Durango offers some festive and fun events over the winter months.
Also check out these special events for the holiday season:
Holiday Station - Guide to Holiday Events In Durango →
Singing with Santa
Kick off the holidays with this annual holiday event. Meet Santa and sing Christmas carols down Main Avenue to Buckley Park. At the park we will count down the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Free hot chocolate and cookies are available. Plus, a free photo with Santa! Bring your own camera!
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.
Noel Night
Each December Local First presents Noel Night, a family friendly event offering special offers at local merchants, entertainment, holiday treats and more. It’s a downtown holiday Christmas party that brings our community together. Full listing of events and special offers is available in the Durango Herald leading up to the event.
Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee
Durango’s Much loved cowboy musicians visit the community Concert Hall for their traditional cowboy Christmas show. There 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. Click the button below for more information and tickets.
Nutcracker Ballet
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
Christmas shop at the Holiday Farmers 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!
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 today! Tickets are available from November 18, 2022 to January 1, 2023
Snowdown
Snowdown is Durango’s winter carnival that is a jammed packed week of fun events. For over 40 years Durango has enjoyed the fun celebration of Snowdown that offers host events and themed costumes. This 5-day event offers over 100 events including the annual Parade of Lights down Main Avenue. Other fun events include adult only fashion shows, to winter sporting contests. It’s a epic party that brings some fun and humor and many family friendly events to Downtown Durango.