Lights, Free Movies & Parades: Christmas Things to Do This Weekend in El Paso, Dec. 3-5
Thanksgiving is done, bring on the Christmas fun. It's officially the season to be merry and that means a sleigh-full of events throughout El Paso.
From light displays to free Christmas movies, here are fun and festive things to do from Friday, December 3 to Sunday, December 5 that are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Brighten the Night with Holiday Lights
Sun City Lights - El Paso's new holiday experience: a family-friendly drive-through featuring tens of thousands of lights, and holiday-inspired displays viewed from the comfort of your car. Friday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 5. [More Info]
Lights on the Lake Lighting Ceremony - El Paso County lights up Ascarate Park for the month all along Ascarate Lake. The annual event will kick off with a one-night only "A Night of Hope" tribute to healthcare workers. Free to attend. Saturday, Dec. 4. [More Info]
The Lights of Eastridge - An El Paso neighborhood tradition for almost 60 years. The original drive-thru light show. Friday-Sunday. Lights go on beginning at sundown. Free to see. [More Info]
Cookies, Cocoa and Holiday Cheer - Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center hosts a two-night drive-through holiday light show at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus. Free. Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. [More Info]
Luminarias by the Lake - Thousand of luminarias will line the walking paths along the waterway at Keystone Heritage Park/El Paso Desert Botanical Gardens. Stroll the gardens and wetlands to the sounds of holiday music. Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. [More Info]
San Jacinto Plaza - The City of El Paso lights up San Jacinto Plaza and the surrounding area beginning at sundown. Live music and family-friendly entertainment highlight nightly Holiday Fiesta. Friday-Sunday. Free
Christmas Parades
City of Socorro Winterfest Night Parade - Light parade, fireworks, entertainment. Free to see. 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. [More Info]
Horizon City Christmas Parade - Chico the Chihuahua, floats, and I'm betting horses, too. Free to see. Saturday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. [More Info]
Yuletide Classics
The Nutcracker - El Paso Ballet Theatre puts its spin on the classic holiday ballet. Friday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 5. [More Info]
Home for the Holidays with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra - "Joyful family concert and sing-along" featuring El Paso Symphony Orchestra, the UTEP Choral Union, and Laura Tate Goldman performing Handel's Messiah and other Christmas favorites. Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 4. [More Info]
Free Christmas Movies
Holiday Movies at the Plaza - The weather outside might not be all that frightful, but watching a free movie in the historic Plaza Theatre is most certainly delightful. "Elf" at 1 p.m., "The Polar Express" at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. [More Info]
Very Merry Movies at Sunland Park Mall - "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is the feature flick at the mall's Backyard Cinema, located by the entrance to the Greenery. "Bring your blanket, chair, and even your stuffed animal." Movie viewing includes complimentary hot chocolate. Free to attend. 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. [More Info]