El Paso Will Launch WinterFest on November 21
The annual downtown holiday celebration will run for six weeks featuring markets, light displays, and a parade.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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The City of El Paso will kick off its 2026 WinterFest on November 21, featuring a six-week slate of seasonal activities. The festival concludes on January 3, 2027.
Why it matters
The event serves as a major community anchor for downtown, transforming the city center with holiday decorations and organized public festivities throughout the season.
The festival features a 45-foot holiday tree and a light parade showcasing over 70 participants. Holiday light displays will illuminate the area daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The players
City of El Paso
The local municipal government responsible for organizing and hosting the annual WinterFest event.
The details
Downtown El Paso will host diverse events including holiday light displays, weekend markets at San Jacinto Plaza, and movie screenings at various local venues. The opening day includes the official tree lighting ceremony and the Scherr Legate Light Parade.
Timeline
November 21, 2026: WinterFest opening day festivities begin.
December 2026: Loteria Nights held at San Jacinto Plaza.
January 3, 2027: WinterFest concludes.
Industry Dynamics
This festival aligns with the broader urban revitalization movement by leveraging seasonal public programming to drive consistent foot traffic into the city center. Such events position downtown districts as regional destinations during the competitive winter holiday season.
Residents can access the various festival sites, including ice skating at Convention Center Plaza and holiday markets at San Jacinto Plaza, starting in late November. The programming is designed for public participation throughout the six-week holiday duration.
The takeaway
Visitors planning to attend the opening night should arrive early to navigate the scheduled events at multiple downtown plazas. Checking the official event schedule periodically is recommended as the city updates cinema and market programming.
What happens next
WinterFest activities begin November 21, 2026, with the ice rink opening at noon followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and the light parade at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on local holiday programming, visit the Seasonal Events section.
More information
Find full event details and schedules on the El Paso WinterFest official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDBC.
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