Ring In the Holidays! Schedule Set for 2022 El Paso Winterfest Opening Day Lights Parade, Tree Lighting

“Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus…” The schedule of events is set for one of El Paso’s most celebrated Christmas-time traditions.

The Lights Parade and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony return November 19.

Downtown will again play host to a full day of holiday entertainment on the Saturday before Thanksgiving that includes ice skating, a holiday Farmers Market, and a dazzling nighttime parade.

Tree Lighting and Lights Parade

Coupled with the Lights Parade, the tree lighting ceremony is the largest single event in downtown El Paso. San Jacinto Plaza will again play host to the holiday entertainment that will culminate with the lighting of the Christmas tree at 6 p.m.

The spectacular nighttime parade featuring numerous floats, vehicles, and walking groups all lit up and tricked out in colorful lights will arrive at the plaza shortly after the switch is flipped and the tree lit.

Celebration of Lights Parade Route

The parade starts on Texas Ave. and Campbell St. at 5:30 p.m. and will wind its way down San Antonio St. and N. Mesa to San Jacinto Plaza, before ending at Mills St. and Campbell.

San Jacinto Plaza Entertainment Schedule

3 p.m. - Let There Be Rock

4:30 p.m. - 1st Armored Division Band

5 p.m. - St. Anthony's Seminary Franciscan Choir

5:30 p.m. - Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony Begins

6 p.m. - Holiday Tree Lighting

6 p.m. - Parade arrival/Musical Interlude with Joanna Bernal

6:30 p.m. - Orgullo de Mi Tierra

7 p.m. - The Coop

8 p.m. - Orgullo de Mi Tierra

8:30 p.m. - DJ Nitro

9 p.m. - WinterFest 2022 Headliner

10:30 p.m. - DJ Nitro

The Holiday Market at Winterfest

The Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market will set up at the Convention Center Plaza. Local artists, artisans, craftsman, and food vendors will be selling their wares from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

New Rink, New Location

This year The Rink at Winterfest will be much bigger, and located in the Convention Center Plaza.

Its new spot will not only accommodate the larger solid ice rink (yes, it's back to real ice this year), but will allow those who only want to skate to conveniently park in the Convention Center Garage, and/or hop on and off the El Paso Streetcar at the stop across from the garage.

Added attractions at The Rink this year include a light show, snow machines, live music on the rink stage every Friday, and theme nights on the ice on Saturdays.