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Brian Earle will drive around with his motorcycle decorated in tinsel and garland, letting his amber headlights lead the way.

He and members of Gold Wing Riders will join the 20th annual Twinkle Light Parade, starting at Third Street and Central Avenue at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.

"It's an eye-catcher when you ride around with your lights on; it's something kids would like," Earle said.

The group's energy-conserving LED headlights and taillights go with this year's theme: Think green.

Participants are encouraged to make floats out of recycled materials and use LED lights, said Linda Hubley, events and operations manager for the city.

The theme goes with Mayor Martin Chavez's efforts to preserve the environment and conserve energy, Hubley said.

Bicyclists also join the parade this year to promote alternative transportation.

Out of 115 entries and about 50 floats, Hubley said people should be seeing a lot of emerald because of this year's theme.

"Expect to see a lot of green lights," she said. "I'm sure Home Depot is out already."

She also said people will be dressed up in elf costumes and green Santa hats.

This year's Santa float, which is the highlight of the event, will incorporate this year's theme somehow, Hubley said.

The parade runs from Third Street and Central Avenue and to the Rio Grande Botanic Garden, 2601 Central Ave. N.W. Marti Wolf, consultant with the city, said the event was chosen to be held on this date to commemorate the opening of the Botanic Garden's River of Lights, a walk-through Christmas light display.

After the parade, Santa will greet children at the courtyard of the Botanic Garden.

This year's parade will be bigger than last year's, which had 87 parade entries, Hubley said.

About 40,000 to 50,000 spectators are expected this year. Last year's attendance was similar, she said.

Participants are required to put a minimum of 200 Christmas lights on cars and 1,500 Christmas lights on floats. People walking or riding a bike or motorcycle are encouraged to wear glow sticks.

The Twinkle Light Parade was held in Rio Rancho for 16 years. In 2003, the city partnered up with the Joiner family, who started the Rio Rancho parade, and decided to have the parade Downtown.

City officials chose to tie the event with the River of Lights three years ago.

Although the event has been in Albuquerque for just a short time, Wolf said the Twinkle Light Parade is becoming a Christmas tradition for the city.

"It kicks off the holiday season," she said. "It's the major event that gets everyone into that spirit."