The Town of Edgewood will host its annual holiday celebration Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Venus Park, featuring a lighted parade, tree lighting ceremony and the kickoff of Route 66 Centennial festivities.
The evening will begin with the Twinkle Light Parade at 6 p.m., with participants staging along Municipal Way before traveling down New Mexico 344 to Venus Park at 181 N.M. 344.
The official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m., followed by Santa’s arrival for photos with children and families.
Evening activities from 7 to 9 p.m. include caroling, holiday movie trivia, complimentary cookies and hot beverages. The event will also feature games, refreshments and music throughout the evening.
The celebration marks the beginning of Edgewood’s participation in the Route 66 Centennial, commemorating the historic highway’s 100th anniversary. Route 66 was established Nov. 11, 1926, as the first all-weather highway connecting Chicago and Los Angeles.
Congress established the U.S. Route 66 Centennial Commission in 2020 to plan activities honoring what the legislation called “a symbol of the heritage of travel and the legacy of seeking a better life shared by the people of the United States.” Centennial celebrations are planned throughout 2026 across all eight states along the historic corridor.
The New Mexico Route 66 Association is coordinating statewide centennial activities in partnership with federal and multi-state planning organizations.
All activities are free and open to the public. Additional information is available at www.edgewood-nm.gov or www.rt66nm.org/centennial.html.