If Durango had a local calendar, Noel Night hosted by Local First would show up as a holiday. Not really just one night or day, even. This year’s 22nd “Noel Night” runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and features the best of what mostly local independent businesses and artists have to offer.

Take your time and explore up and down Main Avenue and building staircases. Upstairs in The Century Building at 862 Main, you’ll find an Artisan Market from 4 to 9 p.m. showcasing local artists and makers.

Noel Night could be considered the anchor tenant for other equally popular (and new) events.

The 21st annual Festival of Trees, hosted by Community Connections and its new disability support service organization Our Own Lives, is taking place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad museum and online at communityconnectionsco.org/events.

Ska Brewing is hosting a Holiday Market Pop-Up featuring local and handcrafted gifts and local artists from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at 225 Girard St.

The tree in Buckley Park is twinkling, as is locals’ holiday spirit. With too many events to list, please visit https://local-first.org/noelnight/ for more information including the Herald’s special Noel Night publication with event, discount and live performance information.

Have fun, be safe, sign up for the Iron Horse or Quarter Horse at Mountain Bike Specialists, perhaps for the first time, and feel good about supporting your health and that of local businesses, the heart of our community.