Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade\u00a0<\/p>\n
El Paso\u2019s long-running Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade returns to Montana Avenue beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, beginning at Ochoa Street and concluding at Copia Street. This year\u2019s theme, \u201cChildhood Is Where Dreams Are Born,\u201d will be led by celebrity chef Aar\u00f3n S\u00e1nchez, who serves as the 2025 grand marshal. First organized by the El Paso Downtown Lions Club in 1935, the parade now draws an estimated 250,000 spectators and remains one of the region\u2019s largest community events, featuring entries from civic groups, service clubs and local industries. Information: sunbowl.org<\/a><\/p>\n YMCA Turkey Trot<\/p>\n The YMCA of El Paso will host its 49th annual Turkey Trot beginning at 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the intersection of Ange Street and Montana Avenue in Central El Paso. Participants can register for the one-mile fun walk or opt for alternative entry options, including the \u201cTurkey Trot Sleep In\u201d and the \u201cDouble Feather Dash.\u201d Registration costs vary by date, with early registration starting at $39 and day-of registration rising to $79, available only in person. Race packet pickup runs Nov. 22-26 at the Westside Family YMCA on North Mesa Street, with limited pickup available on race morning. Information: elpasoymca.org<\/a><\/p>\n Native American Heritage Month\u00a0<\/p>\n The El Paso Museum of Archaeology, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive, will host a full-day celebration for Native American Heritage Month on Saturday, Nov. 29, featuring dance, history and cultural presentations that highlight the region\u2019s Indigenous communities. The program opens at noon with a performance by the Tigua Youth Dancers of Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, followed by a 1:30 p.m. talk on the Tigua\u2019s ancestral ties to Hueco Tanks by cultural center Director Rick Quezada. A 2:30 p.m. presentation by Omar and Kimberly Enjady will explore Mescalero Apache ceremonies and traditions, and the day concludes with an outdoor storytelling session from 6:30 to 8 p.m. led by Alex Mares, Din\u00e9 (Navajo) and Ben\u00e1 \u00e1 z\u00e1h (Zapotec). Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for the evening program. Information: epmarch.org<\/a><\/p>\n WinterFest events<\/p>\n \u2022 The Rink: WinterFest\u2019s ice skating rink welcomes skaters through Jan. 4 outside the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The Rink at WinterFest, presented by GECU, is free to view and costs $12 for those who want to skate. Regular hours run evenings Monday through Friday and expand on weekends, with extended daytime hours during Thanksgiving week and the late-December holiday period. WinterFest will also offer sensory-friendly sessions each Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. to provide a calmer environment for guests who need it. Hours, FAQ and more: epwinterfest.com\/the-rink<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 Holiday Fiestas: Holiday Fiestas bring regional performers to the stage at San Jacinto Plaza each weekend, with shows presented by the city\u2019s Parks and Recreation Department in front of the Lagartos sculpture. The series continues throughout the weekend with Quetzalez, Los Efectivos and DJ Johnny Kage performing Friday, Nov. 28; Orgullo de Mi Tierra, Eastwood High School and Banda La Magn\u00edfica perform Saturday, Nov. 29, and Grupo Folklorico Valle del Sol, Siluetas and Banda Vena Cava perform Sunday, Nov. 30. Performances conclude Dec. 21. Information and complete schedule: epwinterfest.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Pictures with Santa: Families can take free, on-the-spot holiday photos with Santa Claus at San Jacinto Plaza from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday through Sunday. The drop-in photo station \u2014 no appointments required \u2014 continues through Dec. 21 and delivers images directly to visitors\u2019 phones, adding a simple, festive stop to WinterFest\u2019s downtown activities.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Free holiday movies: Free holiday films return to the Plaza Theatre this season as part of WinterFest, presented by the El Paso Community Foundation\u2019s Plaza Classic Film Festival in partnership with El Paso Live. The series features \u201cThe Nightmare Before Christmas\u201d at 3 p.m. and \u201cHome Alone\u201d at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30; \u201cIt\u2019s a Wonderful Life\u201d at 2:30 p.m. and \u201cElf\u201d at 6 p.m. Dec. 7; and \u201cThe Polar Express\u201d at 3 p.m. and \u201cDr. Seuss\u2019 How the Grinch Stole Christmas\u201d at 6 p.m. Dec. 21. All screenings are free, with an organist performing 30 minutes before showtime. Information and schedule: epwinterfest.com<\/a><\/p>\n Coming Up<\/p>\n \u2022 El Paso Matters 9.15K: The El Paso Matters 9.15K will leave the starting line at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at San Jacinto Plaza in Downtown El Paso. More than just a race, the 9.15-kilometer course highlights community pride by honoring the region\u2019s area code, with proceeds supporting El Paso Matters\u2019 nonprofit journalism. Runners, walkers and supporters are invited to participate in this celebration of local stories and connection, with the event blending fitness, identity and civic engagement. Registration is now open. Information: elpasomatters.