During the latter half of November through the end of December, the magic of Winterfest in El Paso, Texas is as magical as it gets. Parades, thousands upon thousands of lights, Ice-Skating, music, food, fair weather, shopping, and the delightful smiles of Texans enjoying their very special Winterfest. It is like nothing I have ever experienced before; I was captivated, entertained, and exhilarated by all of the magic of Winterfest in El Paso, Texas.
Winterfest in El Paso, Texas runs from November 18th through January 1st with numerous events scheduled throughout the Winterfest festivities. 2017 marks their second year, and it is one of the must-visit events of the year! Winterfest in El Paso event sponsors and partners are The Hospitals of Providence, Providence Children’s Hospital, El Paso Electric, the Ruhmann Law Firm, Big Media, Coffee Box, Texas Gas Service and El Paso Downtown Arts District.
Winterfest in El Paso Celebration of Lights
Courtesy of Destination El Paso
One of many highlights of the event is the Winterfest Parade that takes a winding path through downtown El Paso, featuring dozens of decorated cars, trucks and emergency vehicles, hundreds of El Pasoians from various service groups. Plus those that are just lighted up for the holidays walking the parade path, all enjoyed by the almost impassable crowds lining the street to cheer them on.
This is a big event for the locals as they also light the official Christmas tree this day as well. The lights at Winterfest are genuinely spectacular, dazzling and brilliant, moving and still, they mesmerize everyone, and everyone is taking the mandatory selfies as well.
Courtesy of Destination El Paso
There are plenty of places to take selfies and family photos including the very popular Providence Children’s Hospital giant inflatable snowglobe.
Shopping and Eating at Winterfest in El Paso
The fun doesn’t end after the parade! Winterfest in El Paso has several unique shopping and eating venues for you to enjoy too. Along with a few dozen local food truck for you to enjoy, they have craft vendors and traditional stores open for business as well. Plenty to experience and I can personally recommend the $2.00 Tamales from the “Kringle Kafé” they have set up close to the Ice Skating Rink.
Winter Market Shops in Downtown El Paso:
Mini Donut Depot
Donuts, cider, corn in a cup, and more
Delicious Mexican Eatery
Tamales, coffee, papas locas
Toys & Lights
Kid-friendly light-up toys and accessories
Amigo Man’s Winter Cabin
Destination El Paso (El Paso Live & Visit El Paso) visitor and event information
Special appearances by Amigo Man
Moe-bile Air
Oxygen bar, massages, aromatherapy
Artist Booth
We will be swapping out local arts and craft vendors every week.
Ice-Skating at Winterfest in El Paso
Courtesy of Destination El Paso
Winterfest in El Paso centerpiece attraction is the Hospitals of Providence Ice-Skating Rink open every day during the month-long festival. Fun for all ages, free to see and only $8.00 to skate with various discounts available. When you are finished skating, head on over to the Texas Gas Warming tent, sip on some hot chocolate and cozy up under several heaters available to take the Ice-Skating chill off your bones.
Winterfest in El Paso Entertainment Options
Courtesy of Destination El Paso
Winterfest in El Paso entertainment scene offers a large variety of venues to enjoy. From FirstLight Federal Credit Union’s five fun festivities, local band on the main stage, to Free Holiday Movies at the Plaza Theatre with the El Paso Community Foundation. You can enjoy “Let It Snow” Day, FirstLight “Merry Mariachi Nights,” FirstLight FCU “Skate with Santa,” and so much more at Winterfest in El Paso!
I enjoyed listening to and watching the First Armored Division Band play during the Celebration of Lights festival at the Historic Plaza Theatre, just spectacular!
2017 Winterfest in El Paso schedule of Events
Website www.winterfestep.com
Facebook El Paso WinterFest
Facebook event WinterFest Opening Day
Instagram @epwinterfest
Twitter @ElPasoLive
El Paso’s Winterfest ends January 1st, so there is still time to enjoy this event and everything El Paso has to offer. I stayed at the marvelous Hotel Indigo, which will place you right at the start of the Celebration of Lights Parade and only three blocks away from all the festivities. Of course, you can start planning now to attend the 2018 Winterfest, perhaps I will see you there!
For additional information about visiting El Paso:
http://www.destinationelpaso.com
Looking for more ideas to enjoy El Paso:
24 Things You Probably Don’t know about El Paso, Texas
Full disclosure,
Destination El Paso Tourism hosted Never to Old To Travel for a 3-day tour of El Paso, Texas. with no stipulations. All thoughts and opinions in this article are my own.
