Durango offers some festive and fun events over the winter months.
Hesperus Ski Patrol Ski Swap
November 8, 2025, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds
The 62nd Annual Ski Swap will take place on Saturday November 8 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. This event offers new and used ski/snowboard equipment for sale at excellent prices. In addition to regular vendors, locals will have their equipment for sale as well. Swap proceeds are used for community group donations, patrol medical supplies, patrol equipment, patroller training, facility maintenance and upgrades and patrol uniforms.
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! Save the date for November 28, 2025
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 2.
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. Noel Night 2025 is on Friday, December 5.
Festival of Trees
The 22nd Annual Festival of Trees takes place December 5-7, 2025, at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Downtown Durango. This is an annual event that benefits Community Connections. This is a great holiday tradition for families to visit the enchanted forest of trees and get into the spirit of Christmas.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival
December 5-7, 2025
The Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival, now in its 51st year, showcases local artists. It occurs over three days at the La Plata County Fairgrounds on the first weekend of December. This is an excellent opportunity to shop for unique gifts from various local artists. The event features paintings, sculptures, jewelry, textiles, and more.
Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee
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. Click the button below for more information and tickets.
Nutcracker Ballet
The holiday wouldn’t be complete without “The Nutcracker.” The State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara and Durango’s own San Juan Symphony create a 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 castles of characters. A traditional holiday event you won’t want to miss! Dates for 2025: December 12, 13 and 14.
Holiday Farmer’s Market
Shop for Christmas gifts at the Holiday Farmers Market on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 9 to 2 p.m. The market is located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds inside the Exhibit Hall. It offers a wide variety of artisans and local farmers. You’ll find a variety of handmade holiday gift items, as well as 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-winning 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 21 - January 3, 2026
Snowdown
Snowdown is Durango’s winter carnival, a jam-packed week of fun events. For over 40 years, Durango has enjoyed the fun celebration of Snowdown, which offers host events and themed costumes. This five-day event offers over 100 events, including the annual Parade of Lights down Main Avenue. Other fun events include adult-only fashion shows and winter sporting contests. It’s an epic party that brings fun, humor, and many family-friendly events to Downtown Durango. January 23- February 1, 2026.