This post is about the best things to do during Christmas in Durango, Colorado.
Any time of the year is a great time to visit the quaint rocky mountain town of Durango, Colorado. The holiday season is no exception and may even be the best time!
There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than a family trip to a real life Christmas story book town. Durango is a fantastic place full of special events, holiday treats, Christmas cheer, and magical things to do for the whole family. This little mountain town is sure to capture your heart this festive season.
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Accommodation Recommendations
Budget Option
Durango Lodge
The Durango Lodge is a mountain lodge centrally located in Durango. They offer free breakfast, free wifi, a pool, pet-friendly rooms, and free parking. This motel is a great option for those on a budget not looking for an excessive luxury stay.
Click here to book.
Luxury Option
DoubleTree by Hilton Durango
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Durango has everything you could need for your stay in Colorado. There is a pool, restaurant, bar, free wifi, free parking, a gym, pet-friendly rooms, and electric vehicle charging points. If you’re looking for a hotel with more amenities, this is your best bet in Durango during the winter season.
Click here to book.
Christmas in Durango, Colorado
Take A Ski Trip
Luckily, Durango tends to turn into a winter wonderland during the winter months. This gives plenty of opportunity for skiing! No matter your experience level, there is a place for you to ski in Durango. You don’t even need to bring your own equipment!
There are plenty of places to choose from for your ski experience, we recommend the Purgatory Resort, Hesperus Ski Area, Wolf Creek Ski Area, or Silverton Mountain. Going skiing is such a fun way to spend a day on your Durango Christmas vacation.
Holiday Farmer’s Market
The Holiday Farmer’s Market is a great way to support local farmers and artists while also finding some awesome gifts for yourself and loved ones. At the market you will find a variety of homemade items from independent businesses as well as fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and more.
The event takes place on Saturday December 14th 2024, 9am – 2pm at La Plata Fairgrounds inside the Exhibit Hall. For more information or to see the local vendors, go to their website here.
For more shopping, check out Noel Night. Noel Night is a community-wide festival celebration typically held on December 1st to kick off the holiday shopping season. There is a variety of participating shops offering special offers, entertainment, live music, and more. For more information on Noel Night, go to this website here.
The Polar Express Train Ride
Experience the Polar Express magic in person on a beautiful train ride. The ride includes an immersive theatrical re-creation for the classic Christmas story. The train departs Durango and heads to the North Pole to pick up the one and only Santa Claus!
There are chefs on board serving hot chocolate and other sweet treats.
The Polar Express Train Ride runs from November 22, 2024 – January 4, 2025 and costs vary according to age and time of season. Check out this website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Cascade Canyon Winter Train
For a terrific opportunity to experience an unforgettable storybook winter getaway, check out the Cascade Canyon Winter Train ride.
The train runs around the beautiful snow-capped mountains of the Rockies in a gorgeous 50+ mile round trip ride, spanning a little over 5 hours long. You get the bang for your buck in this heated coach ride featuring unforgettable views of the San Juan National Forest. There are also concessions available on the train as well as an hour layover giving you the opportunity to explore the Animas River.
For more information and to book tickets, go to this website here.
Singing with Santa
If you have kids, Singing with Santa is a must-do experience! This year, the event takes place on Friday, November 29, 2024.
The main event with Santa begins Friday night in Buckley Park, but the fun starts way before! There are gift card drawings at several different stores and restaurants in historic downtown Durango and Main Street. There is also a scavenger hunt for kids to search for Santa’s reindeer hidden in several different locations downtown. The whole day is sure to get your family into the Christmas spirit!
The day ends in the park with hot chocolate, cookies, caroling, lighting of the community Christmas tree, and of course, Santa!
For more information on this event, check out their website.
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!” – Elf
