebrate the colors, foods, and traditions that make Los Alamos and New Mexico unique.

This year, MainStreet and Los Alamos County are paying special attention to parade safety and have introduced several features to enhance the spectator experience. These include metal barricades and orange mesh fencing along the busiest sections of the parade route. The community can help ensure a safe and fun event by staying off the street and behind barricades at all times.

"To ensure everyone enjoys a safe and festive evening, new safety measures will be in place for this year’s Holiday Lights Parade. In recent years, the parade route has become increasingly crowded, making it difficult for drivers operating large vehicles and trailers to safely navigate in low-light conditions. Our goal is to increase safety while preserving the fun, family-friendly atmosphere that makes this event such a community favorite,” said Commander Chris Ross of the Los Alamos Police Department.

Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District and Los Alamos County also remind participants and attendees that propane fire pits, portable propane heaters, or any open flame devices are not permitted on sidewalks or within the public right-of-way during the event.

The HMS Implacable, the Los Alamos Chapter of the Royal Manticoran Navy, is running the annual Doreen M. Gunkel Memorial Toys for Tots drive from October 4th through December 6th, culminating in our "Fill the Float" entry in this year's Holiday Lights Parade. The officers and crew of the HMS Implacable hope to exceed last year's record donation of 3,250 toys. Parade attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift to add to the float during the parade.

Los Alamos MainStreet and Creative District, and the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce, encourage residents to shop locally this holiday season. Look for special offers and highlighted products in the local press and on social media in the coming days. Be sure to visit Los Alamos restaurants, too. Blue Window Bistro will once again be open during the parade on Saturday, December 6. Reservations are strongly recommended. The restaurant will offer holiday drink specials for the entire family. Wolf & Mermaid and Sugar & Cream will also be open that evening.

Immediately after the parade, the community is invited to attend the tree lighting at Ashley Pond. 

With over 20 different events happening from Friday, December 5, through Sunday, December 7, there is something fun for everyone. 

Find the full schedule of activities at LosAlamosMainStreet.com/WinterFest.