Christmas in El Paso: Festive & Fun Things to do This Weekend — Dec. 1-3

Kick off the first weekend in December with a big dose of holiday cheer. Here are more than a handful of Christmassy things you and the kids can do this weekend in El Paso.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS & TREE LIGHTING

Fred Loya El Paso Christmas Light Shows – The 8 minute laser and light show features over 450,000 multicolored lights set to music. FREE hot chocolate and cookies, and picture opportunities with Santa before and after each show. Friday-Sunday. Show times are 6, 7, and 8 p.m. FREE. More Details

Cookies, Cocoa and Holiday Cheer at Texas Tech El Paso - The medical school's annual Cookies, Cocoa and Holiday Cheer celebration offers El Pasoans a fun family-friendly night out. A light show, Santa, characters from the movie 'Frozen' and free cookies and cocoa will be part of the festivities. Friday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE. More Details

Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade – The City of El Paso’s official Christmas celebration at San Jacinto Plaza. The tree lighting ceremony will be followed by the Christmas Light Parade. Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. FREE. More Details

Holiday of Heroes - Annual tree-lighting ceremony at Freedom Crossing at Fort Bliss. Festivities include a performance by local R&B singer Sha'vonne, and a special visit from Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause. Saturday, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. FREE. More Details

FREE CHRISTMAS MOVIES

'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' at the International Museum of Art – The Griswold's attempt to have a "fun old-fashioned family Christmas." It didn't quite turn out that way. FREE to see. Saturday, 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave. More Details

Holiday Movies at the Plaza - The weather outside might not be all that frightful, but watching Elf and Polar Express in the historic Plaza Theatre will most certainly be delightful. Sunday. FREE admission. More Details

HOLIDAY MARKETS

Celebration of Lights Holiday Market – The special market precedes the annual Celebration of Lights tree lighting. The day of shopping and family activities will feature live entertainment and dozens of local vendors. Saturday, 12 noon to 8 p.m. on the Pedestrian Pathway next to Southwest University Park. FREE admission. More Details

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Holiday Market – The 13th annual holiday market presents more than 100 vendors selling a variety of handmade gifts and crafts, plus photos with Santa. Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Ardovino Drive, Sunland Park, N.M. FREE admission. More Details

ICE SKATING

Holidays on Ice – Slide 'n glide in the area’s largest public ice skating rink. Friday-Sunday in the Sierra Providence Event Center, 4100 E Paisano, behind the El Paso County Coliseum. More Details

The Fountains at Farah Ice Pond - The event lawn of one of the city's more popular shopping destinations has morphed into an ice skating rink for the winter. Friday-Sunday. More Details

Winterfest - The Arts Festival Plaza in Downtown El Paso has transformed into a Winter Wonderland with glimmering lights and an outdoor ice skating rink. Friday-Sunday. More Details

STAGE

El Paso Youth Ballet Presents ‘The Nutcracker’ – The 9th annual presentation of the classic ballet featuring original choreography by the dance company. Friday-Sunday at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse presents ‘A Christmas Story’ – El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the hilarious account of Ralphie's desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Based on the classic Christmas movie. Friday-Sunday at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Details