Looking for something different to do in El Paso this holiday season?
Whether you’re planning a festive outing with friends, entertaining visiting family, organizing a company holiday party, or simply looking for a weekend adventure, there’s more to explore just beyond the El Paso city limits.
A short drive west takes you across the Texas-New Mexico state line and into the heart of the Mesilla Valley, home to historic communities, local wineries, craft breweries, and some of Southern New Mexico’s most distinctive experiences.
From wine tasting along the scenic Highway 28 wine trail to margaritas in Old Mesilla and holiday lights in Las Cruces, the region offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season.
If you’re looking for unique holiday activities, here are seven experiences worth adding to your calendar.
1. Explore El Paso Wine Country
You don’t have to travel to Napa or Sonoma to enjoy a wine country getaway. Just outside El Paso, the Mesilla Valley offers a growing wine scene with locally owned wineries, beautiful vineyard landscapes, and distinctive local wines.
The Mesilla Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is one of the country’s oldest wine-growing regions. Its high-desert climate, abundant sunshine, and agricultural heritage create a unique environment for growing grapes.
The scenic Highway 28 corridor connects several wineries between Las Cruces and the Texas state line. Visitors can enjoy everything from relaxed tasting rooms and vineyard views to locally produced wines that reflect the character of Southern New Mexico.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just enjoy discovering something new, exploring the Mesilla Valley wine region makes for an excellent day trip from El Paso.
Make it an outing:
Join Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours for a guided wine tasting experience. We handle the transportation and itinerary so you can relax and enjoy the afternoon.
2. Take a Wine Tasting Tour Near El Paso
One of the best ways to experience El Paso wine country is with a guided wine tour.
Instead of coordinating multiple stops, navigating unfamiliar roads, and deciding who’s driving, let someone else handle the details.
Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers several ways to explore local wineries.
Weekend Wine Shuttle
Our Weekend Wine Shuttle is a public tasting tour that visits three wineries along the Highway 28 wine trail. It’s a great option for couples, friends, and visitors who want to experience local wine country without booking a private tour.
Tasting fees are paid separately at each winery.
Private Wine Tours
Planning an outing with a larger group? Our private wine tours offer a more customized experience, with transportation, a dedicated guide, and an itinerary tailored to your group.
Our standard tour accommodates private groups of up to 14 guests and offer pickup options in both Las Cruces and El Paso.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a holiday outing, or simply looking for a fun weekend activity, a wine tour is an easy way to experience the region.
Ready to explore?
Visit Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours to see private tour options.
3. Enjoy a Margarita Tour in Old Mesilla
For those who prefer tequila over wine, Old Mesilla is a must-visit destination.
Just outside Las Cruces, Mesilla is known for its historic plaza, adobe architecture, local shops, restaurants, and rich cultural heritage.
It’s also a great place to enjoy a margarita.
From classic lime margaritas to creative specialty cocktails, Mesilla offers plenty of opportunities to sample the local flavors while exploring one of New Mexico’s most charming historic communities.
A margarita tour is a fun alternative to a traditional wine tasting experience and a great way to spend an afternoon with friends.
Make it a group outing:
Our Margaritas of Mesilla experience combines local flavor, transportation, and a relaxed itinerary so your group can enjoy the experience without worrying about the drive.
4. Discover Craft Breweries
Wine isn’t the only thing worth raising a glass to in El Paso.
The growing craft beer scene offers breweries with locally inspired beers, seasonal selections, and welcoming tasting environments.
Whether you prefer a crisp lager, a hoppy IPA, or something a little more adventurous, a brewery outing is another great way to explore the area’s local beverage culture.
November and December are especially good months to gather friends for a relaxed afternoon or plan a different kind of holiday celebration.
Try a brewery tour:
Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers brewery experiences that let your group visit local establishments while leaving the transportation to us.
5. Plan a Unique Holiday Party or Corporate Outing
The holidays are a great excuse to bring people together, but planning another dinner or traditional office party can feel a little predictable.
Why not give your team or group an experience instead?
Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers several options for memorable holiday gatherings, and coordinates the transportation and experience.
Private Holiday Wine Tour
Gather your friends, family, or colleagues for a private wine country outing. Visit local wineries, enjoy tastings, and spend an afternoon exploring the Mesilla Valley AVA.
