This Week's Top Events 12/26-01/02/26

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

Top Events in El Paso

Dec. 26 – Jan. 02, 2026

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2025

Sounds of the Season with Jordan TaylorSun Metro Streetcar (Convention Center Stop)Friday, Dec 26, 20256:00 PM – 8:00 PM | FREEHop aboard the Streetcar for a festive ride featuring a holiday-pop mashup with Jordan Taylor. Boarding begins at the Convention Center Stop at Santa Fe & Henry Trost. Track the Streetcar using the Ride Sun Metro app.🔗 https://www.sunmetro.net/streetcar/

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2025

“Holiday Spirit” Lighted Bike Ride (Date 2)Mesilla & Mesilla ParkSaturday, Dec 27, 20255:00 PM – 7:00 PM | $29–$39A second chance to enjoy this guided, festive evening bike ride lit up with holiday spirit.🔗 https://swexpeditions.com

Candlelight: Tribute to Juan GabrielEl Paso Zoo & Botanical GardensSaturday, Dec 27, 20256:30 PM – 7:45 PM | From $32+A candlelit string ensemble pays tribute to the legendary Juan Gabriel in a magical outdoor setting.🔗 https://feverup.com

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on StringsEl Paso Zoo & Botanical GardensSaturday, Dec 27, 20258:30 PM – 9:45 PM | From $32+Classic Christmas carols performed by string musicians surrounded by hundreds of candles.🔗 https://feverup.com

Glow on IceEl Paso Convention CenterSaturday, Dec 27, 202511:00 PM | See website for pricingA late-night neon ice-skating party with a live DJ, glow gear, and photo ops.🔗 https://www.elpasolive.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2025

Last Sunday Hike at Schaeffer ShuffleFranklin Mountains State Park (Meet at Campsite #39)Sunday, Dec 28, 20258:30 AM – 12:00 PM | $5 (Free with TX State Park Pass)Join a park ranger for a challenging guided hike through the western foothills of the Franklin Mountains. Reservations required.🔗 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025

UTEP Women’s Basketball – UTEP vs. USWDon Haskins CenterMonday, Dec 29, 20257:00 PM | See websiteCheer on the Miners in this home matchup at the Don Haskins Center.🔗 https://utepminers.com/tickets

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2025

Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Fan FiestaEl Paso Convention CenterTuesday, Dec 30, 20254:00 PM – 10:00 PM | FREEA family-friendly celebration featuring live music, university pep rallies, and a battle of the bands ahead of the Sun Bowl game.🔗 https://sunbowl.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2025

Golden Desert SoiréePlaza Hotel Pioneer ParkWednesday, Dec 31, 20257:00 PM | From $75+An elegant New Year’s Eve dinner experience with wine pairings, dancing, and a midnight toast.🔗 https://theplazahotelelpaso.com

New Year’s Eve Masquerade GalaCastle BallroomWednesday, Dec 31, 20257:00 PM – 1:00 AM | From $70+A formal masquerade benefiting Terry’s Heart Foundation with music, dancing, and a midnight celebration.🔗 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/new-years-eve-masquerade-gala-2

New Year’s Eve SHINE CelebrationSunset ParlorWednesday, Dec 31, 20258:00 PM – 12:30 AM | $122A sober, intentional NYE experience featuring movement, meditation, music, and meaningful connection.🔗 https://sunsetparlor.com

New Year’s Eve Salsa & Bachata PartyEl Paso Ballroom Dance AcademyWednesday, Dec 31, 20258:00 PM – 2:00 AM | $20–$25Ring in the New Year with Latin rhythms, a champagne toast, and party favors.🔗 https://danceelpaso.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

First Day Hike at Upper Sunset & Tom Mays TrailsFranklin Mountains State ParkThursday, Jan 1, 202610:00 AM – 1:00 PM | $5 (Free with TX State Park Pass)Kick off the New Year with a scenic guided hike offering valley views and fossil-rich terrain. Reservations required.🔗 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains

First Day Hike (Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park)Franklin Mountains State ParkThursday, Jan 1, 20268:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Free–$5A family-friendly New Year’s Day hike featuring cookies, photos, and outdoor adventure. All mobilities welcome.🔗 https://www.wehikeadventure.org

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026

UTEP Women’s Basketball – UTEP vs. DelawareDon Haskins CenterFriday, Jan 2, 20267:00 PM | See websiteAnother home game for the Miners as they take on Delaware.🔗 https://utepminers.com/tickets

(Ongoing)

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