Best bets this weekend include burning off Thanksgiving calories at the Black Friday Zumbathon and singing with Santa while watching the downtown Christmas tree-lighting ceremony on Friday night.
The Black Friday Zumbathon takes place at 2 p.m. Friday at Dance in the Rockies and benefits the Durango Food Bank and Annie’s Orphans.
The event is free, and participants are encouraged to bring in a shelf-stable food donation for the Durango Food Bank or pet food or supplies for Annie’s Orphans, a no-kill shelter in Durango.
Three Durango Zumba instructors will lead the 2-hour class that caters to teens and adults at any level of fitness or dance experience.
Instructors Karla Sluis, Sara Illsley and Donna Middleton will take turns leading songs. Family members in town are encouraged to attend. No reservations are required, and participants are asked to bring a bottle of water and wear comfortable gym clothes and supportive shoes.
Dance in the Rockies is located southwest of Walmart at 1162 Dominquez Drive.
Head out to sing Christmas carols with Santa and watch the annual tree-lighting in downtown Durango Friday night. Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. at the train depot and heads down Main Avenue to Buckley Park, where there will a countdown to the lighting of the tree.
There will be free hot chocolate and cookies while supplies last and free photos with Santa. Attendees should bring their own camera.
Winter Solstice Invitational Artisans’ Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave. The market welcomes local artists and craftspeople to sell goods for a four-week period. The market will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information visit bit.ly/2OU37qI.
Smiley Cafe Open Mic, 5:30 p.m., Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave. in Durango. A family-friendly open mic night with pizza and drinks. The event is located in the old Smiley junior high building. People wanting spots to perform should text 403-5572 on Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Christmas Tree Train, departure at 9:45 a.m., train depot, 479 Main Ave. Buy a tree-cutting permit for $8 and ride the Cascade Canyon Train to cut down a Christmas tree. The trees are loaded into a separate boxcar to head back to Durango. Reservations are required by calling (888) 872-4607. More information at bit.ly/2Qe3tNI.
Shop Local Durango, all-day event, Durango Welcome Center, 802 Main Ave. See the display promoting local shopping venues.
26th Annual Toy Run, 10 a.m., Durango Harley-Davidson, 750 S. Camino del Rio. The event begins at the Harley-Davidson store with coffee and donuts, and at 11 a.m., proceeds down Main Avenue to the VFW Hall at 1550 Main Ave. A party at the VFW takes place at noon and features a DJ, silent and live auction, raffle, chili lunch and giveaways. Admission is $10 or a toy in its packaging.
The Polar Express Train Ride, departure times at 5:15 p.m. and 6:50 p.m., train depot, 479 Main Ave. Tickets available online at bit.ly/2DDCOTU.
