Where to Safely See Christmas Lights in El Paso and Embrace the Holidays

El Paso’s chilly December nights are here, and that means Christmas Day will soon be upon us.

One way to celebrate the holiday season is to check out dazzling Christmas light displays around town. Colorful, festive, twinkling lights have been known to lift people's spirits — something many of us need right now. And with the pandemic still very much a part of our daily lives, cruising the city to look at light displays is about the only normal thing we can do these days.

In challenging times like these, we can all use some Christmas magic to brighten up our lives. So, pack up some hot chocolate and sweet treats, pile the kids into the family vehicle, and get into the spirit of the season from the relative safety and comfort of your car.

Downtown

This year Winterfest is a 'fest' in name only. Its presentation has been modified to just lights and decorations because of the pandemic. San Jacinto Plaza, the Arts Festival Plaza, and Paseo de Las Luces will light up nightly through Jan. 3. City official prefer you take in the Christmas ambiance from your vehicle, but if you choose to stroll through the park you are asked to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid going with or being a part of a large group.

Airport

The city has also decked out the trees and lawn areas along the road that leads to and from the El Paso International Airport. Tens of thousands of lights decorate trees and ten 9-foot tall displays in the shapes of gift boxes, ornaments and stars like the ones in San Jacinto Plaze have been placed along Terminal Drive. The Rental Car Center Courtyard between the terminal and the rental car center has also been festively decorated and has new landscape lighting.

Eastridge

Eastridge is El Paso's original drive-through Christmas lights show. Many of the neighborhood residents adorn their homes and yards in lights and holiday displays, and the subdivision’s layout lends itself to the drive-through presentation. Lights go on beginning at sundown. [Info + Map]

Ascarate Park

Lights on the Lake will light up the Lower Valley County park from December 12 to January 6, daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Lights on the Lake will be a drive-thru only event. [Info + Map]