Thanksgiving arrives with its familiar mix of gratitude and complexity. For many, it’s warmth and gathering; for others – neighbors still rebuilding after the Vallecito floods, families hit by SNAP cuts, immigrant households facing new fears, and folks across La Plata County staring down health care uncertainty – it’s another reminder of how hard this year has been. Yet when the days shorten and the nights grow cold, our community’s spirit somehow burns brighter, lifting us all as we step into the holiday season together.
The season truly ignites Friday, Nov. 28, with Singing with Santa at Buckley Park. From 5:30–7 p.m., bring the kids for carols, hot cocoa, cookies, a visit from Santa, and the magical countdown to light the 105-foot community Christmas tree – strung with 1,750 lights this year (up from 1,000 last year, for even more sparkle). It’s the perfect spark before the weekend’s Holly Jolly Gift Card Drawing.
Then comes Noel Night on Friday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. – La Plata County’s biggest shopping day and night of the year, hosted by Local First and presented by First Southwest Bank, Ballantine Communications, and The Durango Herald. Grab the official Noel Night guide (10 ways to celebrate, wreath-making, favorite recipes, tree-trimming ideas, spending tips, homemade-gift inspiration, and a full events calendar) in print at the Herald or online at https://tinyurl.com/543bnbnn.
Other highlights include Ladies Night at Kroegers Ace Hardware Dec. 3, SKA Brewing’s Holiday Market Pop-Up Dec. 6, and Community Connections’ Festival of Trees & Wreaths Dec. 5–7 at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and online.
No holiday season here is complete without the 18th-annual Be Local Coupon Book, sponsored by Peak Health Alliance. Local First calls it a “love letter to our community” – dense with member stories you’ll want to settle in and read on cozy evenings. Pick one up on or before Noel Night at Maria’s Bookshop, Ska Brewing, Pine Needle Mountaineering, Durango Natural Foods, and dozens of other member businesses.
Standout coupons include 50% off your first lesson at I AM MUSIC (time to finally learn that instrument), BOGO free at Cream Bean Berry, $1 off a dog patty at Grassburger (they’re out-dogging everyone), $5 off $50 at The Market at James Ranch (Pueblo Seed Co. bread and cookies!), free beer-of-the-month or $2 off a mocktail at Union Social House, free infant oral exam and cleaning at Durango Kids (teach the little ones early not to hate the dentist), $10 off a 10-class pack at Yoga Durango, free first month of Table to Farm Compost, free co-working day at FLC’s Center for Innovation, the legendary Shiny Red Cruiser bike from Arete Mortgage, and many more.
For a quirky, feel-good gift, grab the 2026 Extreme Knitting calendar (Herald, Nov. 21). Durangoan Betsy Fitzpatrick’s joyful creation features knitters – including Pulitzer Prize-winning author Barbara Kingsolver – stitching in Nepal, Canyonlands, Canada, and atop 14,157-foot Mount Sneffels. 100% of net profits go to causes chosen by the models (Higher Ground Women’s Recovery Center, National Parks Foundation, dZi Foundation and San Juan Mountains Association). Find it at Beads & Beyond, Durango Sustainable Goods, Maria’s Bookshop, Meadow Market, Sticks and Stones, and Stitch in Durango, and Southwest Farm to Yarns in Cortez.
Mark Dec. 9 for Southwest Colorado Gives Day – support one of 180+ local nonprofits, including The Durango Herald’s Local Journalism Fund. For direct flood and food-security relief, give to the Southwest Colorado Community Emergency Relief Fund at swcommunityfoundation.org/cerf – a beautiful, lasting gift to make in a loved one’s name.
Floods took homes, cuts took security, fear took peace of mind, and health care feels shakier than ever. Nights are long. But from Buckley Park’s brighter glow to the lights strung across downtown, from coupon-book stories to yarn on mountain peaks, our community spirit lights the night – and reminds us we’re in it together, always.
Happy Thanksgiving, La Plata County, and here’s to a bright, resilient holiday season.
