Good morning, El Paso.

Shotgun, an American pit bull terrier mix known for his gigantic smile, was spotlighted by the Humane Society to promote same-day walk-in adoptions at the campus and online.

He arrived two weeks ago with his brother Creed from another shelter.

On Tuesday, Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center donated over $10,000 to the local Child Crisis Center.

The center, which supports up to 32 children, received $12,329 from patient donations + matching discounts on services.

El Paso families can enjoy several holiday events today including a noon performance of The Nutcracker at the Plaza Theatre, a Nativity story reading at Esperanza Acosta Moreno Library at 10 a.m., and Christmas photo sessions at Bassett Place.

Holiday lights at Ascarate Park run nightly until Jan. 24.

El Paso's Jesuit Fr. Rick Thomas (known for his decades of service to the region's poor and a reported Christmas miracle in 1972) is considered for sainthood following a November vote by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The process will collect writings and interviews to document his virtuous life.

Miss Cosmo USA won Pageant of the Year at the Miss Cosmo International competition in Vietnam during an October pageant in El Paso, earning global praise that highlights the city’s growing reach — organizers say the award will bring more international events to town.

Six local restaurants are offering traditional menudo for the holiday season as winter settles in.

Eateries such as Tortilleria Crystal & Good Luck Cafe provide early morning and daily options for residents to enjoy the warm, hearty dish in El Paso.

El Paso Inc. photo editor presents a review of key moments and community life captured in photos from 2025.

The retrospective highlights events and scenes across our city, showing the vibrant spirit of our community.

Construction crews have opened the Thorn Bypass lanes on the west side as part of the Widening West project, giving drivers a detour via I-10 and Desert North and South while crews work on connecting the Thorn Bridge, set to open at the end of January.

Emergency room doctor Jeremy Williamson warns that the holiday season brings risks from avoidable food-related illnesses, kitchen burns, and alcohol-related accidents that strain local hospitals.

He advises residents to practice safe food-preparation and responsible driving to reduce these incidents.

Several El Paso restaurants will serve festive meals on Christmas Day, with venues like Hotel Paso Del Norte and Plaza Hotel offering holiday brunch and dinner menus and most accepting reservations; details such as times and prices vary by location & guests are encouraged to book early.

Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel

6:30 p.m. — El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical tribute to Juan Gabriel in a stunning candlelit setting.

Days of Remembrance - Bridal, Quince & Sweet 16 Expo

11 AM – 5 PM — El Paso Convention Center — Admission details not specified — Discover the largest and longest-running bridal and quinceañera expo in the region.

1st Meetup Fundraiser Luncheon at L&J Cafe

1-3 p.m. — L & J Cafe — Fundraising event — Enjoy a cozy luncheon while supporting a community-driven Meetup group for those 50 and over.

Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings

6:30-7:29 p.m. — St. Rogers Depot — Tickets required — Experience the enchanting melodies from 'Bridgerton' by candlelight with a talented string quartet.

EMORFIK Live Performance

9-11 p.m. — 11:11 EP TX — Tickets from $51 — Emorfik brings unforgettable vibes to El Paso in this lively concert.