December in Durango: Tis the Season

December in Durango: Tis the Season

Peppermint hot chocolate. Twinkly lights. Pine-scented candles. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and Durango knows how to deliver the best in holiday shopping, merry train rides, and all sorts of family-friendly soirees and locally-grown traditions.

From the world-famous Polar Express to SantaCon at Carver Brewing Company, peruse the following festivities and start marking up that calendar.  

SHOP TILL YOU DROP 

Winter Solstice Invitational Artisan's Market: Durango Arts Center; Begins Friday, November 25, 2016, at 10am, and closes Friday, December 23, 2016, at 5pm. Open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. Forget online shopping this year; opt instead to buy local at this holiday co-op of carefully-crafted gifts. Explore a cornucopia of jewelry, ceramics, metal, textiles, glass, wood, note cards, ornaments, calendars, photography, paintings, drawings and more.  Choose from designs brought to you by 44 local artisans and keep your dollars in the community!

Noel Night: Friday, December 2, 2016, 10am to 9pm. Local First invites you to Downtown Durango's annual Christmas party and biggest holiday shopping night! Nearly 100 merchants open their doors to you and yours as a way to say thank you for supporting the many shops, galleries, cafes and venues of historic downtown Durango. Discounts, raffles, holiday refreshments, parties and more make Durangoans merry and bright as they stroll this festive scene. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day and night! Free metered parking begins after 5pm and the trolley runs till 10pm.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair: La Plata County Fairgrounds; Friday, December 2, 2016, till Sunday, December 4, 2016; Dec. 2: 2pm to 5pm; Dec. 3: 9am to 4pm; Dec. 4: 10am to 2pm. Come discover unique gifts and holiday inspiration from around the region at the 42nd Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. You never know what you'll find!

Old Fashioned Christmas Bazaar: Animas Museum (3065 West Second Ave); Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9am to 3pm. Step back in time at the Animas Museum and shop handmade crafts and wares amongst relics of Durango's storied past and cast of colorful characters. Admission is free.

Senior Center Arts & Crafts Bazaar: Durango/La Plata Senior Center (2424 Main Ave); Saturday, December 3, 2016, 9am to 2pm. For information, call Greta at 970.382.6428.

St. Columba Annual Christmas Bazaar: St. Columba School Gym (1801 E 3rd Ave); Saturday, December 3, 2016, 8am to 3pm. Come enjoy vendors of all sorts for some great gift ideas, from food to wreaths, jewelry to scarves, and more! Call 970.247.0044 for more info.

St. Mark's Annual Community Christmas Bazaar: 910 East Third Ave. Saturday, December 3, 2016, 8:30am to 3:30pm. Come hungry; leave happy! The morning kicks off with steamy cinnamon buns, homemade quiche and hot coffee. Lunch-seekers, fear not, for a bounty of lunch fare and homemade pies will also be on sale. Fill your belly as you fill your bags with all sorts of distinctive handmade gifts, like quilts, paintings, greeting cards, jewelry, novelties, knitted hats, gloves and scarves, Christmas decorations and more.

The Bizarre Bazaar: Studio & (1027 Main Ave); Friday, December 9, 2016, 5pm. If you've  never been to this bizarre Durango tradition, do not miss this year's most excellent shopping opportunity. A cross between a holiday bazaar and a Turkish bazaar, Studio & features 25 local artists selling their creations. Purchase unique holiday gifts right from the hands that made them!

Holiday Farmers Market: La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall; Saturday, December 10, 2016, 9am to 2pm. Peruse quality handmade holiday gifts brought to you by returning and new local artisans. Fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, and more from local farmers will also be available. Live music and scrumptious hot food and drinks fill in the spaces between shopping and mingling.

Project Merry Christmas: Northpoint Mall (1315 Main Ave). While you're shopping for friends and family, consider joining this wonderful community tradition that includes adopting a family through the Angel Tree and gift-wrapping booth until December 24, 2016. This all-volunteer organization assists the needy, senior and handicapped persons of La Plata County in having a very merry Christmas with the generosity of fellow community members. Donate blankets, new jackets, food, clothing, non-perishable food and cash during the month of December. For drop-off locations and more information, please click here.  

