El Paso Weekend Events – Holidays on Ice, Christmas Lights + More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, Dec. 18-20, 2015. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

El Paso Zoo – 35 acres of fun and adventure featuring exotic animals from around the world and family attractions such as the African Star Train, the Hunt Family Desert Spring splash pad, and the Foster Tree House Playground. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 4001 E. Paisano, across from the County Coliseum. Admission varies. More Details

Ice Skating at the Fountains at Farah – Skate the Promenade Ice Pond at the Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway West Blvd. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission varies. More Details

Wyler Ariel Tramway – Take in the beauty of our city and surroundings from 5,632 feet above sea level. Once on top there are several viewing areas, a gift shop, and Swiss-made gondolas that will take you on a soaring 4-minute ride above the canyon. 12 noon to 7 p.m. at Franklin Mountains State Park, 1700 McKinley. FREE entry. Tram Ride, $8 adults, $4 children 12 and under. More Details

Horse Racing – The live horse racing season is now underway at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, NMex. Post time is 12:15 p.m. FREE general admission and parking. More Details

Fred Loya El Paso Christmas Light Shows – The nine minute laser and light show features over 450,000 multicolored lights set to music. FREE hot chocolate and cookies, and picture opportunities with Santa and his elves, and the Grinch before and after each show. Show times are 6, 7, and 8 p.m. at 12001 Paseo de Oro. FREE. More Details

Eastridge Neighborhood Christmas Lights – An El Paso Christmas tradition for more than 50 years. Around 60 of the East side subdivision residents adorn their homes and yards in lights and holiday displays. You can walk the neighborhood or drive through in your car. Lights go on beginning at sundown. FREE. More Details

Downtown Christmas Lights – The City of El Paso’s official Christmas display lights up Cleveland Square Plaza, between El Paso Museum of History and El Paso Library, beginning at sundown. FREE to see.

Lights on the Lake at Ascarate Park -The Christmas lights at the iconic Lower Valley park are back. The light displays, located next to the lake in front of the pavilion, will be lit from sundown to 10 p.m. at 6900 Delta. $2 per car entry fee. More Details

Friday at The Fire – Live music by local bands set against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing at Ft. Bliss outdoor fireplace. Tonight, the music of Wildflower (rock). 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. FREE.

Holidays on Ice Public Ice Skating - Whoosh around on ice skates in the area’s largest public ice skating rink. 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. Admission includes skate rental. More Details

‘A Christmas Carol’ – The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents their annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. 7:30 p.m. in the Wise Family Theatre, 2nd Floor Fox Fine Arts Center on the UTEP campus. Tickets $9-$14. More Details

‘Tis The Season for Opera’ - El Paso Opera's inaugural holiday concert featuring arias and scenes from well-known operas presented by alumni from the world-famous Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Singer’s Program. 7:30 p.m. at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ - El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the holiday favorite ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ in two acts. The play is based on the classic film revolving around George Bailey and the guardian angel sent to save him from despair. 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Info

SATURDAY:

Downtown Artist and Farmers Market – The market offers the chance to shop for original arts and crafts and regionally grown produce in an outdoor setting while enjoying entertainment featuring local artists, food vendors and free activities. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Union Plaza District (near The Garden Restaurant) along Anthony Street. FREE admission and FREE parking. More Details

Farmer’s Market at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing – The “producers only” market features area farmers, backyard gardeners and artisans selling organic and pesticide-free vegetables, locally-made goat cheeses, natural free range chickens and eggs, native plants for home and yard, fresh-baked breads and salsas. 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. FREE admission. More Details

Ice Skating at the Fountains at Farah – Skate the Promenade Ice Pond at the Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway West Blvd. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission varies. More Details

Holidays on Ice Public Ice Skating - Whoosh around on ice skates in the area’s largest public ice skating rink. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Sierra Providence Event Center, 4100 E Paisano, behind the El Paso County Coliseum. Cost: $8, $6 Military. Admission includes skate rental. More Details

Santa at the Tramway – The Wyler Aerial Tramway hosts an afternoon visit with Santa. Have you photo taken with St. Nick on top of Ranger Peak. 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park, 1700 McKinley. 562-9899

Animal Rescue League of El Paso's Third Annual Santa Paws Pictures - Santa and his elves pose for pics with your pet(s) and/or family. 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Animal Rescue League, 7256 La Junta, Canutillo. $10 gets you a printed picture a framed card. More Details

Senior All-Star Football Classic - The Greater El Paso Football Showcase All-Star Game features the best area football players our area has to offer. Kickoff is 1:05 p.m. at UTEP’s Sun Bowl stadium. $8, children 6 and under FREE.

