This Week's Top Events 12/18-12/23/25

We’ve rounded up the best events, festivals, and hidden gems so you can discover El Paso again.

Top Events in El Paso

Dec. 18 – Dec. 21,  2025

(Ongoing)

A Christmas Carol

Venue: El Paso PlayhouseDates: December 5–21, 2025Time: VariesCost: See venueSummary: A faithful and heartfelt stage adaptation of the Dickens classic, following Scrooge’s journey from bitterness to redemption.Website:🔗 https://theelpasoplayhouse.com/

Fred Loya Christmas Light Show (20th Anniversary Season)

Venue: 12001 Paseo de Oro Lane, Far East El PasoDates / Times: Select evenings in December — shows at 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (through Christmas Day)Cost: FreeSummary: A beloved neighborhood tradition featuring a synchronized light-and-music show, free hot chocolate and cookies, and photo ops with holiday characters (Santa, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf). Parking is available at Montwood High School across the street. A mix of drive-thru and walk-through viewing — perfect for families and a great way to enjoy the season.

Eastridge Neighborhood Holiday Lights Display (Drive-Thru & Walk-Through)

Venue / Entrance Options: Eastridge neighborhood — access via McRae & Cartway, Debby Lewis & Glemmway, or Wedgewood & FenwayDates / Times: Lights are typically up starting the first week of December and remain through the holiday season. Drive-thru or walking visits are possible; weekends tend to be the busiest, evenings from roughly 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM are common for viewingCost: FreeSummary: A community holiday lights tradition offering festive decorations across many homes. Some visitors drive through to enjoy the full light display, while others park and walk to take photos, enjoy the decor up close, and browse light-up toys from a vendor. Expect crowds on weekends — consider a weekday visit for a calmer experience.

The Market at WinterFest

Venue: Downtown Arts District – Main StreetDate: Fridays, SaturdaysTime: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMCost: Free entrySummary: Shop handcrafted goods, foods, and gifts at the region’s top holiday market.Website:🔗 https://www.epwinterfest.com/

Lights on the Lake

Venue: Ascarate ParkDate: (through Jan. 6, 2026)Time: 6:00 PMCost: FreeWebsite:🔗 https://www.epcountyparks.com/lightsonthelake

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts DistrictVenue: Downtown Arts District (multiple locations)Date: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: Starts at 5:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Monthly arts night with extended museum hours, special programming, and activities across downtown cultural institutions.🔗 https://visitelpaso.com/events

Arts District PosadaVenue: Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W Franklin AveDate: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: A communal holiday posada celebration as part of Third Thursdays, featuring seasonal traditions and community gathering.🔗 https://epmacc.org

Third Thursdays: Holiday Karaoke & Hot Cocoa BarVenue: Main Library, 501 N Oregon StDate: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Holiday karaoke, hot cocoa bar, and ornament crafts for all ages.🔗 https://elpasolibrary.org

Holiday Urban Hike & LightsVenue: El Paso Convention Center / Downtown PlazaDate: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (meet 5:45 PM)Cost: FreeSummary: Family-friendly downtown walk with lights, cookies, photos, and holiday cheer. All mobilities welcome.🔗 https://www.wehikeadventure.org

Sip. Paint. Be Merry.Venue: MJ’s Gaming Café / 915 SNO, 10280 Montana AveDate: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMCost: $25Summary: Holiday painting night with drinks, nachos, gaming access for kids, and ornament painting.🔗 https://www.mjsgamingcafe.com

UTEP Women’s Basketball – UTEP vs UC IrvineVenue: Don Haskins CenterDate: Thursday, Dec 18, 2025Time: 7:00 PMCost: Not listedSummary: Home game featuring the UTEP Miners women’s basketball team.🔗 https://utepminers.com/tickets

Friday, December 19, 2025

Magoffin Home Holiday Open HouseVenue: Magoffin Home State Historic Site, 1120 Magoffin AveDate: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Candlelit historic home tour with music, storytelling, cocoa, cookies, and holiday décor.🔗 https://thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/magoffin-home

The Market at WinterFestVenue: Downtown Arts District – Main Street (in front of La Nube)Date: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Award-winning holiday market featuring local artisans, food vendors, and festive shopping.🔗 https://www.epwinterfest.com

The Rink at WinterFest: Sweethearts NightVenue: El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center PlazaDate: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PMCost: $15Summary: Romantic skate night with hot chocolate, s’mores, themed décor, and photo booth.🔗 https://www.elpasolive.com

Holiday Ugly Sweater Cookie DecoratingVenue: Sun City Sawdust DIY Studio – WestsideDate: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMCost: $55Summary: Step-by-step cookie decorating class creating festive ugly sweater cookies.🔗 https://www.blumoonartstudio.com

