El Paso’s 77th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting + Parade Schedule of Events

Christmas officially arrives in El Paso this evening in a ceremony that begins at 5:30 p.m. That’s when Mayor John Cook is expected to flip the switch on the 10,000 plus lights that hang on the Afghan pine tree in San Jacinto Plaza. (The entire plaza itself is decorated with more than 30,000 lights.)

The 77th annual tree lighting ceremonies will be followed by the 15th annual Holiday Lights parade, featuring floats and walking groups all tricked out in colorful lights. But the night doesn’t end there. For the third year, a 20-minute fireworks show will proceed the parade. Now that’s one festive night!  Here’s an overview of the scheduled events:

4:30 p.m. First Armored Division Band of Fort Bliss
5:00 p.m. St. Anthony Franciscanos Choir
5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony
5:55 p.m. Holiday Lights Parade
7:15 p.m. Fireworks Show

I highly recommend you get there earlier than 4:30, though, as a record crowd is expected.Have fun, keep warm, and if you take pictures feel free to post them up on 93.1 KISS-FM’S Facebook Wall