When the pandemic hit in March 2020, many popular events in El Paso were modified or suspended to maintain social distance regulations. 

     One event that was modified was El Paso’s annual holiday event, WinterFest, an event for people of all ages to enjoy.

     Due to the high COVID-19 vaccination rate in El Paso, WinterFest was able to resume after a year off.

     WinterFest has been an annual event in El Paso for the past six years.

     This year it included many traditional activities such as the ice skating rink, the cafe, the light parade, and the Plaza Classic Film Festival.

     Every year, departments within the El Paso community sponsor activities and events for El Pasoans to enjoy.

     The El Paso Electric Company, Texas Gas Service, iHeart Radio, the Delicious Mexican Eatery, the El Paso Community Foundation, Big Media, El Paso Live, and Visit El Paso partnered up to make this year’s WinterFest like none other.

     WinterFest began with the traditional lighting of the tree event and a light parade on November 20, in downtown El Paso, which grabbed the attention of many El Pasoans.

     One popular event at WinterFest is the synthetic ice-skating rink.

     The admission fee from ice-skating is $5 for children ages five and under and $8 for anyone above the age of five.

     Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting epwinterfest.com.

      In addition to WinterFest, El Pasoans can enjoy complimentary holiday movies at the Plaza Theatre presented by the El Paso Community Foundation.

     If movies don’t sound appealing, the Holiday Food Fiesta is an event in which food and gift vendors come with stands or trucks to sell their items.

     WinterFest festivities will end on January 2nd at 9 pm.

     As things begin to return back to normal, El Pasoans can enjoy holiday festivities with their loved ones in a safe manner this Christmas season.