Here’s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.
Fred Loya El Paso Christmas Lights
The popular El Paso Christmas Lights attraction hosted by the Fred Loya family concludes Christmas Day. The Loyas invite the community to watch the season’s final light show Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 12001 Paseo de Oro Lane off Montwood Drive. Light shows will take place at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. The show returned to the Eastside after the Loyas’ partnership with El Paso County for the light shows at Ascarate Park came to an end. Information: El Paso Christmas Lights.
Take the ‘Plunge’ at Ascarate Park Pool
Close the year with a splash at the Ascarate Park’s “Plunge into 2025” from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, at the park’s pool, 6900 Delta Drive. Brave the cold and dive into the unheated waters for a refreshing and symbolic start to 2025. The first 25 families to register at noon will receive a free gift, and all participants will get a voucher for a 30-minute swim lesson during the Spring 2025 Swim Marathon. Warm clothes are encouraged for after the swim. Don’t miss the festive Lights on the Lake drive-through display at Ascarate Park, which begins at 6 p.m. Information: 915-273-3501.
Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta
The day before the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl kicks off, take part in the revelry of the 2024 Fan Fiesta from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at the El Paso Convention Center. This family-friendly event features live music, food, drinks and games. A “Battle of the Bands” between the marching bands of the University of Louisville and the University of Washington will also take place, along with performances by the Spazmatics, and mariachi and folklorico groups. DJ Johnny Kage will also provide musical entertainment inside the convention center and at the outdoor skating rink. Admission is free. Information: sunbowl.org
Tony the Tige Sun Bowl Parking Map 2024
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Washington vs. Louisville
The 90th annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl, featuring a first-time matchup between the University of Washington Huskies and the University of Louisville Cardinals, kicks off at noon Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso and will be televised on CBS.
This marks Washington’s fifth Sun Bowl appearance, though it’s been more than two decades since their last trip in 2002. Louisville, on the other hand, returns to El Paso for the first time since 1958. Tickets start at $22 and are available through the official Sun Bowl website. Information: sunbowl.org
El Paso Ball Drop at WinterFest
Ring in 2025 with the inaugural Lotus Social House Ball Drop at WinterFest, set to light up San Jacinto Plaza on New Year’s Eve. The Downtown celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music, local bands and DJs, culminating in a headlining set by a Las Vegas-based DJ. A VIP section will be available for individuals ages 21 and older. Organizers hope the event will become an annual El Paso tradition. Information and tickets: epwinterfest.com
The post El Paso events: Final Fred Loya Lights show, Sun Bowl, Ascarate ‘Plunge,’ New Year’s Eve Ball Drop appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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