El Paso has a gift for turning every season into a celebration. From music and film to parades, festivals, and holiday traditions, the city’s calendar is filled with moments worth experiencing. When you stay at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, you are perfectly placed in the center of it all, making it easy and exciting to experience the holidays in El Paso.

Discover Emerging Films at The El Paso Film Festival

September 25 – 27, 2025

The season kicks off as Independent films take center stage at the El Paso Film Festival. With more than 60 new films scheduled and an inclusive lineup of filmmakers, the festival is one of Texas’s most dynamic showcases. It has become a space where new voices are celebrated and where audiences can experience a diverse range of stories.

See The Strokes Perform Live

October 1, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. | Abraham Chavez Theatre

October starts on a high note with The Strokes in concert at the Abraham Chavez Theatre. Known for its striking architecture and central location, the theatre provides an excellent backdrop for this highly anticipated show. The band will be in El Paso just days before headlining the Austin City Limits Festival, making this performance an unforgettable way to welcome the month.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Ámbar Restaurante

October 24 – November 11, 2025

We celebrate Día de los Muertos at Ámbar Restaurante with 17 days of vibrant tradition. Guests can visit our altar, admire the marigolds and traditional décor, and add photocopied images of their loved ones to honor their memory.

On November 2, the celebration reaches its peak with a live performance by Mariachi Frontera from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Be sure to join for a night filled with music, color, and community.

Experience the Día de los Muertos Desfile & Festival

November 1, 2025 | Downtown El Paso

El Paso’s Día de los Muertos Desfile & Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The parade stretches more than a mile through downtown, with over 60 floats, folklórico dancers, and musicians bringing tradition to life. Between exhibitions, markets, and food trucks, the festival offers a full day of discovery.

Get In the Holiday Spirit With the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade

November 22, 2025 | Parade at 6:00 p.m.

Downtown sparkles with the Scherr Legate WinterFest Lights Parade. For its 30th year, more than 55 illuminated floats, marching bands, and community performers will light up the night. Over 68,000 spectators gather to watch the one-mile procession, making it one of the city’s most cherished holiday traditions. 

Give Thanks at the Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade

November 27, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. | Montana Avenue

The Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Parade has been part of El Paso’s holiday season since 1936. Today, it is the largest community event in the region, drawing more than 250,000 spectators. Floats, marching groups, and local organizations bring Montana Avenue to life as families line the streets from Ochoa to Copia.

Bring Your Appetite to Thanksgiving Brunch at Ámbar

November 27, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Our Thanksgiving brunch at Ámbar brings together bold flavors and classic favorites. Guests can enjoy everything from huevos rancheros benedictos to tequila-glazed turkey and mole-crusted prime rib. Seasonal touches like pumpkin-spiced pancakes and berry parfaits add to the festive spirit. 

Say Hello to Santa at the Santa & Grinch Brunch

December 20 – 21, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

We bring holiday cheer to The Plaza with our Santa & Grinch Brunch. Families can take photos with Santa, decorate cookies, and join in a toy drive, all while enjoying a festive menu. From abuelita pancakes to a carving station featuring mole-crusted brisket, this event has something for everyone. 

Cheer on Your Team at the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

December 31, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. | Sun Bowl Stadium

College football fans end the year in El Paso with the 92nd annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Played at Sun Bowl Stadium, this nationally televised matchup brings together top teams from the ACC and Pac-12. 

The Sun Bowl is one of the oldest college football bowl games in the country, with a history dating back to 1935. Beyond the game itself, it represents a tradition that unites fans, families, and visitors at the close of the year. 

Celebrate the Season with Us

Holidays in El Paso blend heritage and celebration in a way that feels entirely unique. At The Plaza, we invite you to join us, whether it is gathering around the table at Ámbar, celebrating with family at brunch, or stepping out to parades and festivals just beyond our doors. Secure your stay today and celebrate the season with us at the heart of it all.