Get into the holiday spirit at the El Paso Winterfest, transforming the city of El Paso into a winter wonderland, November 18, 2023 – January 1, 2024. Downtown Arts Festival Plaza and the surrounding areas come to life with lights, food, holiday shopping, festivities and an outdoor ice-skating rink. This is the sixth year for this annual winter celebration, boasting events throughout the entire month, including special celebrations from every City of El Paso department. Prepare to be winterized!
The festival kicks off with one of El Paso’s most celebrated holiday traditions, the Celebration of Lights at San Jacinto Plaza, Saturday, November 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The plaza will twinkle with thousands of lights and Christmas decorations to dazzle the more than 55,000 expected spectators. The city’s only light parade – the Scherr Legate Lights Parade – features more than 55 floats, marching bands, performers, and walking groups all tricked out in colorful lights.
Another huge WinterFest attraction is the Ice-Skating Rink open every day with 50-minute skating sessions during the month-long festival. The rink opens at 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 12 p.m. on weekends. Check the schedule for closing times. Fun for all ages, and when you’re finished skating, head on over to the Texas Gas Warming tent, sip on some hot chocolate and cozy up under the heaters to take the chill off your bones. Then consider some of the many other events taking place throughout the area.
Highlights of the season include holiday fiestas, live music and entertainment for the entire family, at San Jacinto Plaza, Friday – Sunday, beginning at 6 p.m; Holiday themed workshops at the El Paso Museum of Art, the El Paso Museum of History, and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology, every Saturday, and so much more! For a full schedule of events that are free and open to the public, visit the Special Events page for more information.
Other major events to consider during this time are Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, at the Abraham Chavez Theatre, Monday, December 11; Les Miserables at the Plaza Theatre, December 12 – 17; Navidad De La Fe Luminarias along El Paso’s Scenic Drive, on Saturday, December 16; A Drag Queen Christmas at the Plaza Theatre, Tuesday, December 19; a Merry-achi Christmas at the Plaza Theatre, Friday, December 23; and of course, the Sun Bowl game at Sun Bowl Stadium, Friday, December 31.
Whatever your preference, the City of El Paso goes all out at this time of the season, with activities for all members of the family. To find out all about it, visit the website.
Posted by LasCruces.com