When nights get dark and chilly, holiday lights bring Christmas cheer to El Paso. Beautiful lights can be seen at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Lavishly decorated trees line the alleys, while the whole campus is shimmering with vibrant colors. Eastridge Neighborhood on El Pasos's East Side is one of the best decorated residential areas in the city during the holidays. Friendly neighborhood competitions turn some homes and yards into real works of art. Holiday displays usually appear in El Paso in early December and don't get taken down until after New Year's Day.
El Paso Downtown Christmas Lights (late November–early January)
Beautiful Downtown dazzles with approximately 400,000 mini-lights dressed over 120 trees. One of the main highlights is the impressive 30-foot (9-m) Christmas tree, which illuminates the Downtown Plaza. Also, thousands of people flock to see the fantastic white light garlands and decorations at San Jacinto Plaza and S. El Paso Street.
El Paso WinterFest (November 18, 2023–January 1, 2024)
WinterFest is one of the best family-friendly events of the El Paso winter,which starts before Thanksgiving and lasts to early January. Downtown Arts Festival Plaza is turned into a winter wonderland with lights, festivities, and an outdoor ice skating rink. Visitors can enjoy food, shopping, promotions, and much more. The festival kicks off with the Celebration of Lights Parade in Downtown El Paso. The parade's route circles the city center, starting at 5:30 pm at Texas Ave & Campbell St. Dozens of colorful floats and illuminations bring the true holiday spirit to El Paso! Kids can enjoy Christmas Express rides as well as ice skating at the Hospitals of Providence Ice Rink. The rink operates seven days a week and on holidays too. The Holiday Art & Farmers Market is another great opportunity to look for Christmas presents among a variety of local vendors.
Fred Loya's El Paso Christmas Lights (unconfirmed in 2023)
Fred Loya's El Paso Christmas Lights is one of the most popular Christmas entertainments in the city. The Holiday light display is lit from late November through early January from 5 pm to 9:45 pm at Ascarate Park. In addition, the spectacular Lights on the Lake animated light show is playing from after Thanksgiving till Christmas on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 6 to 9 pm. The event features vendors, food trucks, and special holiday guests.
Ascarate Park is one of the most popular destinations for a winter stroll, thanks to the annual light show. It features about 30 light displays around the lake, beautifully reflecting in the water. A sleigh and Christmas ornaments are located near the pavilion.
El Paso International Airport (December)
El Paso International Airport is another attraction where visitors can enjoy the holiday decorations. Illuminated trees and lawn areas along the airport road are adorned with 75,000 lights. Additionally, the display includes impressive 9-foot (3-m) tall gift boxes, ornaments, and stars by the Terminal Drive. Visitors can park their cars and take some pictures to create positive holiday memories in El Paso.
