How to Make the Most of Noel Night in Durango: A Local’s Guide

Noel Night in Durango is one of the most anticipated holiday events of the year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season while supporting local businesses and the local circular economy. On Friday, December 5, 2025, Downtown Durango will come alive with holiday cheer, late-night shopping, festive activities, and much more! Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, this guide will help you navigate all the exciting things happening at Noel Night.

What is Noel Night in Durango?

Noel Night is an annual holiday tradition in Downtown Durango hosted by Local First and presented by First Southwest Bank, where local businesses stay open late to offer exclusive deals, holiday promotions, and unique gifts. The streets come alive with lights, music, and holiday festivities, creating a magical atmosphere for the whole family. It’s the perfect way to shop locally, experience the warmth of the season, and discover the charm of Durango’s historic downtown shopping district (see map here).

Event Details

Date
Friday, December 5, 2025

Time
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (note times vary by business)

Location: Downtown Durango
Main Avenue, 2nd Avenue, and surrounding streets including the Smiley Building at 1309 E 3rd Avenue

Cost
Free to attend! (Some activities or purchases may require payment.)

Parking
Parking is available throughout Downtown Durango. Street parking is free after 6pm. Look for free parking after 5pm at marked City of Durango lots on 2nd Avenue and at the Durango Transit Center (see map here). The Durango Trolley is also a great option for easy access to the event.

Local First at Noel Night

As part of Noel Night, Local First will be hosting several exciting activities and features that celebrate the spirit of supporting local businesses in Durango:

Local First Makers Markets

The Makers Markets at Noel Night will feature handcrafted goods from local artisans. Shop for unique gifts, from jewelry and artwork to home decor and holiday ornaments, all made by talented Durango makers. When you shop local, you’re supporting small businesses and helping build a stronger community.

Locations and Makers

  • Primi Pasta & Wine Bar (1201 Main Avenue): Gambel Oak Design, Munch Munch Bakery, Planet Claire Art, and Suzie Cricket.
  • Sun Sapphires (640 Main Avenue, Suite 201): Girl Scout Troop 26242

Local Sips Station

Swing by any of the five participating local businesses to enjoy a festive drink and support Local First! Each pop-up is hosted inside a downtown shop, and every drink comes with a reusable commemorative mug. Drink donations directly support Local First, and several locations will also offer live music, discounts, and special deals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Noel Night

1. Is Noel Night Free to Attend?
Yes! Noel Night is free to attend. Enjoy strolling through downtown, browsing local stores, eating in local restaurants, and taking in the festive atmosphere. Some activities or purchases (like food, drinks, or special gifts) may have an associated cost, but the event itself is open to all.

2. How Should I Dress for Noel Night?
Since Noel Night takes place in December, be sure to dress warmly! It’s a winter celebration, so we recommend layering up to stay cozy as you explore Durango’s downtown. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and boots for the chilly evening weather.

3. Is Noel Night Family-Friendly?
Absolutely! Noel Night is fun for all ages. There will be kid-friendly activities like marshmallow roasting, live music, and plenty of opportunities for family photos with Santa and in front of the beautiful holiday lights and decorations. It’s a great way to create lasting holiday memories.

4. What About Parking?
There is ample parking available in Downtown Durango (see map here). You’ll find free parking after 5pm in marked City of Durango lots on 2nd Avenue and at the Durango Transit Center, as well as street parking (free after 6pm) near the event. Consider taking the Durango Trolley to make getting to and from the event even easier. ADA-accessible parking spaces are located throughout downtown (see map here).

5. How Can I Reduce Waste at Noel Night?
Bring your own reusable cup or stop by a Local First Sips Station for a reusable cup. Please dispose of waste responsibly!

Want to Know More?

Pick up a Durango Herald newspaper with the Noel Night publication copies will be available in many local businesses and at Love Local Tables. You can also visit Local First’s Noel Night webpage for details or check out the Noel Night publications digitally below.

Noel Night Events

Celebrate the magic of the season with Local First’s Noel Night events! From festive shopping and local business specials to live entertainment and community activities, Noel Night brings Durango together for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Why Support Local at Noel Night?

When you shop and eat at Noel Night in Downtown Durango, you’re doing more than just buying gifts and dining out. You’re supporting the local circular economy, helping small businesses thrive, and making a positive impact on preserving the unique character of the community. Local First is proud to host this event, encouraging people to shop and eat local and invest in the small businesses that make Durango special. Every purchase you make at Noel Night helps keep the spirit of localism alive, both during the holidays and throughout the year.

Noel Night Supporters

A big thank you to all of our incredible sponsors for making Noel Night such a special event! Your generous support helps bring our community together, celebrate the season, and support local businesses. We are truly grateful for your contributions and couldn’t have done it without you.

Shining Star Sponsor:
First Southwest Bank

Twinkling Lights Sponsors:
American Heritage Railways DSNGRR

Event Sponsors

Ballatine Communications
Durango Business Improvement District
Visit Durango/City of Durango

Snowfall Sponsors:
Mercy Hospital / Common Spirit
Purgatory Resort

Good Cheer Sponsors:
Bank of Colorado
Durango Sustainable Goods
Tafoya Barrett
Desert Sun Coffee + Cafe Amor

Festive Friends:
11th Street Station
April’s Garden
Arete Mortgage
Ascendera
Durango Chamber of Commerce
Durango Flight Tours
Grassburger
Graze Colorado

Legacy Financial Advisors
Priority Financial Advisors
Wild New Way

Sustainability Sponsors:
Durango Sustainable Goods
Honey House Distillery
Revival Goods
Ska Brewing Company

Holiday Helpers (In-Kind Contributions):
Animas Trading Company
Artesanos Design
Blues Mtn & Soul
Carver’s Brewing Co.
Durango Chamber of Commerce
Durango Magazine
Hutton Broadcasting
Lively (A Boutique)

Local News Network
Primi Pasta & Wine Bar

Steamworks Brewing Company

Sun Sapphires
Thrive Artisan Boutique

Wagon Wheel Liquors

More About Our Sponsors