Mariachi Sol de México de José HernándezVenue: Plaza Theatre, 125 W Mills AveDate: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 8:00 PMCost: See websiteSummary: World-renowned mariachi performance celebrating Mexican musical traditions.🔗 https://plazatheatre.org

“Holiday Spirit” Lighted Bike Ride (Date 1)Venue: Mesilla & Mesilla Park (Meet: 1620 W Boutz Rd, Mesilla, NM)Date: Friday, Dec 19, 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMCost: $29–$39Summary: Guided holiday bike ride with lights, hot drinks, cookies, and prizes. Ages 17+.🔗 https://swexpeditions.com

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Old Tin Mine HikeVenue: Chuck Heinrich Memorial ParkDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PMCost: $5Summary: Ranger-led moderate–difficult hike to historic El Paso tin mines.🔗 https://tpwd.texas.gov

Yoga on IceVenue: El Paso Convention CenterDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 9:30 AMCost: See websiteSummary: A peaceful yoga session held on the ice rink.🔗 https://www.elpasolive.com

Santa & The Grinch BrunchVenue: Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park – Ámbar RestauranteDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMCost: See menuSummary: Holiday brunch with Santa, the Grinch, photos, and kids’ cookie activities.🔗 https://theplazahotelelpaso.com

Family Ornament Making DayVenue: Chamizal National MemorialDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Hands-on desert-themed ornament crafting for families.🔗 https://www.nps.gov/cham

Historic Ysleta Mission Free Guided ToursVenue: Ysleta Mission Gift ShopDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 1:30 PMCost: FreeSummary: Guided tour of the oldest continuously operating parish in Texas.🔗 https://ysletamission.org

Streetcar Express Pajama RideVenue: Sun Metro Streetcar (Glory Road Stop)Date: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 6:00 PM & 7:00 PMCost: Free (RSVP required)Summary: Family-friendly pajama ride with cookies, stories, and a visit from Santa.🔗 https://www.sunmetro.net

December Hazy Moon Night MarketVenue: Twin Peaks Sunland Park, 955 Sunland Park DrDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Night market with local vendors, live music, fire dancing, and last-minute gifts.🔗 https://www.facebook.com/hazymoonnightmarket

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings (Show 1)Venue: El Paso Zoo & Botanical GardensDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PMCost: From $38+Summary: Classic Christmas carols performed by string quartet under candlelight.🔗 https://feverup.com

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings (Show 2)Venue: El Paso Zoo & Botanical GardensDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 8:30 PM – 9:45 PMCost: From $32.50+Summary: Second candlelit performance of beloved holiday carols.🔗 https://feverup.com

Erica Lane: Here We Come A CarolingVenue: Plaza TheatreDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 7:30 PMCost: See websiteSummary: High-energy holiday concert blending jazz, Celtic, pop, and folk sounds.🔗 https://plazatheatre.org

Santa on the Farm (Day 1)Venue: Licon Dairy Farm, San ElizarioDate: Saturday, Dec 20, 2025Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PMCost: Donation-basedSummary: Photos with Santa, vendors, hot cocoa, and farm fun.

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Santa on the Farm (Day 2)

Venue: Licon Dairy FarmDate: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PMCost: Donation-basedSummary: Second day of festive farm photos and family fun.

Santa & The Grinch BrunchVenue: Plaza Hotel Pioneer ParkDate: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMCost: See menuSummary: Brunch, photos, and holiday activities with Santa and the Grinch.🔗 https://theplazahotelelpaso.com

Free Holiday Movie: The Polar ExpressVenue: Plaza TheatreDate: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025Time: 3:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: Family-friendly holiday movie screening.

Free Holiday Movie: How the Grinch Stole ChristmasVenue: Plaza TheatreDate: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025Time: 6:00 PMCost: FreeSummary: 25th anniversary screening of the holiday classic.

UTEP Men’s Basketball – UTEP vs Norfolk StateVenue: Don Haskins CenterDate: Sunday, Dec 21, 2025Time: 7:00 PMCost: See websiteSummary: Home game for the UTEP Miners men’s basketball team.🔗 https://utepminers.com/tickets

Monday, December 22, 2025

UTEP Men’s Basketball – UTEP vs North Dakota State / UC IrvineVenue: Don Haskins CenterDate: Monday, Dec 22, 2025Time: 5:00 PM or 7:00 PM (TBD)Cost: See websiteSummary: Home matchup with start time subject to change.🔗 https://utepminers.com/tickets

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas BalletVenue: Plaza TheatreDate: Tuesday, Dec 23, 2025Time: 3:00 PMCost: See websiteSummary: A visually stunning holiday ballet