El Paso Matters – Holidays in El Paso: Thanksgiving Parade, WinterFest, Lights on the Lake, Fred Loya Lights, more usher in season

As Thanksgiving week approaches, El Paso is easing into the start of the holiday season with a slate of long-running traditions and new festivities that invite families throughout the region to gather, celebrate and take in the city’s wintertime charm. 

Many of El Paso’s signature holiday events begin next week, including the Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade and the YMCA Turkey Trot, both staples that draw thousands on Thanksgiving morning. This weekend in Downtown, WinterFest opens its full lineup of illuminated parades, ice skating, stage performances and free holiday films, while shopping centers across the city welcome Santa Claus for the start of seasonal photo sessions.

Additional traditions follow into early December, offering everything from the Fred Loya family’s Christmas light show and the El Maida Shriners’ Feztival of Trees to countywide celebrations at Ascarate Park’s Lights on the Lake. 

Below is information on marquee events: 

Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade

El Paso’s long-running Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade returns to Montana Avenue at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, starting at Ochoa Street and concluding at Copia Street. This year’s theme, “Childhood Is Where Dreams Are Born,” will be led by celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, who serves as the 2025 grand marshal. First organized by the El Paso Downtown Lions Club in 1935, the parade now draws an estimated 250,000 spectators and remains one of the region’s largest community events, featuring entries from civic groups, service clubs and local industries. Information: sunbowl.org

YMCA Turkey Trot

The YMCA of El Paso will host its 49th annual Turkey Trot beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the intersection of Ange Street and Montana Avenue in Central El Paso. Participants can register for the one-mile fun walk or opt for alternative entry options, including the “Turkey Trot Sleep In” and the “Double Feather Dash.” Registration costs vary by date, with early registration starting at $39 and day-of registration rising to $79, available only in person. Race packet pickup runs Nov. 22-26 at the Westside Family YMCA on North Mesa Street, with limited pickup available on race morning. Information: elpasoymca.org

WinterFest events

• Lights Parade: The Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 22, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to Downtown El Paso. The city’s only illuminated parade begins at 6 p.m., following a one-mile route through Downtown, with pre-parade festivities starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature more than 55 floats, marching bands, community performers and “walking twinklers,” lighting up the streets near San Jacinto Plaza. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early to secure viewing spots along the parade route. Map route: epwinterfest.com

• The Rink: WinterFest’s ice skating rink welcomes skaters through Jan. 4 outside the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The Rink at WinterFest, presented by GECU, is free to view and costs $12 for those who want to skate. Regular hours run evenings Monday through Friday and expand on weekends, with extended daytime hours during Thanksgiving week and the late-December holiday period. WinterFest will also offer sensory-friendly sessions each Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. to provide a calmer environment for guests who need it.

• Holiday Fiestas: Holiday Fiestas bring regional performers to the stage at San Jacinto Plaza each weekend, with shows presented by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in front of the Lagartos sculpture. The series opens Nov. 23 with sets by The Move Dance Academy, Mantarraya and Los Referentes, and closes Dec. 21 with performances from FBC Preschool and Kids, Sound Stage 9 Band and The AJM Collective. Information and complete schedule: epwinterfest.com

• Pictures with Santa: Families can take free, on-the-spot holiday photos with Santa Claus at San Jacinto Plaza from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Sunday. The drop-in photo station — no appointments required — runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 21 and delivers images directly to visitors’ phones, adding a simple, festive stop to WinterFest’s downtown activities.