Zin Valle Holiday Barrel Room Experience
Looking for something a little more exclusive? Our holiday experience at Zin Valle Vineyards offers a private Barrel Room setting for groups of 8–14 guests.
Enjoy a curated wine experience with round-trip transportation included. Packages start at $800.
Margarita or Brewery Tour
Not everyone is a wine drinker. A margarita or brewery tour offers a fun alternative for groups looking for something different.
Custom Group Transportation
Have another destination or itinerary in mind? We also offer private transportation for groups looking to create their own experience.
From corporate holiday parties and client appreciation outings to friends’ gatherings and family celebrations, we’ll help make getting there part of the fun.
Holiday dates are limited, so we recommend booking early.
6. Experience Holiday Lights in Las Cruces and Mesilla
If you’re visiting El Paso during the holiday season, make time to explore the festive atmosphere in nearby Las Cruces and Mesilla.
Historic Mesilla takes on a special charm during the holidays, with its adobe buildings, historic plaza, and seasonal decorations.
Las Cruces also offers opportunities to enjoy holiday lights, community celebrations, seasonal events, and local shopping.
It’s a great way to experience the region beyond its wineries and restaurants.
Make an evening of it: Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers private holiday lights tours, giving your group a comfortable way to enjoy the seasonal displays without worrying about parking or driving between stops.
Gather your family, invite some friends, and enjoy a festive evening exploring Southern New Mexico.
7. Give the Gift of an Experience
Still looking for a holiday gift for someone who seems to have everything?
Give them something to look forward to.
A wine tasting tour, brewery outing, or margarita experience makes a memorable gift for couples, friends, family members, and anyone who enjoys discovering new places.
Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours is a great option for:
- Wine lovers and craft beverage enthusiasts
- Couples looking for a unique date experience
- Friends planning a group outing
- Parents or family members visiting from out of town
- Anyone who appreciates local experiences
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in El Paso
What are some unique things to do in El Paso during the holidays?
Beyond traditional holiday shopping and dining, consider taking a day trip to Southern New Mexico. You can explore the Mesilla Valley wine region, visit Historic Mesilla, enjoy local craft breweries, or book a holiday lights tour in Las Cruces.
Are there wine tours near El Paso, Texas?
Yes! The Mesilla Valley wine region is located just outside El Paso in Southern New Mexico. Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers public wine shuttles and private wine tasting tours with pickup options in El Paso and Las Cruces.
Can you take a wine tasting day trip from El Paso?
Absolutely. The Highway 28 wine trail connects several wineries in the Mesilla Valley between Las Cruces and the Texas state line. A guided wine tour makes it easy to visit multiple wineries in one afternoon without having to drive yourself.
Where can you go wine tasting near El Paso?
The Mesilla Valley AVA, located near Las Cruces, New Mexico, is home to several wineries offering tasting experiences. Local favorites include Zin Valle Vineyards, La Viña Winery, Mesa Vista Winery, Sombra Antigua Winery, Rio Grande Winery, and NM Vintage Wines. Availability and tasting experiences vary by winery.
Does Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offer transportation from El Paso?
Yes! Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours offers pickup options in El Paso and Las Cruces for private tours and select experiences. Contact us to discuss your group’s location and itinerary.
What are some unique holiday party ideas for groups in El Paso?
Consider a private wine tasting tour, a margarita tour in Old Mesilla, a brewery outing, or a holiday lights tour in Las Cruces. These experiences offer a fun alternative to traditional holiday dinners and office parties.
How many people can join a private wine tour?
Our private wine tours can accommodate groups of up to 14 guests, making them a great option for friends, families, and corporate gatherings.
Let us know if you have a larger group. We can always make room!
Discover Something New This Holiday Season
You don’t have to travel far from El Paso to discover a completely different experience.
Just across the state line, Southern New Mexico’s wine country offers beautiful scenery, locally produced wines, historic communities, craft beverages, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, entertaining holiday guests, organizing a company celebration, or simply looking for something new to do, Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours makes it easy to explore.
Let us handle the driving while you enjoy the experience.
Ready to plan your next outing?
Explore our Weekend Wine Shuttle, private wine tours, margarita tours, brewery experiences, and holiday lights tours.
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