WinterFest traditions return in November: Ice skating rink, holiday movies at Plaza Theatre
Two fun traditions of WinterFest — the ice rink and holiday movies in Downtown El Paso — will return this November.
El Pasoans can look forward to skating on ice again, starting Saturday, Nov. 22, at the El Paso convention center plaza. The Holiday Movies at the Plaza Theatre, which are free, will begin Nov. 30.
Organizers of WinterFest activities said the family-friendly ice-skating rink has become a cornerstone of the WinterFest tradition.
“WinterFest is one of the most cherished seasonal experiences in our city,” said Jose Garcia, Presidentand CEO of Destination El Paso. “We’re excited to once again transform the Convention Center Plazaalongside our partnership with GECU to make this year’s event even more special for the community.”
GECU will serve as the official presenting sponsor of The Rink at WinterFest for the 2025 season.
“We’re incredibly honored to be the presenting sponsor of The Rink at Winterfest, a beloved holidaytradition. Supporting events that bring families together and spread joy reflects our commitment to thecommunities we serve. The holidays are about connecting with others, the spirit of giving and celebrating together and The Rink at Winterfest is what the holidays are all about. We look forward to spending the holiday season with our community members,” said Stephanie Quiroz, GECU Vice President of Community Engagement, in a release.
General Admission is $12, including a pair of skates. Guests can also enjoy season passes, group rates and special event packages available at EPWinterFest.com
This season, The Rink at WinterFest will feature a fun lineup of special events, promo nights andthemed nights. Those are:
- Mommy & Me Mondays: Kids 10 and under skate for $5.
- Two for 20 Tuesdays: $20 for 2 tickets.
- Wacky Wednesdays: Wear your favorite wacky Christmas or holiday gear and get $2 off.
- Touchdown Thursdays: Rep your team. Wear your favorite jersey and get $2 off your ticket.
- Friday: “The Rink Rewind”: Take a trip back in time with our Y2K-themed night! We’ll be playing your favorite 2000s hits all night long.
- Friday & Saturday: MCAD The Market will be from 5 to 10 p.m.
The Rink to host fun themed events including Glow on Ice
Here is the schedule of special events at The Rink at the El Paso convention center plaza.
- Bieber Fever Night at The Rink – 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.
- Sweethearts Night at The Rink – 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19.
- Glow on Ice at The Rink – 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.Theme Nights
- Rinkville “Grinch Day” at The Rink – Noon to 11 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13.
Holiday Movies at the Plaza Theatre returns Nov. 30
Holiday Movies at the Plaza will feature six holiday favorites for 2025.
The movie series, part of the city’s El Paso WinterFest, will kick off Sunday, Nov. 30. The films are free.
Audiences will be able to enjoy holiday music live on the theater’s original Wyler Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ 30 minutes before each movie.
Here is the schedule:
- Sunday, Nov. 30:
- 3 p.m. Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” PG.
- 5:30 p.m. “Home Alone” PG.
- Sunday, Dec. 7:
- 2:30 p.m.: “It’s A Wonderful Life” PG.
- 6 p.m. “Elf” PG.
- Sunday, Dec. 21:
- 3 p.m. “The Polar Express” G.
- 6 p.m. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” PG.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky.
