El Paso WinterFest
San Jacinto Plaza and the surrounding downtown area come alive with more than one million lights, oversized holiday decorations, and a 55-foot tree. Visitors can enjoy an outdoor ice-skating rink, seasonal attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. Nearby Cleveland Square Park also features colorful synchronized light displays where trees dance alongside a musical tree.
What to Expect
Downtown festival featuring over one million lights and outdoor skating.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown El Paso
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
City of El Paso
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Parking: Some parking garages and areas may be closed due to events through out WinterFest months. Parking locations listed: Mills Plaza Parking Garage, 445 N. Oregon Street; Union Plaza Transit Terminal, 400 W. San Antonio Street; Convention Center Parking, 1 Civic Center Plaza; Glory Road Transfer Center, 100 East Glory Road.
Tips & Advice
- Download the free Park 915 app for garage and lot details, since some downtown garages and areas may close during events in the WinterFest months.
- If The Rink is your main stop, park at Convention Center Parking on Civic Center Plaza because it is the parking area closest to the rink.
- Think about riding the El Paso Streetcar downtown instead of driving, and look up its routes, schedules and fares before you set out.
- Walk over to Cleveland Square Park, next to the El Paso Museum of History, for a quieter stop where the lit trees dance with the musical tree.
- Dress warmly, because the lights, oversized decorations and ice-skating rink are all outdoors in San Jacinto Plaza and the surrounding downtown area.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see and do at WinterFest?
San Jacinto Plaza and the surrounding downtown area are covered in more than one million lights, oversized decorations and a 55-foot holiday tree. The season also brings an outdoor ice-skating rink, winter-themed attractions and family-friendly programs.
Where should I park?
Parking is available at the Mills Plaza Parking Garage, the Union Plaza Transit Terminal, Convention Center Parking near The Rink, and the Glory Road Transfer Center. Some garages and areas may be closed during events in the WinterFest months.
Can I take public transit downtown?
Yes, you can ride the El Paso Streetcar into downtown. Its routes, schedules and fares are posted by the Streetcar.
Is there a quieter place to see the lights?
Yes, Cleveland Square Park sits next to the El Paso Museum of History and the Mexican American Cultural Center. Its trees are covered in colorful lights and dance with a big musical tree, so it's a good choice if you want to get away from the crowds.
How does the season kick off?
WinterFest traditionally opens with a tree lighting ceremony in San Jacinto Plaza and the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade, followed by a festive concert.
More Christmas Events Near El Paso
More Christmas Events near El Paso
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.