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Winter in Carlsbad isn't about snow, ice or cold. It's
about warmth. The warmth of the holiday season. And
families coming together. Carlsbad, New Mexico is alive with the
ultimate celebration of the season - Christmas on the
Pecos River. Everyone in Carlsbad, New Mexico gets involved too, not just homeowners. Carlsbad Navy officers navigate each of the three pontoon boats through this spectacular show of Yuletide River Christmas Lights along the Pecos River Christmas Cruise. Each officer is a volunteer and Chamber of Commerce member who has been specially trained in boating safety and operations. The First Christmas
on the Pecos River boat tour took place in 1992 aboard the
Princess a pontoon boat that seated 10 people.
Today the Christmas on the
Pecos fleet includes the Noelle- which seats 40 passengers,
the Bella Sera-which seats 45 people, the Bella Notte-which
seats 18 people and the historic George Washington Paddle
Wheeler-which seats 40 people.
All vessels depart nightly
except for the George Washington which operates Fridays and
Saturdays only and is a half trip only. Christmas on the Pecos River Boat tours are 40 minute long that sets sail 12-15 times per night between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve. Tours depart from the Pecos River Village, a quaint, turn-of-the-century park that is transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights and delights. Wander through a gallery full of gifts created by local artists and enjoy holiday refreshments at the Pecos River Village before and after your tour.
Traditionally tours sell out quickly, especially on
Thanksgiving Weekend, Fridays and Saturdays in December, and
Christmas Day. (Tours are not offered on Christmas Eve.)
Christmas on the Pecos continues to grow each year with
attendance topping over 15,000 passengers in 2009.
Ticket
prices for the 2010 season are as follows: Adults $17.50 per
person Fridays & Saturdays; $12.50 per person
Sunday-Thursday. Children (ages 2-12) $12.50 per person
Fridays & Saturdays; $7.50 per person Sunday-Thursday.
Children under the age of 2 are free if they do not
occupy a seat. (A lap pass must be obtained prior to
boarding at the ticket office). Christmas on the Pecos River has been awarded one of the top 100 "must see" events in North America by the American Bus Association 14 years in a row since 1996. For more information on the most spectacular show of Yuletide lights in New Mexico, contact the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce |
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Tickets are sold in advance and at the ticket office on days
of departure. Space is limited and reservations are strongly
suggested especially on the weekends and as we get closer to
Christmas. Complimentary "lap"
passes are given for passengers under the age of 2.
Be sure to wear
warm clothing (layers are best). Blankets are provided by
Washington Tru Solutions and are available prior to boarding
at the docks.