Winterfest is supposed to be magical with its sparkling lights, holiday music, hot chocolate, the Plaza Theatre glowing like it’s been dipped in glitter. But if you’ve lived in El Paso long enough, you know the greatest Winterfest tradition isn’t the ice rink: it’s accidentally running into your ex while you’re trying to live your best Hallmark-movie life.
A woman recently went viral after sharing that she and her husband were enjoying Winterfest when they unexpectedly ran into his ex. This city is big, but somehow everybody still runs into everybody.
This one was a bit intense, but hilarious none the less, because we’ve all experienced it- spotting that ex while you’re just trying to take a cute pic!
READ MORE: One of El Paso’s Best Holiday Traditions is Completely Free
Tips to Avoid Running Into Your Ex at Winterfest (Because It Happens More Than You Think)
So, in the spirit of public service journalism, here are Tips to Avoid Running Into Your Ex at Winterfest, because it’s already cold enough without that emotional wind chill.
1. Explore literally anywhere other than the lights at San Jacinto Plaza
San Jacinto Plaza may be the Winterfest centerpiece, but it’s also the unofficial ex-meeting hotspot. So branch out!
The Convention Center ice rink gives you a built-in escape route (just skate away dramatically).
The Plaza Theatre’s free holiday movies let you safely hide in a dark room for two hours with popcorn as protection.
Cleveland Square Park has the same festive atmosphere minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds — perfect for blending in like a merry ninja.
2. Take the streetcar- nobody else does!
Your ex will never find you on the trolley.
Honestly, no one will. You’ll have the entire thing to yourself.
3. Stay moving. Winterfest is like Jurassic Park.
Exes are like T-Rexes: they can’t see you if you don’t stop moving.
The moment you pause to take a selfie, boom- there they are behind you like, “Hey stranger!”
4. Keep your phone out
Worst case scenario, pretend you’re on a Very Important Call.
Extra points if you say things like, “No, the merger won’t happen unless YOU sign the contract.”
5. Or… embrace the chaos
This is El Paso, running into your ex at Winterfest, at Target, at Chico’s, or in the Whataburger drive-thru at 1 AM is basically a local rite of passage.
Basically, Winterfest is huge. Your ex only finds you if you help them. If you so happen to run into an ex, shrug, sip your hot chocolate, and remember: at least you look cuter than you did when you were dating them!
El Paso’s Best Winter Photo Ops Beyond San Jacinto Plaza
San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso is great, but if you want to try something different, check out these six locations in El Paso for that picture perfect winter selfie!
Everyday Things El Paso Locals Do That Should Be Illegal
These everyday El Paso antics aren’t against the law, but they sure test everyone’s patience.
Gallery Credit: Joanna Barba