• Free holiday movies: Free holiday films return to the Plaza Theatre this season as part of WinterFest, presented by the El Paso Community Foundation’s Plaza Classic Film Festival in partnership with El Paso Live. The series features “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 3 p.m. and “Home Alone” at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30; “It’s a Wonderful Life” at 2:30 p.m. and “Elf” at 6 p.m. Dec. 7; and “The Polar Express” at 3 p.m. and “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. All screenings are free, with an organist performing 30 minutes before showtime. Information and schedule: epwinterfest.com

Photos with Santa

• Fountains at Farah: Santa visits return to the Fountains at Farah beginning Nov. 28, offering a range of themed photo sessions through Christmas Eve. Families can take part in the traditional Santa experience daily through Dec. 24, while several specialty sessions will be held on select dates. “Santa Paws” pet-friendly nights are scheduled for Dec. 2, 9 and 16; “Cowboy Santa” appears Dec. 4 and 17; and “Sensitive Santa,” designed for visitors who benefit from a calmer environment, will be offered Dec. 7 and 14. A special Pajama Night event is set for Dec. 11. Walk-ins are accepted, though reservations are recommended.

• Cielo Vista Mall: Santa Claus will return to Cielo Vista Mall beginning Friday, Nov. 7, for the annual Simon Photo Experience. Families can visit Santa through Christmas Eve during scheduled photo sessions, with hours varying daily throughout the season. A full schedule and reservation portal are available on the mall’s website, where guests are encouraged to secure a time slot in advance. Information: simon.com

• Outlet Shoppes of El Paso: Families can stop by the Outlet Shoppes of El Paso, 7051 S. Desert Blvd., for weekend visits with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21. The event, which runs from Nov. 8 to Dec. 21, invites visitors to bring their own cameras to capture photos with Santa.

• Bassett Place: Bassett Place will kick off the holiday season with its annual “Wake Up Santa” event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. Visitors can stop by the shopping center at 6101 Gateway Blvd. West for photos with Santa and a range of family activities, including music, face painting, jumping balloons, games and themed selfie stations featuring Christmas characters. The event is free and open to the public.

El Paso Christmas Lights

The Fred Loya family’s annual El Paso Christmas Lights show returns for its 20th season with opening night set for 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at 12001 Paseo de Oro Lane in Far East El Paso. The synchronized light-and-music display, a long-running holiday tradition, features free hot chocolate, cookies and photo opportunities with characters including Santa, the Grinch and Buddy the Elf. Shows typically run on select evenings in December at 6, 7 and 8 p.m., with parking available at Montwood High School across the street. Organizers say new elements and a partnership with Crosspoint Church will be part of this year’s festivities, with additional details to be announced.

Feztival of Trees

The El Maida Shriners will host their annual Feztival of Trees Nov. 22-29 at the Shriners Temple, 6331 Alabama St., offering the public a chance to view dozens of decorated trees contributed by community partners. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets for an opportunity to win a tree and accompanying gifts valued at $500 or more. The family-friendly event runs daily from 11:10 a.m. to 6:10 p.m. and costs $2 for adults. Children younger than 12 enter free. Information: elmaida.com

Lights on the Lake

Lights on the Lake returns to Ascarate Park, offering nightly holiday light displays through Jan. 6. El Paso County Parks & Recreation will open the season with a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, preceded by a canine “paw-rade” at 5 p.m. The evening will feature live music, food trucks and a drone light show. A separate family event, Cookies with Santa, is scheduled for Dec. 13 with activities beginning at 5 p.m. The annual Lights on the Lake installation will illuminate the park at 6900 Delta Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. Admission is free.

City of Socorro WinterFest

The city of Socorro hosts its Wicked WinterFest from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, offering an evening of community festivities at the Rio Vista Community Center, 901 N. Rio Vista Road. The evening will feature a 6 p.m. parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment, vendors and a Santa meet-and-greet. Information: hello@costx.us or 915-860-8615.  

Horizon City

Horizon City will kick off its holiday celebrations with a weekend of community events centered around its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade. Festivities begin Friday, Dec. 12, with a float contest at 6:30 p.m. at the Oz Glaze Senior Center, 13969 Veny Webb St., followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. near the skate park behind the center, where attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and treats. The Christmas Parade, themed “Christmas Around the World,” steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with staging starting at 8:30 a.m. Choirs, bands, dancers and other performers are invited to participate, and vendors along the route must obtain permits. Information: 915-588-1639.

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