Punk Rock Flea Market's 2nd Annual F* The Mall Holiday Market - Local handmade goods, arts, crafts, oddities, and collectibles for the loved ones on your Christmas list. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 5 Points Bistro, 3019 Montana. FREE admission. More Details

Luminarias Festival/Posadas along the Mission Trail – Around 5,000 luminarias will be lit and line Socorro Road from the Ysleta Mission past the Socorro Mission, then to the San Elizario Plaza. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Posadas beginning at dusk. FREE to see. 851-1682

Navidad de La Fe Luminarias – The annual event lights up Scenic Drive with more than 4,000 luminarias. Drivers will also get to view Santa and his elves and a live Nativity scene. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. FREE to see, but you are encouraged to donate canned and/or dry goods or cash to benefit families served by La Fe Clinic. 534-7190

[Note: Scenic Drive will be open only to one-way traffic during the event, accessible from Richmond/Alabama streets in Central El Paso. Cars proceed slowly westward with lights off to view the luminarias and the city lights of El Paso and Juárez.]

UTEP Men’s Basketball - The Miners host the NMSU Aggies in the Battle of I-10. Tip-off time is 7:05 p.m. at the Don Haskins Center. Ticket prices vary. More Details

‘A Christmas Carol’ – The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents their annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. 7:30 p.m. in the Wise Family Theatre, 2nd Floor Fox Fine Arts Center on the UTEP campus. Tickets $9-$14. More Details

Depeche Mode Tribute Band – “Strangelove” pays homage to the music of Depeche Mode. 8:30 p.m. at Speaking Rock Entertainment Center, 122 S. Old Pueblo Rd. FREE 18 and older. More Details

SUNDAY:

Ice Skating at the Fountains at Farah – Skate the Promenade Ice Pond at the Fountains at Farah, 8889 Gateway West Blvd. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission varies. More Details

Santa at the Tramway – The Wyler Aerial Tramway hosts an afternoon visit with Santa. Have you photo taken with St. Nick on top of Ranger Peak. 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Wyler Aerial Tramway State Park, 1700 McKinley. 562-9899

La Viña Sunday Market – La Viña Winery hosts the dog and family-friendly farmer’s market featuring handmade products and crafts by local artists, farm fresh, local produce, and Santa Clause. 12 noon to 4 p.m. at La Viña Winery, 4201 S. NM Highway 28 in La Union, N.M., one mile north of Vinton Road. More Details

'Sound of Music' 50th Anniversary Screening - Sunset Film Society celebrates the 50th Anniversary of “The Sound of Music” with a special screening of the movie and a discussion by local historian and collector Jay Duncan. 12 noon at Ardovino's Desert Crossing, 1 Ardovino Dr. Sunland Park, NMex. FREE to see. More Details

El Paso Playhouse Presents ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ - El Paso’s longest running Community Theater presents the holiday favorite ‘It's a Wonderful Life’ in two acts. The play is based on the classic film revolving around George Bailey and the guardian angel sent to save him from despair. 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Ticket prices vary. More Info

‘A Christmas Carol’ – The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance presents their annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens Christmas classic. 2:30 p.m. in the Wise Family Theatre, 2nd Floor Fox Fine Arts Center on the UTEP campus. Tickets $9-$14. More Details

‘Ragtime the Musical’ - The Tony nominated musical comes to El Paso for a one night only performace. Showtime is 7 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Ticket prices vary. More Details

Filed Under: el paso, things to do this weekend, things to do this weekend in el paso

Categories: Mike and Tricia Mornings