SPIKED HOT CHOCOLATE 

Noel Night with the PG Band at El Rancho Tavern: Friday, December 2, 2016, 6pm to 10pm. Grab something boozy and get your holidazzle on with the Pete Giuliani Band at this downtown tradition during Noel Night. Cheers!  

2nd Annual SantaCon at Carver Brewing Company: Sunday, December 4, 2016, 4:30pm to 6pm. Dress like Santa (or at least wear something red) and gather at Carver Brewing. Beginning at 4:30, drop off your donated canned goods, grab a beer, and give the costume contest a go before hitting the streets for a pub crawl like no other. On the route this year are Steamworks Brewing Company, Balcony Bar & Grill, Derailed Pour House, and, of course, El Rancho. For basic details about SantaCon around the world, visit www.santacon.info.  

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN! 

Santa Cookie Plate Workshop: The Clay Room (2053 Main Ave); Fridays, December 2, 9, & 16, 2016, 10am to 4pm. Create the plate Santa deserves at this one-day, walk-in workshop. No studio fee required; plates are $25. Pottery is fired on Monday and ready by Wednesday, so your little ones are all set for the Big Day. For more info, call 970.426.9685.

Breakfast with Santa: McDonalds; Saturday, December 10, 2016, 8am to 10am. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Santa arriving in a...helicopter?! Settle in for $1 hot cakes or bring a canned good for $.79 hot cakes and dine with the jolly man himself. There will also be a blanket drive for the shelter.

Santa Sleigh: Rapp Corral (51 Haviland Lake Road); Sunday, December 18 through 23, 2016, 2pm & 4pm. Hot chocolate, s'mores, elves, sleighs pulled by horses, and - you guessed it - Santa Claus!! Take a magical sleigh ride to find some lost elves before Santa arrives in his own sleigh with gifts...not just any gifts; a gift that you've snuck to us earlier specifically for your child. That look of surprise will be enough to last the rest of the holiday season. Call Anne Rapp at 970.247.8454 for info and reservations.

Kids 3-Day Arts and Crafts Holiday Workshop: The Clay Room; Wednesday to Friday, December 21 to 23, 2016, 11am to 12:30pm. Get your holiday shopping done or go home and take a nap while the kids create to their hearts content at this winter-themed arts and crafts session. Call 970.426.9685 to book spots. Minimum age 5. 

ALL ABOARD!  

The Polar Express: D&SNGR;  November 19, 2016 ,till January 3, 2017. Don your PJ's, bundle up your little ones, and get ready to roll from Durango to the North Pole. Based on the award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg and adapted to the big screen in 2003, the story of a child's Christmas Eve journey comes alive onboard The Polar Express. Enjoy a reading of the book while sipping hot cocoa. Pickup Santa and his elf at the North Pole; they've got a special gift for each child on the train! All ages welcome for this holiday tradition. Coach, deluxe, and first class cars are available (all are heated). Please allow 2.5 hours for the full adventure, arriving at the station 30 minutes before departure. Upon return to the station, checkout the live reindeer at the museum or get professional photos with Santa. Tickets are $22 to $78. For groups of 20 or more, call 970.259.3372. If booking for fewer than 20, call 888.872.4607. Seats sell fast!

Christmas Tree Train: D&SNGR; Saturdays & Sundays, November 26 & 27; December 3, 4, 10, & 11, 2016. Ever wanted to cut your own Christmas tree? Do the San Juan National Forest a favor and help reduce hazardous fuels and wildlife danger by cutting small white fir trees (up to 20' tall) growing in the understory. Purchase National Forest Christmas tree permits onboard from the San Juan Mountains Association for $8. Hand saws will be provided, and hot beverages will be available for purchase. To reserve your seat, call 888.872.4607 or visit the Cascade Canyon Train Excursion page for departure times and fares. Dress warmly!!  

THE BALLET & BEYOND 

Merely Players - "A Christmas Carol": FLC Theatre Department, Room 102; Fridays & Saturdays, December 2, 3, 16, & 17, 2016, at 7pm, and Saturdays & Sundays, December 3, 4, 17, & 18, 2016, at 1pm. Merely Players and 20 Moons Dance Theatre bring you Charles Dickens' beloved classic like you've never experienced it before. Get the whole family into the holiday spirit, "and try to keep it all the year." Tickets start at $25. Call 970.247.7657 or visit http://durangoconcerts.com for tickets. 