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0City of Socorro WinterFest: The city of Socorro hosts its Wicked WinterFest from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, offering an evening of community festivities at the Rio Vista Community Center, 901 N. Rio Vista Road. The evening will feature a 6 p.m. parade, a tree-lighting ceremony, live entertainment, vendors and a Santa meet-and-greet. Information: hello@costx.us<\/a> or 915-860-8615.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Lights on the Lake: Lights on the Lake returns to Ascarate Park, offering nightly holiday light displays through Jan. 6. El Paso County Parks & Recreation will open the season with a lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, preceded by a canine \u201cpaw-rade\u201d at 5 p.m. The evening will feature live music, food trucks and a drone light show. A separate family event, Cookies with Santa, is scheduled for Dec. 13 with activities beginning at 5 p.m. The annual Lights on the Lake installation will illuminate the park at 6900 Delta Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. nightly. Admission is free.<\/p>\n \u2022 Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Winter Market: The Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Department of Cultural Preservation will host its annual Winter Market during the first weekend of December at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Cultural Center, 305 Yaya Lane. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. The market will feature Tribal vendors from several Pueblos as well as social dance performances and family activities. Information: 915-859-7700<\/p>\n \u2022 Resler Canyon 20th Anniversary: The Frontera Land Alliance will mark the 20th anniversary of the Wakeem\/Teschner Nature Preserve at Resler Canyon with a trail race and family walk beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. The event, held at the 91-acre preserve protected by the nonprofit, includes a 5K run and walk beginning at 8 a.m. and a one-mile family walk starting at 8:30 a.m. Gates open at 7:15 a.m. at the Cadiz Street and Fiesta Drive trailhead. Frontera staff say the anniversary highlights two decades of community-driven conservation at the site and aims to raise awareness of ongoing efforts to protect open space in the region. Information: fronteralandalliance.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 EPSO \u2018Christmas Fantasia\u2019: The El Paso Symphony Orchestra presents \u201cChristmas Fantasia,\u201d a concert blending the wonder of Disney\u2019s \u201cFantasia\u201d with the spirit of the season Dec. 5-6 at the Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave. Conducted by Bohuslav Rattay and featuring the University of Texas at El Paso Choral Union, the program offers a musical journey filled with festive favorites and classical music. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. each night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The venue now operates as a clear-bag and cashless facility. Information: epso.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022 \u2018A Tale of Two Artists\u2019: The International Museum of Art and the Magoffin Home will celebrate the legacy of two early El Paso artists and friends, Octavia \u201cTia\u201d Magoffin Glasgow and Leola Warnock Freeman, with the opening of \u201cA Tale of Two Artists\u201d from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the museum, 1211 Montana Ave. The exhibit explores the women\u2019s artistic journeys and the social dynamics that shaped their creative paths. The opening reception will also feature an interactive activity led by the Magoffin Home and the debut of the museum\u2019s new pop-up gallery, \u201cWoman As Artist,\u201d which highlights other early women artists of the region. Admission to the International Museum of Art is free, and the exhibit will remain on view in the Turney Gallery.<\/p>\n Mark Your Calendar<\/p>\n \u2022 Horizon City holiday celebration: Horizon City will kick off its holiday celebrations with a weekend of community events centered around its annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade. Festivities begin Friday, Dec. 12, with a float contest at 6:30 p.m. at the Oz Glaze Senior Center, 13969 Veny Webb St., followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. near the skate park behind the center, where attendees can enjoy hot chocolate and treats. The Christmas Parade, themed \u201cChristmas Around the World,\u201d steps off at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, with staging starting at 8:30 a.m. Choirs, bands, dancers and other performers are invited to participate, and vendors along the route must obtain permits. Information: 915-588-1639.<\/p>\n \u2022 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: The annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl returns at noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, to Sun Bowl Stadium, marking the 92nd edition of one of college football\u2019s longest-running postseason traditions. This year\u2019s matchup will feature a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference against a current or former member of the Pacific-12 Conference. Teams will be selected Sunday, Dec. 7. Information and tickets: sunbowl.org<\/a><\/p>\n Related<\/p>\n LISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week. 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