Festival of Lights Parade 2025 – Traffic Control Plan and Road Closures
The Village of Ruidoso will implement temporary road closures and traffic control measures to support the 2025 Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday, December 6th. Residents, visitors, and businesses are encouraged to plan ahead for delays and follow all posted signage and officer direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for participants and spectators.
Parade Start Time
The parade will begin at 5:30 PM.
Road Closure Timeline
• 4:15 PM – Detour signs posted at Mechem Dr. & Cree Meadows Dr., directing traffic toward Hull Rd. and Paradise Canyon.
• 4:45 PM – Mechem Dr. & Sudderth Dr. close to through-traffic (floats only allowed beyond this point).
• 5:00 PM – Sudderth Dr. & Paradise Canyon Dr. close.
• 5:15 PM – All traffic shuts down along the parade route.
• 5:30 PM – Parade begins.
Barricade Locations
Officers will place barricades to restrict access at key intersections along and surrounding the parade route, including:
• Sudderth Dr. @ Mechem Dr.
• Brady Canyon Rd. @ Porr Dr.
• Alonso Way @ Sudderth Dr.
• Grindstone Rd. @ Texas St.
• West & East Butler Circles @ Sudderth Dr.
• Country Club Dr. @ North St.
• Whitlock St., Begonia Rd., Vine Rd., Laurel Rd., Evergreen Dr., Overlook Dr., Hickory Rd. @ Sudderth Dr.
• Carters Ln. @ S. Evergreen Rd.
• Eagle Rd. @ North St. and Rio St.
• Country Club Dr. @ Rio St., Bogie Ln., and Paradise Canyon Dr.
(Complete barricade list available in the linked traffic control plan.)
Detours & No-Thru-Traffic Controls
Detour and “no thru traffic” signs will be in place at the following locations to guide vehicles around the parade zone:
• Mechem Dr. @ Cree Meadows Dr. – Directing vehicles toward Hull Rd. or Country Club Dr.
• Course View Dr. @ Country Club Dr.
• Country Club Dr. @ Paradise Canyon Dr. (two locations)
• Brady Canyon Rd. @ Porr Dr.
• Terrace Dr. & Upper Terrace Dr. toward Rainbow Dr.
• Upper & Lower Terrace Dr. @ Rainbow Dr.
Additional detours highlighted on the traffic map show rerouting along Paradise Canyon, Hull Rd., Cree Meadows, and connecting streets.
Parade Route Map
A full alternate route map is available below for reference, illustrating redirection paths and closure points around Midtown, Sudderth Dr., Mechem Dr., and Country Club Dr.
What to Expect
• Significant delays along Mechem, Sudderth, Country Club, and connecting residential streets beginning late afternoon.
• Officers will be positioned throughout the area to support traffic flow and ensure public safety.
• Local residents along the parade route may experience temporary access restrictions.
• Please allow extra time for travel, consider alternate routes, and follow posted signage.
Thank You for Supporting a Safe Community Event
The Village appreciates the community’s cooperation during one of our most beloved holiday traditions. These planned measures help ensure the safety of parade participants, spectators, and motorists.
For updates, visit Ruidoso-nm.gov or follow the Village on official social media channels.
