Holiday fairs, art exhibits and desert conference draw El Paso crowds this week

A slate of cultural events and holiday celebrations is coming to El Paso, Ciudad Juárez and southern New Mexico this week, according to El Paso Matters.

The Junior League of El Paso will host its 54th annual A Christmas Fair fundraiser Nov. 6-8 at the El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza. The three-day event features vendors selling gifts, decorations and seasonal treats, with hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14 to $16; children ages 5 and younger are free. Proceeds support the league's youth development, health and wellness programs. Information is available at achristmasfair.com.

The El Paso Children's Hospital Foundation will hold its fourth annual Art From the Heart on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Park Reserve, 1701 N. Copia St. The free, family-friendly event brings together local artists, makers, vendors and community organizations and supports the hospital's Healing Arts Program, which uses artistic expression to benefit pediatric patients and families. Details are at elpasochildrensfoundation.org.

In nearby Anthony, New Mexico, La Union Maze closes its fall season with final festivities Nov. 7-8, including a fireworks and drone show on Nov. 7 and Pumpkin Smash both days. The corn maze features a design honoring New Mexico agriculture. Hours are 5-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Gate admission for ages 6 and older ranges from $14 to $17 depending on the day; ages 2-5 are $8 to $11; children under 2 and adults over 75 are free. Information is at launionmaze.com.

The International Museum of Art, 1211 Montana Ave., opens its 2026-27 Sun Bowl Art Exhibit on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5 p.m., with an awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. The 77-year-old juried exhibition features work by a record 119 regional artists and runs through Jan. 17, 2027. The opening reception is free and includes light refreshments and artwork for sale. Details are at internationalmuseumofart.org.

The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens hosts the Fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference Nov. 4-5, bringing together researchers and conservationists for presentations on regional wildlife, native plants and habitat preservation. Registration, which closes before the event, is $125 and includes meals, refreshments and zoo admission both days. Information is at chihuahuandesertconference.com.