Holiday Events and Christmas Things to Do This Weekend in El Paso

Kick off the first weekend in December by adding some holiday cheer to your life. Here are 10 Christmassy things you and the kids can do this weekend in El Paso.

Friday, Dec. 2, 2016

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. Show times are 6, 7, and 8 p.m. at 12001 Paseo de Oro. FREE. More Details

San Elizario Christmas Tree Lighting – Christmas music will fill the air while vendors sell their wares in anticipation of Santa’s arrival and the official tree lighting. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. on the historic Main Street plaza. FREE admission. More Details

El Paso Ballet Theatre's ‘The Nutcracker’ – The 7th annual presentation of the classic ballet featuring original choreography by the dance company. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Saturday, Dec. 3

Pecan Harvest Festival – Grab a bucket and pick your own pecans for $3 a lb. Pictures with Santa, pony rides, and other family activities will take place, plus handmade crafts, and pecan gift baskets available. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ramirez Pecan Farm, 13709 North Loop in Clint. FREE admission. More Details

El Paso Winterfest - The Arts Festival Plaza in Downtown El Paso has transformed into a Winter Wonderland with twinkling lights, a vendor Winter Village, Kringle Kafe (snacks and hot beverages), life-size snow globe, and an outdoor ice skating rink. 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. next to Plaza Theatre. More Details

San Elizario ChristKindle Market – San Eli’s annual holiday market features handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts, as well as traditional German food and beer. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the historic Main Street plaza. FREE admission. More Details

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 more than 60 local vendors. 12 noon to 8 p.m. on the Pedestrian Pathway next to Southwest University Park. FREE admission. More Details

'Holidays on Ice' Ice Skating – Slide 'n glide in the area’s largest public ice skating rink. Skate times: 12 noon to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Sierra Providence Event Center, 4100 E Paisano, behind the El Paso County Coliseum. Cost: $8, $6 Military. More Details

Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade – The City of El Paso’s official Christmas celebration at the newly renovated San Jacinto Plaza. The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display and the Christmas Light Parade. FREE. More Details

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. Show times are 6, 7, and 8 p.m. at 12001 Paseo de Oro. FREE. More Details

El Paso Ballet Theatre's ‘The Nutcracker’ – The 7th annual presentation of the classic ballet featuring original choreography by the dance company. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Sunday, Dec. 4

Ardovino’s Desert Crossing Holiday Market – The 12th annual holiday market presents more than 100 vendors selling a variety of handmade gifts and crafts, plus photos with Santa. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Ardovino Drive, Sunland Park, N.M. FREE admission. More Details

San Elizario ChristKindle Market – San Eli’s annual holiday market features handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts, as well as traditional German food and beer. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the historic Main Street plaza. FREE admission. More Details

Pecan Harvest Festival – Grab a bucket and pick your own pecans for $3 a lb. Pictures with Santa, pony rides, and other family activities will take place, plus handmade crafts, and pecan gift baskets available. 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Ramirez Pecan Farm, 13709 North Loop in Clint. FREE admission. More Details

El Paso Winterfest - The Arts Festival Plaza in Downtown El Paso has transformed into a Winter Wonderland with twinkling lights, a vendor Winter Village, Kringle Kafe (snacks and hot beverages), life-size snow globe, and an outdoor ice skating rink. 12 noon to 10 p.m. next to Plaza Theatre. More Details

El Paso Ballet Theatre's ‘The Nutcracker’ – The 7th annual presentation of the classic ballet featuring original choreography by the dance company. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. at UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium. Ticket prices vary. More Details

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. Show times are 6, 7, and 8 p.m. at 12001 Paseo de Oro. FREE. More Details