‘Lights on the Lake’ returns to Ascarate Park

El Paso County will host celebration for the unveiling of its holiday lights display at Ascarate Park and give residents a break on parking costs for the day.

“Lights on the Lake” is returning to Ascarate Park this holiday season with the unveiling set for Saturday, Dec. 10. This will be the event’s second year since its 2015 relaunch.

Eric Storrie, the County’s Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Director, and his staff came before commissioners Monday to promote the event. In turn, commissioners unanimously approved waiving the parking fees for the day of the celebration.

ABC-7 crews caught some of the displays already set up around Ascarate Park and the lake. Organizers promise many light displays for people to walk or drive past throughout the holiday season.

The celebration begins the evening of Dec. 10, with a jingle bell jog, a 1.5 mile run/walk around 5:30 p.m. The lights themselves will be turned on as soon as it’s dark enough, around 6 p.m. There will also be a showing of the movie “Elf” at 7 p.m., along with a lot more food and entertainment around the park.

“As soon as it gets dark, the light switch will go on,” El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar said. “There’ll be food trucks. You’ll be able to drive or jump in a little train, a rail-less train ride around the park, and be back in time to watch Elf.”

The $2 per car entry fee will still be in place for all other days. The display will remain up through the new year.