2019 Celebration of Lights Tree Lighting and Parade Schedule of Events

The schedule is set for the annual Celebration of Lights -- one of El Paso’s most celebrated holiday traditions.

The annual Winterfest holiday festivities, set for Saturday Nov. 23, will have it all; hundreds of thousands of cheery bright lights and Christmas decorations, a nighttime parade featuring numerous floats, vehicles, and walking groups all tricked out in colorful lights, and tree lighting ceremony. Meaning Downtown is going to be lit -- both literally and figuratively.

The area in and around San Jacinto Plaza will play host to the full day of holiday entertainment that includes ice skating, a holiday Farmer’s Market, train rides on the Sun City Express, and free streetcar rides all day.

2019 Celebration of Lights Schedule of Events· Saturday, November 23

4:30 PM
First Armored Division Band in San Jacinto Plaza

5:00 PM
St. Anthony Franciscanos Choir in San Jacinto Plaza

5:30 p.m.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony in San Jacinto Plaza

5:55 p.m.
Holiday Lighting Parade & Parade Arrival at San Jacinto Plaza

6:05 p.m.
Entertainment continues 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 next to Southwest University Park from Santa Fe to Durango streets 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.

Winterfest

The outdoor ice-skating rink will open at 12 noon.

The Arts Festival Plaza will once again become a Winter Wonderland of glimmering lights and family-friendly activities, and popular attractions such as the vendors Winter Village, the Kringle Kafe, and a life-size snow globe for picture taking will return as well.

El Paso Streetcars + Park & Ride Info

You can park free of charge at the Glory Road Transit Center on Saturday, Nov. 23, and ride the streetcar downtown for free. Sun Metro is also offering park and ride options at their other Transit Centers for $3 round trip per person on opening day. You'll find all the details including times and locations HERE.