Here\u2019s a roundup of some culture and civic events in the borderland in the coming week.<\/p>\n
El Paso Christmas Lights<\/p>\n
The El Paso Christmas Lights display hosted by the Fred Loya family continues its 20th season with evening shows Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24-25, at 12001 Paseo de Oro Lane in Far East El Paso. The synchronized light-and-music show will feature presentations at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. and includes free hot chocolate, cookies and family-friendly activities, with additional programming coordinated in partnership with Crosspoint Church. Parking for the event will be available nearby at Montwood High School. Information: El Paso Christmas Lights Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n Kwanzaa celebration\u00a0<\/p>\n The McCall Neighborhood Center will host its annual Kwanzaa celebration from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, through 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at 3231 Wyoming Ave. The six-day observance will include nightly programs centered on the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, beginning with Umoja (unity) on Dec. 26 and concluding with Imani (faith) on Jan. 1. Each evening will feature community presenters, including local civic organizations and Greek-letter groups, with some events streamed online. The celebration is open to the public and includes food and community programming focused on culture, history and collective reflection. Information: mccallcenter.org<\/a><\/p>\n Felices Fiestas<\/p>\n Felices Fiestas will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 27-28, at the Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 W. Franklin Ave. The two-day event \u2014 part of the city of El Paso\u2019s WinterFest celebration \u2014\u00a0will feature holiday-themed arts and crafts along with drop-in activities available throughout the day, offering families and visitors an opportunity to take part in seasonal programming at the center. Information: epmacc.org<\/a><\/p>\n Sun Bowl Teams Arrive<\/p>\n The university football teams set to compete in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl are scheduled to arrive at El Paso International Airport this week. Duke University is expected to arrive Thursday, Dec. 26, followed by Arizona State University on Friday, Dec. 27. The teams will be greeted by mariachi performers and folklorico dancers. Specific arrival times have not yet been announced. Updates and additional details will be posted on the Sun Bowl Association\u2019s website at sunbowl.org<\/a>. The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl kicks off at noon Dec. 31 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Information: sunbowl.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 theDecember 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 La Sonora Cache and Banda Jerezana de Nicho Ayala performing Thursday, Dec. 25; B-Flat Karaoke, Frecuenzia and DJ Johnny Kage performing Friday, Dec. 26; Orgullo de mi Tierra, Kalibe and Radio La Chusma perform Saturday, Dec. 27, and the Jazz Exchange, Julio Ortiz and Sangre Gitana perform Sunday, Dec. 28. 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 Coming Up<\/p>\n \u2022 Paw-liday Camp: El Paso Animal Services will host Paw-liday Camp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, at 5001 Fred Wilson Ave. The free, four-hour program is designed for children ages 5 and older, and will offer hands-on activities focused on pet safety, animal care, behavior and responsible pet ownership. Space is limited and participation requires advance registration. Information: elpasotexas.gov<\/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 Mark Your Calendar<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Jewel Box Series: The El Paso Community Foundation\u2019s Jewel Box Series will return to the Philanthropy Theatre from January through May 2026, presenting a slate of locally produced theater, music and performance works in an intimate venue at the Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Centre, 125 W. Mills Ave. The season includes productions by SOMOS Performance Group, Eden Performing Arts, Next Stage Theatre Co. and Kessto Kreatures, with performances scheduled on select weekends between Jan. 11 and May 17. The series is designed to showcase community talent in a 195-seat theater setting, with most performances beginning at 2:30 or 7 p.m. depending on the date. Information and tickets: <\/a>elpasolive.com<\/a><\/p>\n Related<\/p>\n LISTEN: EL PASO MATTERS PODCAST
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