El Paso Winterfest 2021 Celebration of Lights Tree Lighting: What to Know If You Plan to Go

The schedule of events is set for one of El Paso’s most celebrated holiday traditions.

Winterfest, featuring the Celebration of Lights Parade and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 20, returns to downtown El Paso and this year we can all return, too.

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The signature holiday festivities we’ve all come to expect from Winterfest are back 100 percent; that includes the tree lighting ceremony and the nighttime parade featuring numerous floats, vehicles, and walking groups all tricked out in colorful lights, and, of course, Santa Claus.

Additionally, San Jacinto Plaza will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland filled with hundreds of thousands of glimmering lights, festive decorations and family-friendly activities, and the Plaza Theatre will welcome folks back for Holiday Movies at the Plaza.

Saturday, Nov. 20, downtown will play host to the full day of holiday entertainment that includes ice skating, and a holiday Farmer’s Market.

Winterfest Celebration of Lights Schedule of Events· Saturday, November 20, 2021

12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Holiday Downtown Art & Farmers Market

4:30 PM

First Armored Division Band in San Jacinto Plaza

5:00 PM

St. Anthony Franciscan Choir in San Jacinto Plaza

5:30 p.m.

Lighting Ceremony and Parade San Jacinto Plaza

6:05 p.m.

Entertainment on Main Stage in San Jacinto Plaza

Celebration of Lights Parade route

The parade starts on Texas Ave. and Campbell St. at 5:30 p.m. and will wind its way to San Jacinto Plaza, and end at Mills St. and Campbell.

The Holiday Market at Winterfest

The Downtown Artist and Farmer's Market takes over the pedestrian pathway located between the ballpark and the El Paso Convention Center,with an art and Farmer's Market from noon to 8 p.m.

Dozens of local artists and craftsman will be selling their wares along the pathway surrounded by non-stop live entertainment and food trucks.

Ice Skating

The outdoor ice-skating rink will open at 12 noon and skating sessions will run through 12 a.m.

The Arts Festival Plaza will once again become a Winter Wonderland of glimmering lights and family-friendly activities, and popular attractions such as the winter-themed cafe, food and vendor booths, and the life-size snow globe for picture taking will return as well.

Holiday Movies at the Plaza

The free film series will feature 11 movies over six weekends beginning Sunday, November 21.

1 p.m. — The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
4 p.m. — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (PG-13)

El Paso Streetcar

Park and ride the El Paso Streetcar to San Jacinto Plaza. Both the ride downtown and parking at Glory Road Transit Center, 100 Glory Road across from the Don Haskins Special Events Center, are free.