El Paso County Kicks Off ‘Lights on the Lake’ Saturday with ‘A Night of Hope’

The holiday decorations and colorful Christmas lights at Ascarate Park will glow again starting this weekend.

Lights on the Lake at Ascarate Park is set to begin lighting up the county park all along Ascarate Lake beginning Saturday, December 4, 2021.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

El Paso County Parks & Recreation’s 7th Annual Lights on the Lake event will kick off at 6 p.m. with the second annual "A Night of Hope."

A Night of Hope

As it did last year, “A Night of Hope” will “light up the night sky at Ascarate Park to help bring hope to our community” and honor all healthcare workers and first responders for their continued sacrifice and dedication to the El Paso community during the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

Unlike last year’s celebration, which was a drive-thru event as we were going through a real bad stretch of coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, the 2021 festivities will be in-person and include a lighting ceremony, live entertainment, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Claus.

Not only are all the activities and entertainment free, the county is even going to waive the parking and entrance fee for the evening.

Lights on the Lake Lighting Ceremony and Activities

Lights on the Lake gets underway at 6 pm with the arrival of Jolly Ol' St. Nick himself, Santa Claus.

The lighting ceremony will follow at 6:30 and include a tribute to healthcare workers and First Responders that will conclude with a health worker and First Responder flipping the switch and turning on the Lights on the Lake.

Live music from the Broken Dime Band, train rides and other activities for the kids, and photos with Santa will round off the festive evening.

How to Get to Ascarate Park

The lights along the lake will be lit nightly from Dec. 4 through early January from sundown to 10 p.m. Entry into the park is free during the week and $2 on Saturdays and Sundays.