Santa’s coming early

You just finished tucking in the turkey, gravy and pies of Thanksgiving. Up next: Christmas. The season of holiday songs, lights, and jolly elves will kick off today when Santa and Mrs. Claus come to Durango for caroling, a parade and the lighting of the holiday tree in Buckley Park, 1200 Main Ave. Singing with Santa, an annual tradition that is being coordinated by the Durango Business Improvement District this year, will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a glow-stick caroling procession (participants can meet at the First National Bank of Durango parking lot, 259 W. Ninth St.). Santa and his missus will arrive at 6 p.m. in a horse-drawn wagon to lead the parade to Buckley for the lighting of the tree. Kids will be able to get photos with Santa until 7:30 p.m. (It’s a bring-your-own-camera event) and cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Visit www.downtowndurango.org for more information.