Thanksgiving in ABQ 2026

THE LONG WEEKEND, BY DAY

Wednesday, November 25 through Sunday the 29th. Dine-in and to-go turkey for Thursday, plus the Turkey Trot, the big holiday craft fair, and the first night of River of Lights.

All weekend

Rio Grande Holiday Festival

Fri–Sun, Nov 27–29 · Expo New Mexico · Fairgrounds

The juried arts and crafts show that takes over the Lujan Complex every Thanksgiving weekend. Open 10 to 5, Sunday until 4. $10 at the door, $15 for all three days, 12 and under free. Enter at Gate 3 on Copper. Parking costs extra.

Wednesday · November 25

El Pinto Thanksgiving dinner to go

Order by Nov 23 · El Pinto · North Valley

Each meal feeds 4 to 6 and comes cold, ready to heat Thursday. Call (505) 898-1771 to reserve, then pick it up by Wednesday.

Thursday · November 26

Albuquerque Turkey Trot

9am · Balloon Fiesta Park · North ABQ

10K at 9, 5K run/walk at 9:05, plus a one-mile walk and a Tot Trot at 8:15. Race-day sign-up opens at 7:30 at the Sid Cutter Pavilion. Awards and the raffle at 10:15.

Tucanos turkey dinner to go

Pickup 10:30am–6pm · Tucanos Brazilian Grill

A whole turkey dinner, or turkey with sides, reserved online and picked up Thursday. Takeout only.

Thanksgiving at Indian Pueblo Kitchen

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center · North Valley

Open on Thanksgiving Day. No reservations, tables go first come, first served.

Thanksgiving at Fogo de Chão

The Brazilian steakhouse is open Thanksgiving, at dinner prices all day. Book a table online.

Friday · November 27

The bass-music DJ's Thanksgiving weekend takeover, booked by Relentless Beats. Tickets at relentlessbeats.com.

Saturday · November 28

River of Lights opening night

5–10pm · ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden

First night of the 29th year: a mile-long path of hand-welded light sculptures through the Botanic Garden. Buy timed tickets ahead, last entry at 8. A free Park & Ride runs from the Zoo. Runs nightly through Jan 3.

Sunday · November 29

Lobo basketball vs. Utah State

The Pit · University

UNM men's basketball at home to close the long weekend, also on the CW. Tip time at golobos.com.

Bars usually post their Thanksgiving Eve plans the week of. We add them as they land.