Community events Dec. 2
Farmington’s Annual Christmas Parade Bundle up on the first Thursday after Thanksgiving for the annual Christmas Parade beginning at 5:30 p.m. in historic downtown Farmington. See festive bells, lights, floats and performances as parade participants celebrate the theme of this year’s event “Ringing in Christmas.” See Santa Claus and experience the lighting of the Civic Center Christmas tree.
Dec. 3 Durango’s Original Noel Nite Kick off the holiday shopping season with Durango’s Original Noel Nite. Over 80 businesses will offer deals and discounts to show gratitude to the public for supporting local businesses year-round. Many downtown retailers will be open later, until about 9 p.m. For a full list of participating businesses, please visit www. downtowndurango.org/noel-nite. Ignacio Taste of Christmas Beginning at 5:30 p.m., enjoy the annual Light Up the Town Parade or tune into 93.1 KSUT for the live broadcast. From 6-8 p.m., participate in the fill your bowl fundraiser, browse the outdoor bazaar or take a carriage ride from the ELHI Community Center. Meanwhile, the library will have activities for kids, such as writing letters to Santa and a gingerbread man contest, as well as photos with Santa from 7-8 p.m. For more details, see www.theelhiignacio.org/christmas. Riverglo The River Reach foundation lights the pathway of the River Walk trails along the Animas River at Berg Park with luminarias for this annual tradition. Enjoy festive music, purchase popcorn and hot chocolate and visit with Santa Claus and The Grinch at the free, family-friendly event from 6-8 p.m. Rudolph Run & Community Tree Lighting Dress up for the 1-mile fun run and 5K in downtown Mancos sponsored by Colorado Ranch and Home Realty. The race begins at 5 p.m.
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and donations go to The Mancos Giving Tree to help families in need. After the run, stick around Pioneer Park for the community tree lighting around 6 p.m. Holiday Concert The music department at Fort Lewis College presents an evening of musical entertainment for guests beginning at 7 p.m. at The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The performance is free for students with valid College ID, and tickets for residents are available for $10. For more information, go to www. durangoconcerts.com.
Dec. 3-5 Annual Zero Waste Holiday Pop-up Live Creative Studio presents unique gifts from local, sustainable artists, bakers and businesses. Shop zero-waste, fair trade items for friends and family this season at the Smiley Building 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Featured businesses include WeFill, Cura. Te, Table to Farm Compost, Inner Joy Energy Bars, ROLL, Passion Flower Beauty, MAKA, Osadha Natural Health, Chandler Strange, Bella the Bear, Betty Blue Bird Homemade and more. Festival of Trees The 18th annual Festival of Trees hosted by the nonprofit Community Connections is a fun and free family tradition. Tour the enchanted forest of decorated trees at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Grange Hall noon to 5 p.m., Dec. 3-5. This year will feature opportunities to participate both online and in-person. More information is available online at www. communityconnectionsco.org.
Dec. 4 Dolores Christmas Bazaar More than 50 vendors from the region, including Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Farmington, Dove Creek, Mancos, Cortez and Dolores, will offer visitors all kinds of arts, crafts, gifts and goodies at the Dolores Community Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dec. 4-5 The Treehouse Holiday Bazaar Shop local for those on your holiday gift-giving list at this magical holiday market hosted by The Community Treehouse. The market is open Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 1-5 p.m. The event will feature delicious food and beverages, dozens of local vendors, live music, a silent auction, photo booth and more. Proceeds from vendor fees and the silent auction will benefit the host for community programs.
Dec. 5 Holiday Joy! Ho Ho Ho! Durango Choral Society hosts a very special seasonal concert in an intimate setting to celebrate the holidays. Soloists and special guests will perform alongside DCS and Durango Women’s Choir. Find more information and purchase tickets online at www.durangochoralsociety.org.
Dec. 10-12 “The Nutcracker” Catch this year’s performance of “The Nutcracker” presented by State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara’s “Nutcracker” featuring Durango’s San Juan Symphony. There are four showtimes scheduled. Tickets cost between $26-$49, and are available online at www.durangoconcerts.com.
Dec. 11 Holiday Farmers Market The Durango Farmers Market hosts its annual Holiday Market from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at La Plata County Fairgrounds. Regional artisans and vendors bring an assortment of high-quality, handmade items as well as fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses and homemade goods. Smiley Holiday Bazaar Visit the Smiley Building on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to browse products that make perfect gifts. The Smiley Cafe will also be open to keep guests charged for holiday shopping.
