Casa San Ysidro Reintroduces Noche de Luces, Restores Evening Access
Casa San Ysidro will host Noche de Luces on Dec. 4 for the first time in more than a decade, offering free evening admission and traditional luminarias at the Gutiérrez Minge House. The event matters to Sandoval County residents because it restores rare nighttime access to museum collections, supports cultural preservation, and lowers financial barriers for community participation.
Casa San Ysidro, operated by the Albuquerque Museum, will reopen its historic grounds for the annual Noche de Luces celebration on Dec. 4, offering free admission and evening hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event marks the first time in more than 10 years the museum has hosted this traditional New Mexican holiday celebration, and it will feature luminarias and festive lighting across the Gutiérrez Minge House property.
The evening program will include hot cider, hot cocoa and cookies, along with craft activities and music. Organizers say the lights on the historic ranch property provide the only opportunity each year for the public to view the museum and its collections during evening hours. The house is located at 973 Old Church Road in Corrales, and the property dates back to the early ranching period in the area, preserving elements of New Mexican cultural heritage.
For local residents the return of Noche de Luces has practical significance. Free admission reduces financial barriers for families and individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend cultural events. Evening hours expand access for people who work daytime shifts or have daytime caregiving responsibilities, making it easier for a broader cross section of the community to participate in shared traditions. The event also creates space for intergenerational exchange, as traditional luminaria displays and crafts highlight local practices and history.
Public health considerations are relevant as the event draws evening crowds. Holding activities on the museum grounds and under open skies can reduce transmission risk for respiratory illnesses compared with enclosed indoor gatherings, though attendees should consider their own health needs when planning to attend. The museum’s offering of refreshments and hands on activities underscores the need for accessible facilities and staffing to support a safe public gathering.
Visitors seeking more information can call 505 898 3915 or visit cabq.gov/casasanysidro. The return of Noche de Luces is both a cultural celebration and a step toward more inclusive community programming in Sandoval County, restoring an annual tradition that connects residents to the region’s history and to one another.
