Here's your 2022 Christmas holiday events guide in the El Paso, Las Cruces area
It's officially that time of year when families look forward to making memories and celebrating traditions as part of their Christmas holiday.
And though many traditions start at home, such as baking cookies and decorating the tree, there is much to do in and around El Paso to enjoy this particular time of year.
Here are some events to enjoy the last two weeks of December in addition to WinterFest activities Downtown and the spectacular light show at Ascarate Park. Merry Christmas!
Enjoy a posada with Rosa Guerrero
The El Paso Museum of History will host a posada with dancer, author, educator and noted El Pasoan Rosa Guerrero from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17. Guerrero will kick off the event with a talk about the cultural significance of posadas and then guests can enjoy free crafts, champurrado, and aguinaldos to take home while supplies last. Guerrero will also sign and sell her book on Las Posadas tradition.
Holiday film festival to show free movies
El Paso families can enjoy free holiday movies at the Plaza Theatre. The film series, sponsored by GECU and presented by the El Paso Community Foundation Plaza Classic Film Festival, is part of El Paso Live's WinterFest. Upcoming movies: Dec. 18: "Four Christmases" at 1 p.m., "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" at 3:30 p.m.
Dave Koz and Friends
The Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas tour will come to El Paso on Dec. 13. The show will be at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. The concert also will feature Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui and Rebecca Jade. Tickets, ranging from $45 to $150, plus fees, are available at Ticketmaster.com
Mariachi Sol de Mexico
Led by the incomparable José Hernández, Mariachi Sol de Mexico returns to El Paso for a festive musical tribute to Mexico's Christmas traditions with a performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Plaza Theatre. Tickets, ranging from $29 to $69, plus fees, are available at Ticketmaster.com
Parade of lights in San Elizario
Enjoy a Winter Holiday Parade of Lights from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 17 at the San Elizario chapel plaza. The parade will begin on Socorro Road at Chicken Ranch and proceed to San Elizario Road to the church plaza. The event will include a pinata, food, music, dancing and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Take a Holiday Sweater Stroll
Live Active and the Border Coalition for Fitness are hosting a fun Holiday Sweater Stroll from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 17 at San Jacinto Plaza. Join in the walk and enjoy the themed event.
Holiday Brunch at Ambar
The Plaza Hotel at Pioneer Park will have a holiday brunch with Santa and the Grinch at Ambar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Guests are invited to bring a toy to donate to the Lee & Beulah Moor Children’s Home. Brunch costs $50 for adults, and $25 for children ages 4-12. Reservations can be made by calling 915-440-0051.
Abundant West plans Christmas Musical
Abundant West is planning a live performance of Christmas Musical: Thrill of Hope about the true meaning of Christmas at services at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at 7100 Desert Boulevard North.
New Mexico Farm & Heritage Museum to host holiday event
The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces will have a holiday event, Farm-La-La from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at the museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Road in Las Cruces. Families can take trolley rides across the bridge and around the lighted, 47-acre campus, take part in fun activities, watch the children ride the ponies, tour the exhibits and galleries, and enjoy hot chocolate, s'mores, and even ice cream. Admission to the event is $5 per family. The pony rides for children are $5 per ride. The trolley rides and other activities are free with admission. Some of the activities include making marshmallow snowmen and Christmas tree ornaments.
Christmas Eve event
On Christmas Eve, enjoy a live music performance by Jason Sanford from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Barnett Harley-Davidson showroom, 8272 Gateway Boulevard E. There will be food trucks set up outside and indoor seating.
Christmas Day Brunch at Ambar
The Plaza Hotel at Pioneer Park will have its Christmas Day Brunch with Live Jazz on December 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ambar. Cost is $65 for adults, and $32.50 for children ages 4-12. Reservations can be made by calling 915.440.0051 or online at OpenTable.
'Nutcracker'
This Christmas, families can enjoy the magic of the holiday with the "Nutcracker: Magic of Christmas Ballet" at 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Plaza Theatre. The ballet features stars from the Ukraine ballet. Tickets, ranging from $30 to $100, plus fees, are available via Ticketmaster.com
More:El Paso shines bright: Here's a map of the city's best Christmas light displays
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @EPTMaria on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Here's your 2022 Christmas holiday events guide for the El Paso area
