EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso has released the lineup of its planned festivities for 2026’s Winter Fest.
Below is the schedule for the Opening Day festivities on Nov. 21:
Noon – Opening of the Rink at the Convention Center Plaza. 2 p.m. – The Market at the San Jacinto Plaza opens.5:30 p.m. – Tree Lighting Ceremony.6 p.m. – The Scherr Legate Light Parade.
The parade is said to feature over 70 participants, including illuminated floats, marching bands, dance groups and walkers.
WinterFest 2026 Lights Parade route. Credit: City of El Paso via Facebook
Also, Santa Claus himself is said to make his first appearance of the season during the parade.
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What else can people expect during the six-week fest?
The celebration continues throughout the six-week season with activities and entertainment across Downtown:
Lights at Cleveland
Holiday lights set to music throughout the season.The Market at WinterFest
Shop local Friday and Saturday from dozens of vendors offering handmade gifts, seasonal treats and more.Holiday Fiestas
Weekend entertainment at San Jacinto Plaza featuring local musicians, dancers, performers and DJs.Pictures with Santa
Free photos with Santa, sponsored by GECU.Holiday Movies
Free screenings at the Plaza Theatre, El Paso Museum of Art and Mexican American Cultural Center, presented by the El Paso Community Foundation’s Plaza Classic Film Festival.Holiday Food Truck Village
Grab seasonal favorites and treats throughout WinterFest.Loteria Nights
Join the fun at San Jacinto Plaza on select dates in December.
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Furthermore, Downtown will be decorated with over one million lights, which will be on from 5 to 11 p.m., illuminating the plaza, the giant-sized holiday-themed decorations and the 45-foot tree.
The City emphasized that people enjoying the fest and the lights use the hashtags #EPWinterFest and #IAmElPaso.
The fest is set to run until Jan. 3, 2027.
To learn more about the fest and keep track of updates and parking details, you can visit EPWinterFest.com or follow El Paso WinterFest and the City of El Paso on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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