Festival of the Cranes Returns to Bosque del Apache This December

Albuquerque Santa Fe, NM, September 23, 2026 —

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is set to host its annual Festival of the Cranes, marking its return after a hiatus last year. The popular event will take place from December 2nd and will span three days.

The festival celebrates the arrival of thousands of Sandhill Cranes that migrate to the refuge each winter. Visitors typically gather to witness the impressive spectacle of the cranes in flight and at rest. The exact dates for the three-day event are December 2nd, December 3rd, and December 4th. Specific details regarding programming, activities, or special guests for this year’s festival were not immediately available. Information regarding any ticketing or registration requirements is also pending further announcement.

Last year, the festival was not held. The resumption of the event this year signifies a continuation of a long-standing tradition that draws considerable attention from birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. The refuge’s wetlands provide a crucial wintering habitat for numerous species, with Sandhill Cranes being a primary attraction during this season.

Further information regarding the festival’s schedule, any associated costs, and specific events is expected to be released by Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in the coming weeks. Attendees are advised to check official refuge channels for the most up-to-date details as the event approaches.

Story summarized from the original created by Jordan Honeycutt on www.krqe.com, see more information here.

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