The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso has its Grand Christmas Tree Lighting scheduled for tonight, Friday, Nov. 13, with a parade at 5:45 p.m., the lighting at 6 and a fireworks finale at 9.
The listing is a full evening, not a single moment at the tree. El Paso Times says the annual program is set to feature Viva El Paso and local school and community performances. Free light-up wands and magic glasses are planned while supplies last.
A Parade, Then a Long Program
The start is quick. Fifteen minutes after the parade begins, the tree is scheduled to light. Fireworks are listed for 9 p.m., which makes 6 p.m. the start of the program, not the end of the night.
That split is the practical one. A visitor who wants the parade and the lighting needs to be in place by 5:45. A visitor who wants the fireworks is staying until 9, with Viva El Paso and local performances on the published program.
School Groups, With the Names Changing
Student performances have been the published core of recent lightings. For the ceremony scheduled at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, KTSM 9 News listed Santa Teresa High School Cheerleaders and Drumline, Da Vinci School's choir, and dance and theater by LAT Latin American Talent and Theater. That announcement also included photo opportunities with holiday characters and a tree light show led by DJ BigShow, and KTSM described the ceremony as free and open to the public.
In the same report, general manager Carlos Rodriguez said, "The Grand Tree Lighting has been a cherished tradition in El Paso for over 15 years."
The following November, the Outlet Shoppes hosted the lighting, and the student emphasis stayed while the roster moved. KFOX14 reported that on Friday night, Nov. 7, 2025, performances included students from Duponti School performing opera, along with cheerleaders, dancers and drum lines.
Daily Snow, as Pitched in 2025
In that coverage, marketing director Gina Slechta promised a "100% chance of snow every day at 6 p.m." and free visits with Santa Claus every weekend.
Cheerleaders and drum lines are what repeat across the two reports. The schools beside them do not. Santa Teresa High School and Da Vinci School were the names in the 2024 announcement. Duponti School was the name in the 2025 account.