"Between" Ski Movie: Durango Arts Center; Saturday, December 3, 2016, two showings: 5pm & 8:30pm. Holidays also mean ski season for many, so keep praying for snow as you follow the Shades of Winter crew on their journey around the globe. Co-produced by Red Bull Media House and Austrian pro skier/filmmaker Sandra Lahnsteiner. Tickets $16 online in advance/ $20 at the door. All tickets include one drawing ticket for an epic raffle and free snacks at the show! A portion of the proceeds are donated to Friends of the San Juans' scholarship fund.

Durango Choral Society presents A Traditional Family Christmas: FLC Community Concert Hall; Sunday, December 4, 2016, 3pm. Enjoy performances from all four DCS choirs take the stage, from jazz combo's swingin' beat to classic Christmas carols. Santa will be around for pictures with the kids. Tickets: $5 to $20.  Call Dawn Spaeder at 970.799.4826 for more info.

Durango Choral Society presents A Ceremony of Carols: St. Mark's Episcopal Church (310 E 9th Ave); Friday, December 9, 2016, 7pm. Featuring the Durango Women's Choir with guest harpist Anne Elsfeller performing Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols and other works for treble voices and harp. Tickets $5 to $20. Call 970.799.4826 for more info.

"Nutcracker": FLC Community Concert Hall; Friday, December 9, 2016, 7:30pm, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday, December 11, 7:30pm. The State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara presents "Nutcracker" featuring the San Juan Symphony. Enjoy watching sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers dance your heart away at this magical holiday ballet and Tchaikovsky masterpiece. Tickets: $26-$42.

"Elf The Musical, Jr.": Durango Arts Center; Fridays & Saturdays, December 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 2016; shows at 7pm all days; 1pm shows on Dec. 10 & 17. Featuring over 50 kids from the community and the loveable character, Buddy, this year's holiday production at the DAC is guaranteed to bring smiles and good cheer. Based on the film written by David Berenbaum, enjoy the DAC's twist on this spunky tale of an orphan boy who accidentally crawls into Santa's bag. Come to the show to see what happens next! DAC members and ages 12 & under: $12/General admission: $15. Purchase tickets at www.durangoarts.org or call 970.259.2606. 

The Blind Boys of Alabama Talkin' Christmas! Show: FLC Community Concert Hall; Thursday, December 15, 2016, 7:30pm. Bring the family or make it a group thang and get ready for a roof-raising gospel show with a Christmas twist. The Blind Boys of Alabama bring their legendary sound and innovative touch to the best holiday tunes for this one-night-only soiree. Tickets $35 to $46. Call 970.247.7657 to reserve seats.

The Majesty of Christmas: St. Mark's Episcopal Church; Friday, December 16, 2016, 7pm to 8:30pm. No Santa, Frosty or Rudolph at this festive gala - just beautiful Christmas music performed by some of your favorite local and regional musicians. Call Scott at 970.903.8854 for info.

Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee: FLC Community Concert Hall; Saturday, December 17, 2016, 7:30pm. Join Durango's most-beloved cowboy crooners for their traditional cowboy Christmas show. Cowboy poetry, Western music, and good ole fashioned humor for the whole family await. Tickets $15 to $28. Call 970.24.7657 for more info.

2nd Annual Celtic Christmas Concert: Henry Srater Theatre; Thursday, December 8, 2016, 7pm; Sunday, December 18, 2016. To find out about dinner and show packages, please visit www.henrystratertheatre.com.

NOT-SO-FAR-OUT-OF-TOWN

Nonprofit La Plata County Independent Youth Performing Arts' Annual Frosty's Holiday Craft Fair & Farmers Market: Bayfield High School Main Gym; Saturday, December 10, 2016, 9am to 3pm. From Frosty's & Friends Fun Run at noon to Frosty's Fun Zone from 11am to 2pm, bring the kiddos, wear your favorite holiday costume and even celebrate Frosty's birthday at this LPCIYPA fundraising event. Door prizes, a silent auction, a tweenager team scavenger hunt (ages 10 to 14), a craft fair and bake sale are just a few of the highlights of this most festive fundraiser. Admission is free.  970.903.4294 for more info.

Christmas in Vallecito: Giving Tree: Vallecito Lake Chamber of Commerce; Monday, November 21, 2016, through Tuesday, December 20, 2016. Call 970.884.0844 for more information.