Singing with Santa Partnership Opportunity

The Durango Business Improvement District is seeking an organization to partner with us for our annual Singing with Santa event on Friday, November 27, at Buckley Park. This paid volunteer opportunity provides a $2,500 donation to one local organization in exchange for providing volunteers to assist with event setup, activity station operations, and cleanup. Volunteers will help decorate the park, operate family-friendly activity stations such as Hot Chocolate & Cookies, Photos with Santa, and the Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, and assist with event teardown. This is a great opportunity to raise funds for your organization while helping create one of Downtown Durango’s favorite holiday traditions for thousands of local children and families. 

Volunteer Responsibilities

Morning Event Setup (Approximately 3–4 Hours)

10 volunteers

Volunteers will transform Buckley Park into a festive holiday event space by assisting with the setup and decoration of several activity stations. Responsibilities include:

• Decorating the Hot Chocolate & Cookies Tent
• Setting up the Photos with Santa Station
• Decorating and preparing the Sound Stage
• Setting up the Reindeer Scavenger Hunt Station
• Installing Christmas trees, holiday lights, garland, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations
• Setting up tables, tents, signage, and activity supplies
• Organizing event materials and ensuring each station is ready before guests arrive

This position requires volunteers to work outdoors in Buckley Park in late November. Volunteers should be prepared for cold weather and dress appropriately. The role includes light lifting and carrying of decorations, event supplies, tables, boxes, and other materials throughout the park. Volunteers should be comfortable standing, walking, and working outdoors for several hours as part of a team to prepare the event before guests arrive.

Event Operations

 10 volunteers

During the event, volunteers will help operate several family activity stations, including:

• Serving hot chocolate and cookies
• Assisting guests at the Photos with Santa station
• Operating the Reindeer Scavenger Hunt tent
• Welcoming guests and answering basic questions
• Helping keep activity areas organized, clean, and stocked throughout the event

Event Cleanup

Following the event, volunteers will assist with:

• Breaking down activity stations and decorations
• Packing event supplies
• General site cleanup and restoring Buckley Park

Volunteer Commitment

The total volunteer commitment is approximately 8 hours, divided into two separate time periods:

• Morning Setup: Approximately 3–4 hours before the event
• Event & Cleanup: Approximately 4–5 hours during and immediately following the event

Volunteers may work one or both shifts, provided all volunteer positions are filled.

Ideal Partner

We are looking for an organization that:

• Can recruit and coordinate 20 volunteers (volunteers may serve in one or both shifts).
• Has reliable, enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy interacting with families and children.
• Can provide a volunteer lead who will serve as the primary point of contact before and during the event.
• Has volunteers who are dependable, friendly, and able to work as a team in a fast-paced, outdoor event environment.
• Can provide a volunteer group made up primarily of adults. Responsible middle school and high school students are welcome to participate, but the majority of volunteers must be adults to ensure stations are properly staffed and supervised.
• Is available on Friday, November 27, for the full setup, event, and cleanup schedule.

Compensation

The selected organization will receive a $2,500 donation upon successful completion of the volunteer services.

This partnership is an excellent opportunity to raise funds for your organization while helping create one of Durango’s most cherished holiday traditions. Your volunteers will play an important role in creating a fun, festive, and memorable experience for thousands of local children and families.

Additional Benefits

Community Recognition

• Recognition as the official nonprofit volunteer partner for the 2026 Singing with Santa event.
• A public thank-you announcement from the event stage recognizing your organization's support and volunteer efforts. The event usually draws approximately 1,500 people in attendance.
• Website acknowledgment on the Singing with Santa event website and promotional materials, where applicable.
• Recognition on the Downtown Durango Business Improvement District's social media channels before and/or after the event.

Community Outreach Opportunity

The selected organization may host an informational booth at the event to share information about its mission, programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts with attendees.

Please note:

• The organization is responsible for providing its own tent (if desired), table, chairs, and informational materials.
• The booth must be staffed by separate volunteers and may not be staffed by volunteers assigned to event operations. Volunteers working event stations are expected to remain focused on their assigned responsibilities throughout the event.

Community Impact

Singing with Santa is one of Downtown Durango's most anticipated holiday traditions, welcoming thousands of families to Buckley Park each year. This partnership provides an opportunity to:

• Increase awareness of your organization's mission.
• Connect with community members and potential volunteers.
• Showcase your organization's commitment to serving the Durango community.
• Raise unrestricted funds through the $2,500 partnership donation while supporting a beloved holiday tradition.

About the event

Singing with Santa is a beloved Durango holiday tradition that has brought our community together for nearly 40 years. While the event has evolved and taken different forms throughout the years, its purpose has remained the same: to gather our community to celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Each year, approximately 1,500 community members gather at Buckley Park in Downtown Durango for an evening filled with holiday cheer and festive activities. The celebration includes the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree, singing Christmas carols, free hot chocolate and cookies, and photos with Santa.

Best of all, all activities are completely free, making Singing with Santa a welcoming and accessible holiday celebration for families and community members of all ages.

More than just a holiday event, Singing with Santa is a celebration of community, tradition, and togetherness. It provides an opportunity for neighbors, families, and friends to come together, create special holiday memories, and continue a Durango tradition that has been enjoyed for generations.

Application Timeline 

Date	Milestone
Applications Open	August 10
Application Deadline	September 21
Selected Nonprofit Notified	September 25
Volunteer Roster Due	Approximately 2 weeks before the event
Volunteer Orientation	Week of the event (TBA)
Volunteer Reminder Emails by the organization Coordinator	Week of the event
Singing with Santa Event	Friday, November 27

 

Please complete the following application for consideration. Click HERE to apply

If you have questions, please contact Tanya Clegg at tanyac@downtowndurango.org