Texas is full of fantastic Christmas destinations. El Paso is one of the most exciting.

El Paso is located on the far western part of Texas. Its downtown area features some of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. It is the site of many cultural events and festivals, and it has a vibrant performing arts community.

If El Paso sounds like the ideal place to visit, here are some of the things you can do on your trip.

The Christmas Fair

The Christmas Fair is an annual event that takes place at One Civic Center. It is the Junior League of El Paso’s primary fundraising event. It features over 200 merchants selling unique Holiday items and it attracts thousands of shoppers each year.

WinterFest

Winterfest happens in El Paso’s downtown area from late November until early January. Guests can enjoy the outdoor skating rink as well as the shopping, food and festivities. There are also holiday movies being shown at the Plaza.

Tamaladas

El Paso has a strong Hispanic heritage and making tamales is a popular holiday tradition. Family and friends gather around to make these yummy treats. If you’re not much of a cook, there are also plenty of places in the city where you can buy them.

Luminarias

During the Christmas season, Luminarias will be lighting up El Paso’s churches, homes and streets. This 300-year-old plus tradition involves illuminated local areas with glowing brown sacks. Drive through the historic mission trail or Scenic Dr to take in the festive views.

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Posadas

Posada can be translated to lodging or inn. It is a religious ceremony celebrating the baby Jesus. It is celebrated by many Hispanic communities in El Paso every night from December 16-24. Rituals include making and serving tamales, enjoying festive food and socializing.

Rosca de Reyes

Also known as king’s cake, the rosca is a wreath shaped Mexican bread decorated with slices of candy and fruit. A figurine of a baby is baked inside. The person who gets the piece with the figurine will have to host a party on Feb. 2. El Paso’s Bowie Bakery is known for having some of the best Roscas in town.

Celebration of Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony

The tree lighting ceremony is held to mark the start of Winterfest. It takes place in downtown El Paso in late November. Festivities kick off with a parade that features a variety of floats, decorated cars, cheerleaders, marching groups and more. 52 entries are led through the one-mile course.

Next the tree is lit at San Jacinto Plaza.

After the ceremony, guests are welcome to enjoy Winterfest including its skating rink, winter themed café, holiday market, pedestrian pathways and various vendors.

Misa Del Gallo

Misa Del Gallo is a Catholic mass celebrated at midnight on Christmas Eve. Misa Del Gallo translates as rooster’s mass because it is believed that it was the roosters who first announced the birth of Jesus. There are many churches throughout the area who welcome this midnight mass event.

Hyundai Sun Bowl Game

The Sun Bowl is a football game that takes place in El Paso during the holiday season. It was first played in 1935 and it is the second oldest bowl game. It is accompanied by Fan Feista, a family friendly event featuring bands, dancers, face painting, mascots and more.

Fred Loya Insurance Christmas Show

The Fred Loya Insurance Christmas Lights Show lights up Paseo del Oro Lance. Guests can gather to check out the light show choreographed to popular holiday tunes. They can also enjoy hot chocolate and cookies and take pictures with Santa, the Grinch, Christmas elves and Jack and Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas.

San Jacinto Plaza

Located in the downtown area, San Jacinto Plaza lights up with over 120 trees including a 30-foot holiday tree. Guests can take pictures inside giant ornaments and in front of the famous fiberglass alligators.

Lights at the Lake

Ascarte Park is a terrific place to take in holiday lights. Come by to see the 30 or so displays illuminated around the lake. They will be on nightly from 5:30 to 10:30 PM throughout the Christmas season. Each year new features are added.

Eastridge

The neighborhood of Eastridge gets particularly festive for the Christmas season. Be sure to check out the area near Eastwood High School.

Local Homes

There are plenty of local homes that will be dressed to the nines during the holiday season, but Ricardo Carrillo is one El Pasoan who goes all out. Inspired by the show “Holiday Ever After” he put together a 13-minute light show that includes a screen projecting images from popular Disney movies like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Moana”. The show plays on the hour every night from 6-10 PM.

Drive In Christmas Movies

For a vintage experience, hop in the car and take in a drive-in movie playing at the El Paso County Coliseum. Classic holiday movies will be playing every night throughout December with two showings every evening.

Santa at the El Paso Zoo

The El Paso Zoo is a great place to visit but it’s even more fun when Santa is in town. Santa is usually there for one weekend in early December for a fun filled day that includes snow from the North Pole. Zookeepers will also be giving the animals holiday gifts. Other activities include arts and crafts, live entertainment and holiday movies.

If you are planning a holiday getaway, El Paso is the place to do it. With so much to see and do, you are sure to have an exciting vacation. What will you be doing for your Texas Christmas vacation?

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