Things To Do In El Paso This Weekend – Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting + More

Here’s what’s going on in and around El Paso this weekend, December 6 – December 8. Some events are free, some will cost you a few bucks:

FRIDAY:

Luminarias by the Lake - Over 2,500 luminarias will line the walking paths of the Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens from 6 – 9 p.m., 4200 Doniphan. Admission is $4, $3 military, 12 and younger, $1.

Horse Racing - The live horse racing season is now underway at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 12:15 p.m. Free general admission and parking. More Details

Friday at the Fire - Christmas Karaoke and Ugly Christmas Sweater Party against the ambiance of the Freedom Crossing outdoor fireplace. 6- 11 p.m. Free. More Details

Home for the Holidays - The El Paso Wind Symphony kicks off the season with a special holiday show. 7:30 p.m. at UTEP’s Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall. Tickets are $12.50; $7.50 students. More Details

El Paso Playhouse - El Paso Playhouse presents the holiday play ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’. 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Tickets are $10, $7 military/students with ID. More Details

Holiday Festival 2013: In Olde New York – Fort Bliss gets into the holiday spirit with this indoor-outdoor event featuring an open bike rink and roller-skating rink, free outdoor train rides, zip-lining and Santa himself. Free hot cocoa, cider and cookies, and free photos with the guy in the red suit. 5-9 p.m. at the Trading Post, 1717 Marshall Road on Fort Bliss. More Details

Downtown Ghost Tour – El Paso Ghost Tours will take you inside downtown’s most haunted and historical buildings and conduct full paranormal investigations. Two walking tours, 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Meet at Leo’s Mexican Restaurant, 315 E Mills Ave. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door, discounts available. More Details

SATURDAY:

Celebration of Lights Christmas Tree Lighting - The city Christmas tree and displays light up downtown beginning tonight at Cleveland Square Plaza, between El Paso Museum of History and El Paso Library. The festivities begin at 4:30 with the actual lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The 16th annual lighted Christmas parade starts at 5:55 p.m. at N. Ochoa and Texas. Free. More Details

UTEP Basketball – The women’s team will host SMU at 4:30 p.m. followed by the men’s team vs. Sacramento State at 7:05 p. Don Haskins Center. Ticket prices vary. More Details More Details

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 for the entire family. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Union Plaza District (near The Garden Restaurant) along Anthony Street. Free parking. More Details

Winter 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. Coffee, house-made pastries and fresh-squeezed juices available; brunch served in the restaurant beginning at 8 a.m. (575) 589-0653, ext. 3

Horse Racing - The live horse racing season is now underway at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 12:15 p.m. Free general admission and parking. More Details

Luminarias by the Lake - Over 2,500 luminarias will line the walking paths of the Keystone Heritage Park and El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens from 6 – 9 p.m., 4200 Doniphan. Admission is $4, $3 military, 12 and younger, $1.

El Paso Playhouse - El Paso Playhouse presents the holiday play ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’. 8 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Tickets are $10, $7 military/students with ID. More Details

SUNDAY:

Horse Racing - The live horse racing season is now underway at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. Post time is 12:15 p.m. Free general admission and parking. More Details

El Paso Playhouse - El Paso Playhouse presents the holiday play ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’. 2 p.m. at the El Paso Playhouse, 2501 Montana. Tickets are $10, $7 military/students with ID. More Details

North Pole at the Museum - The International Museum of Art’s annual holiday celebration showcases the museum’s collection of antique and rare Santa Claus figurines. Photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be available. 2 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 1211 Montana. Admission is free, photos are $6. More Details

Zin Valle Vineyards Free Music Sunday – Bring your family and friends, pack a picnic and enjoy the afternoon at Zin Valle Vineyards. Free wine tasting and music. 12 Noon to 5 p.m. This week, Dusty Low. More Details