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El Paso Rings in 2026 with Star Drop and Sun Bowl Festivities

El Paso Matters•Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM•El Paso Matters Staff

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El Paso is gearing up for an exciting New Year's Eve with two major events on December 31. The New Year’s Eve Star Drop at San Jacinto Plaza will feature a 30-foot illuminated star, live music, and a countdown to 2026, running from 8 p.m. to midnight. Simultaneously, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl will host a college football matchup between Arizona State University and Duke University at noon, celebrating its 92nd year. The pre-game fan party begins at 8:30 a.m. at Sun Bowl Stadium, offering free admission. Additionally, WinterFest continues with various activities, including an ice skating rink and holiday performances, concluding on January 4.

Key Details: • New Year’s Eve Star Drop: Dec. 31, 8 p.m. - midnight at San Jacinto Plaza. • Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl: Dec. 31, noon at Sun Bowl Stadium, pre-game party starts at 8:30 a.m. • Ice skating rink open until Jan. 4 at El Paso Convention Center, $12 to skate. • Jewel Box Series starts Jan. 11, 2026, at Plaza Theatre. • Outdoor Cooking 101 workshop on Jan. 24, 2026, at Franklin Mountains State Park, registration required by Jan. 17.

sun-bowl winterfest new-year community-events family-fun

People & Organizations

El Paso ElectricSan Jacinto PlazaPlaza TheatreEl Paso Community FoundationEl Paso Convention CenterSun Bowl StadiumSun Bowl AssociationFranklin Mountains State ParkIn BlumeEl Paso Symphony Orchestra

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