Get into the spirit of the season and enjoy all the wonderful holiday events Durango has to offer!
Singing With Santa
Kick off the holidays with this annual holiday event, Friday, November 25. Come Join us at Buckley Park as we light our community Christmas Tree, sing Christmas carols and welcome Santa Clause. Free hot chocolate and cookies for all to enjoy. Plus, a free photo with Santa! Bring your own camera! It all starts at 5:30! Proudly Sponsored by TBK Bank.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Enjoy the magical recreation of the classic holiday story of the Polar express aboard a vintage steam train that travels from Durango to the North Pole. During the journey to the North Pole visitors will enjoy the reading of the award-wining book by Chris Van Allsburg. Each rider will receive cookies and hot chocolate as they make their way to the North Pole with a light show set to holiday music. The book comes to life through the chefs, hobos, conductor, Hero Boy, Billy, Santa and all the elves on the historic Steam train. It’s a magical experience for all ages. Do you believe? Book your golden ticket!
Tickets are available from November 18, 2022 to January 1, 2023
Cascade Canyon Winter Train
Departing from the Durango Depot, this excursion takes you up into the Rocky Mountains with incredible views of the San Juan National Forest as you travel alongside the beautiful Animas River while relaxing in heated coaches. Cascade Canyon is a destination like no other and is the perfect setting for a fire-side lunch, photo opportunities or a walk along the Animas River during your 60-minute layover. Spanning 26 miles each way, this 5.25 hour round trip experience is offered on select dates from November 19 through May 5.
Gift Gallery at the Durango Arts Center
It's that time of year when lights twinkle and magic and cheer are in the air. As you prepare for your holiday shopping list, add the Durango Arts Center for places to visit for your your shopping extravaganza. The DAC has a new Gift Gallery will be open from November 22- January 12 and feature a variety of artists. This is great place to find a special unique gift for the one you love. Be sure to stop by on Noel Night to enjoy their hot chocolate bar for both adults and kids to warm you up while you shop. (closed on Thankgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Holiday Family Drive
TBK Bank is partnering with Housing Solutions for the Southwest to Adopt 15 La Plata County Families this holiday season. The event will kick off at Singing with Santa on November 25 where you can learn more about how you can adopt an 'angel' this holiday. Donations and adoptions will continue though December 16. Stop by any TBK Bank in Bayfield or Durango to adopt an 'angel'.
Noel Night
Join friends and neighbors for the 20th anniversary of Noel Night on Friday, December 2. Kick off the Holiday Shopping season with special treats, entertainment, and store specials.
Festival of Trees
A perfect event for the whole family! The Festival of Trees is a free family friendly holiday event. Come tour an enchanted forest of Christmas trees and wreaths decorated by our generous sponsors, bid on creative gifts and festive decorations and vote for your favorite! This event takes place at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum from December 2-4th, from noon to 5pm. Support for this event will help continue Community Connections' mission to help people with disabilities lead healthy and fulfilling lives in Southwest Colorado.
Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival
A unique shopping experience featuring a variety of local vendors selling an array of handmade items from paintings, jellies, Christmas treats, decor, jewelry and more. Find a perfect unique gift! Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 2-4 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
St. Mark's Christmas Bazaar
St. Mark's Christmas Bazaar is taking place on Saturday, December 3 from 8:30-3:30pm at St. Marks Episcopal Church. The Bazaar will feature a variety of local artists selling handmade goods including hand knit items, jewelry, paintings, pottery, home decor and more. You will be amazed at the wide variety of items available and are sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Wreath and Centerpiece Workshop
December 7 from 5:30-7:00pm
Get into the holiday spirit and join us in creating wreaths and holiday centerpieces in this fun hands-on workshop. Food will be provided. The event will be outside under the heaters at Lola's Place.
Glass Ornament Winter Landscapes Painting
December 9 at 6pm
Join us for a relaxing evening of art and learn the process of completing a painted ornament of the holiday scene of your choice. Beginners are welcome. All supplies will be provided.
Parade of Gingerbread Homes
December 9 from 5pm-7pm
Stop by the Animas Chocolate & Coffee Co. for a festive evening and view all the gingerbread home entries. Vote for your favorite and see who the winners are in each category. Plus enjoy a free glass of sparkling wine or free hot chocolate on us.
State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara's "Nutcracker"
December 9-11
The holiday wouldn't be complete with out "The Nutcracker". The State Street ballet of Santa Barbara and Durango's own San Juan Symphony create the magical story that is a holiday favorite for all ages. Guests will enjoy the backdrops of glittering snowflakes, waltzing flowers, Sugar Plum Fairy and all the enchanting castle of characters. A traditional holiday event you won't want to miss!
Holiday Farmer's Market
December 10 from 9am-2pm
Christmas shop at the Holiday Farmer's Market, Saturday, December 10 from 9-2pm. The market is located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds inside the Exhibit Hall. The event offers a wide variety of artisans and local farmers. You'll find a variety of handmade holiday gift items as well fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses and more! This is a great way to pick up holiday gifts for everyone on your list!
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa
December 14 from 3pm-5pm
Santa and his crew are visiting TBK Bank! Bring the family for crafts, letters to Santa, caroling with Durango Choirs, cookies, cocoa and pictures with Santa. This is a free event.
Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee
December 15 at 7:30pm
Durango's Much loved cowboy musicians visit the community Concert Hall for their traditional cowboy Christmas show. Their performance brings the traditional loved Christmas tunes with a cowboy twist and some fantastic humor. This is a fun-loving show for the whole family that brings you back to the true meaning of the holidays. Check the Community Concert Hall's Website for more information and tickets.
The Majesty of Christmas
December 16 at 7pm
3rd Avenue Arts Presents the sounds of the season performed by some of your favorite regional musicians.
Pet Paws & Santa Clause
December 17 from 1pm-4pm
Bring your pet to the Arts center for some quality clay creations. Together you and your furry friend will create clay Pet Paw Ornament or medallion! When you are finished, you can have your pet's photo taken with DAC's very own St. Nick!
The Sound Of Music Sing-A-Long
December 17 at 7:30pm
This is your chance to sing-a-long to the must successful movie musical of all times. Join us for one of the funniest, must liberating nights you will have in a long time.
Songs For Christmas
December 18 from 2pm to 4pm
Enjoy your favorite Christmas songs with the the trio of Drea Pressley, Linda Mack and Andreas Tischhauser. Sing along to some of your favorites and enjoy some favorite Christmas stories. Refreshments of tea and cookies will be provided.
Santa & Mrs. Clause Visit The Mountain
December 22 from 2pm-3:30pm
Bring your little ones to see Santa & Mrs. Clause at Purgatory Resort. They will be at the beach area from 2 to 3:30pm for kids to put in their last minute requests before the big night
New Year's Eve Celebration Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display
December 31 at 6pm
Come out for a festive night at Purgatory Resort! Come watch ski instructors and mountain patrollers put on a light show as they ski down the slopes with bright tourches and then stay for a fantasitc fireworks display over the snow covered mountain. This is a great family friendly event and a fun way to kick off the new year!