Downtown El Paso's WinterFest returns Nov. 21 with parade, ice rink, free activities

Downtown El Paso's WinterFest will kick off November 21 with the Sherr Legate Lights Parade at 6 p.m., according to KVIA. The City of El Paso said the event will feature more than one million lights and run for six weeks.

More than 70 groups will participate in the downtown parade, including marching bands and dance groups. The city recommended arriving early on parade day to secure a viewing spot. A detailed parade route will be released on the WinterFest website. Santa Claus will make his first seasonal appearance at the event, with free family photos available throughout the six-week run.

Attendees can ice skate at an outdoor rink at the Convention Center Plaza, which will remain open through January 3. Local vendors will sell handmade gifts and food throughout the festival. The El Paso Museum of Art and Mexican American Cultural Center, in partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation, will screen free holiday movies as part of the Plaza Classic Film Festival.

San Jacinto Plaza will serve as a performance hub, with local musicians, dancers and other performers scheduled throughout the season. Lights at the plaza will glow from 5 to 11 p.m. daily. A 45-foot Christmas tree will be displayed in the heart of Downtown. Select December evenings will feature loteria game nights at San Jacinto Plaza.

Nearly 600,000 people attended WinterFest in 2025, according to the city.