El Paso’s Iconic Lights on the Lake Event Scaled Back After Fred Loya’s Big Decision

El Pasoans may barely be getting ready for Halloween, but the city of El Paso is already planning for Christmas, and rightfully so!

The dates have already been set for Downtown El Paso’s Winterfest, and most recently the opening dates for the 2024 Light on The Lake were set too, but that’s not the only thing that was announced.

Fred Loya is Pulling The Plug:

In a surprising twist for El Paso’s holiday season, local insurance mogul Fred Loya has announced he’s pulling the plug on his Lights on the Lake partnership with El Paso County. 

That’s right—no more massive light displays stretching across Ascarate Park this year! Instead, guests can expect a more intimate holiday experience.

Fred Loya always had a huge holiday light show at his east El Paso home, but after neighbors complained about the traffic and crowds in the area, the Loya family had to pause the shows at their home, but they decided to keep the light show tradition going at Ascarate Parks Lights on the Lake.

Why The Change?

Although the partnership between the Loya family and the county was a great one, according to Interim Parks and Recreation Director Tim Fulton, the Loya family really enjoys having the light show at their home and wants to continue doing the traditional Fred Loya Light Show at their east El Paso home.

“Fred Loya and his team were fantastic to work with. It’s clear he enjoyed the intimate setting of his home display,” Fulton said. “Sometimes a huge park can dilute the personal touch.”

There’s no further details on whether the light show will for sure for sure be back at the Loya family home this year, but I’m sure the news of it returning to the east El Paso home will excited many and possibly frustrate some neighbors. But, we’ll have to see how that pans out!

Get ready for a Drive-thru Holiday light Experience at Ascarate: 

This year, the spectacle will be a streamlined drive-thru experience opening on December 7. 

The revamped event will allow visitors to drive through the park’s dazzling display while also giving them a chance to step out for photos. 

And don’t worry about missing out on the festive vibes—the event will kick off with a grand opening featuring food, music, and all the holiday cheer you can handle. Lights on the Lake will run until January 6.