Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
Segundo Barrio mural tour\u00a0<\/p>\n
Los Murales de Segundo Barrio Tour will offer a free, two-hour guided walk through one of El Paso\u2019s most historic neighborhoods beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Led by renowned El Paso muralist Jes\u00fas \u201cCimi\u201d Alvarado, the tour begins at the Father Rahm Mural near 111 W. Father Rahm Ave. and will explore the themes, artists and cultural symbolism found throughout Segundo Barrio\u2019s Mexican and Chicano mural tradition. Organizers advise that the roughly one-mile route is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Parking is not provided, though metered spaces are available throughout Downtown. Registration is required due to limited space. Information: tomlea.com<\/a><\/p>\n Horizon City holiday celebration\u00a0<\/p>\n 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 Meet Santa at the Library<\/p>\n Families will have several chances to meet Santa Claus this month as the El Paso Public Libraries hosts a series of WinterFest-themed events across its branches. Children can share wish lists, listen to holiday stories and enjoy free refreshments during meet-and-greet sessions scheduled at eight library locations through Dec. 20. This week, Santa will visit the Dorris Van Doren Branch, 551 E. Redd Road, at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, and the Armijo Branch, 620 E. Seventh Ave., at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. All gatherings are free and open to the public. Schedule and information: elpasolibrary.org<\/a><\/p>\n Border AIDS Partnership Silent Art Auction<\/p>\n The Border AIDS Partnership will host its 18th annual Spotlight Silent Art Auction from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the El Paso Community Foundation Room, 333 N. Oregon St. in Downtown. The event, held in connection with World AIDS Day, features a juried fine art competition and auction showcasing work from local emerging and established artists, along with a separate \u201cPositive Sign\u201d competition awarding top entries. Organizers say this year\u2019s theme, \u201cPositive Shift,\u201d highlights resilience and ongoing community efforts around HIV\/AIDS education and support. The auction will also include a remembrance of longtime supporter John Hernandez. Tickets are $20 and available online.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Pecan Show<\/p>\n The Texas AgriLife Research Center, 1380 A&M Circle, will host the 2025 Pecan Show on Dec. 12-13, offering free admission to visitors interested in local pecan production and culinary competitions. The event includes a pecan baking contest \u2014 with categories for breads, cookies and pies \u2014 and educational sessions Dec. 13 covering cottage food laws, the nutritional value of pecans and the role of the crop in the region, followed by awards for top entries. Those wishing to submit baked goods can register online<\/a>. Information: 915-273-3502<\/p>\n Teen Adventure with WeHike\u00a0<\/p>\n The El Paso Museum of Archaeology will host the concluding hike of its free Teen Adventure with WeHike program from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, offering an indoor and outdoor exploration of the region\u2019s desert landscape and cultural history. Designed for individuals ages 12-19, the event includes a guided hike on nearby trails, weather permitting, and activities that highlight local archaeology, natural features and stories rooted in the area\u2019s past. The program takes place at the museum, 4301 Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive. Registration: wehikeadventure.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 Camino Real Ballet Folklorico, Estrellitas de Dios, Kronos \u201cNorte\u00f1o Pop\u201d and DJ Johnny Kage performing Friday, Dec. 12; Folklorico Compa\u00f1\u00eda Cultural Juvenil, Orgullo de Mi Tierra, Border Walk Line Dancers and Grupo Elocuencia perform Saturday, Dec. 13, and a Baila El Paso event with Piel Canela takes place Sunday, Dec. 14. Performances conclude Jan. 4. 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 are being shown at 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 concludes with \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\u00a0Navidad de La Fe Luminarias: The 31st annual Navidad de La Fe Luminarias will return to Scenic Drive from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, offering one of El Paso\u2019s most enduring holiday traditions. Organizers with Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe will place 4,000 luminarias along the route, guiding vehicles westward past volunteer-manned campfires, a live Nativity scene and a donation drop-off point for canned goods. The drive-through event is free; vehicles must enter at Richmond Avenue, dim lights and remain in single-lane traffic. Canned food and monetary donations to support local families will be accepted at the top of Scenic Drive. Information: Centro de Salud Familiar La Fe Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2022After Hours @ La Nube: La Nube, 201 W. Main St., will host an adults-only \u201cAfter Hours: Jingle & Mingle\u201d event from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, offering holiday-themed activities and access to the museum\u2019s exhibits. The evening will feature music, karaoke, seasonal treats and cocktails, as well as opportunities for photos with Santa. Tickets, which will not be sold at the door, cost $45 for general admission and $40 for members. Information: la-nube.org<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Polar Plunge at Ascarate Pool: El Paso County Parks and Recreation will host its annual \u201cPlunge into the New Year\u201d from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, inviting residents to take a brisk dip at the Ascarate Aquatic Center, 6900 Delta Drive. The event begins with a group plunge at 1 p.m., followed by open swim and individual jumps for the remainder of the hour. Organizers say groups are encouraged to participate together, with the largest group receiving a prize. The first 20 registered participants to make the plunge will also receive a stuffed polar bear. Swimmers may wear the attire of their choice and are encouraged to bring warm clothing for after the plunge. Information: El Paso County Parks and Recreation Facebook.<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Frost & Fun at La Nube: La Nube, 201 W. Main St., will host a special \u201cFrost & Fun: Family Night\u201d from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, offering families an after-hours, winter-themed evening inside the Downtown discovery center. The event will feature holiday activities including chocolate stamping with liquid nitrogen, cookie workshops, winter games and screenings of seasonal films. Children can also write postcards to Santa and make LED holiday cards. Admission is $25, or $20 for La Nube members. Organizers say the first 100 children to arrive will receive a special Frost & Fun gift. Information: la-nube.org<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Your Calendar<\/p>\n \u2022 Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Arizona State University and Duke University will meet in the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at noon Wednesday, Dec. 31, at Sun Bowl Stadium, marking the 92nd edition of one of college football\u2019s longest-running postseason traditions. The Blue Devils (8-5) enter the game as champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference while the Sun Devils (8-4) finished sixth in the Big 12 Conference and are a year removed from a berth in the College Football Playoff. Information and tickets: sunbowl.org<\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE: The next conquest: How Jake Fette is leading El Paso athletes into the NIL era<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0New Year\u2019s Eve Star Drop at San Jacinto Plaza: The city of El Paso and event producer In Blume will host the New Year\u2019s Eve El Paso Star Drop on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at San Jacinto Plaza, offering a free, family-friendly celebration to close out the year. The event runs from 8 p.m. to midnight and will feature a new 30-foot illuminated star, live music, DJs and a community countdown to 2026, powered by El Paso Electric. Performers include DJ G Cue, Lucha Lucha, International Sonora Skandalo and DJ Johnny Kage. Information: El Paso WinterFest Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n \nRelated\n<\/p>\n LISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST
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