There is something special about seeing downtown El Paso gather for the holidays. Our Sun City knows how to share the season with neighbors, and WinterFest brings lights, music and family traditions together in the heart of town.

WinterFest 2026 opens Saturday, November 21, with the Scherr Legate Lights Parade, a tree lighting at San Jacinto Plaza, a holiday market and the opening of the ice rink.

The larger season continues through January 3, 2027, so families who prefer a quieter visit have more chances to enjoy the lights after opening night.

Opening Day: What Time Does Everything Start?

Opening-day activities are scheduled from 2 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, November 21.

The official 2026 parade map sets the tree lighting at San Jacinto Plaza for 5:30 p.m. and the Scherr Legate Lights Parade for 6 p.m.

Those events happen close together. If you hope to enjoy both, arrive early and choose your viewing spot before the lighting ceremony.

The Scherr Legate Lights Parade

The parade begins at 6 p.m. November 21. Organizers describe more than 70 lighted floats, marching bands, performers and walking groups along a downtown route of about one mile.

The official 2026 route map shows the procession on Mills Avenue, Mesa Street, East San Antonio Avenue and connecting downtown streets, beginning near North Campbell Street and finishing toward Myrtle Avenue.

Check the 2026 route map rather than relying on last year's usual viewing location. The event also provides television and livestream viewing options for residents who would rather stay home.

Road Closures and Parking

The city's 2026 parking and closure map states that most road closures begin at 3 p.m. on November 21. Driving through your usual downtown streets may not be possible that afternoon.

The map identifies public parking locations including the Union Plaza Transit Terminal at 400 W. San Antonio Street and the Convention Center Parking Garage at 1 Civic Center Plaza.

WinterFest also lists Mills Plaza Parking Garage at 445 N. Oregon Street. Access to individual garages can be affected by temporary closures, so check the map and choose a route before leaving.

The organizer's FAQ lists Convention Center event parking at $13. Confirm the rate for the day and your chosen facility; not every lot has the same pricing.

Sun Metro's streetcar may help some visitors reach downtown, but confirm service and any special-event adjustments directly rather than assuming every stop is operating normally.

Holiday Lights at San Jacinto Plaza

San Jacinto Plaza is a centerpiece of WinterFest, with holiday lights scheduled daily from 5 to 11 p.m. during the season.

The nearby Cleveland Square Park also has illuminated displays beside the El Paso Museum of History and the Mexican American Cultural Center.

If your family is mainly coming for holiday photos or a relaxed evening walk, consider a non-parade night when travel and crowds may be easier to manage.

The Rink at WinterFest: Skating Prices and Hours

The outdoor rink at Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza, opens November 21 and runs through January 3.

The organizer currently lists $12.50 general admission, with $16 tickets for designated special events. Discounts may apply on certain dates or for eligible guests.

Posted regular Saturday skating hours are noon to 11 p.m., but special dates and operational updates may affect availability. Check the current rink calendar before promising a skating session.

An important accessibility limitation: the organizer says the skating rink itself is not ADA accessible, although other Convention Center Plaza activities are accessible via parking-garage elevators. Guests needing accommodations should verify arrangements directly.

Holiday Market and Other Activities

The Holiday Market opens November 21 from 2 to 11 p.m., featuring local makers, handmade art, baked goods and specialty foods.

The market is on Main Street in front of La Nube. Additional market evenings are listed on selected Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season, generally from 5 to 10 p.m.

City museums, cultural centers and community departments also offer seasonal activities. The official special-events calendar includes Lotería Nights at San Jacinto Plaza on selected December Thursdays.

Santa photos and holiday movies are part of the broader WinterFest program, but check their specific dates and times. Not every activity is available on opening day.

Make It a Comfortable Family Outing

If you're going mainly for the parade, plan around the 3 p.m. closures, the 5:30 p.m. tree lighting and the 6 p.m. parade. Allow enough walking time and decide where your group will meet if anyone gets separated.

If the little ones would rather skate or see the holiday displays, consider visiting another night instead of squeezing every attraction into one outing.

El Paso's desert evenings can cool down quickly after sunset. Bring layers, comfortable shoes and water, and allow breaks for younger children and older relatives.

That is our Chuco spirit at its best: a community looking out for one another while enjoying the season close to home.

Quick Facts: El Paso WinterFest 2026

Event: El Paso WinterFest 2026

Opening day: Saturday, November 21, 2026

Season ends: Sunday, January 3, 2027

Opening-day festivities: 2–11 p.m.

Most road closures begin: 3 p.m. November 21

Tree lighting: 5:30 p.m. November 21, San Jacinto Plaza

Scherr Legate Lights Parade: 6 p.m. November 21

San Jacinto Plaza lights: Daily, 5–11 p.m.

Holiday Market: 2–11 p.m. opening day, Main Street in front of La Nube

The Rink: Convention Center Plaza, 1 Civic Center Plaza

Rink season: November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027

General skating admission: $12.50; $16 designated special events

Convention Center Garage: Posted event parking $13; verify current rate

Parade: Free to watch

A Sun City Tradition Worth Sharing

WinterFest brings El Paso families downtown to watch a lighted parade, support local makers and share a little holiday joy.

Plan your arrival, check the latest maps and take the evening at your own pace. There is plenty to enjoy without trying to do everything in one night.

Sources and Further Information

City of El Paso WinterFest: Official 2026 information

Scherr Legate Lights Parade: 2026 schedule

Official 2026 parade route and tree-lighting map

Official 2026 parking and road-closure map

The Rink: skating hours, prices and accessibility

Holiday Market: opening day and seasonal hours

WinterFest parking information

WinterFest frequently asked questions

WinterFest special events

Verified November 10, 2026. Confirm schedules, closures, prices and availability before visiting.