Noel Night returns on Friday, inviting Durango to bundle up, stroll downtown and enjoy a beloved holiday tradition. Hosted by Local First and presented by First Southwest Bank, this townwide celebration brings together local shops, artists, makers, restaurants and nonprofits for an evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting our local economy.
What began more than two decades ago as a grassroots effort to boost local businesses during the holiday season has grown into a festive event filled with extended shopping hours, special discounts, live music, food and drink pop-ups and family-friendly activities. This year, more than 50 local businesses and nonprofits are expected to participate.
The lineup this year is especially exciting. Maker markets will pop up throughout downtown with handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind gifts at places such as The ArtRoom Collective, The Century Building, the Main Mall, Primi Pasta & Wine Bar, Sun Sapphires, and more. Many shops will also be offering sweet treats to nibble as you explore, while others will host sip-and-shop experiences, including April’s Garden, Artesanos Design Collection, Blues, Mtn & Soul, Lively (A Boutique), and Thrive Artisan Boutique.
Visitors can look forward to storewide sales and one-night-only deals, live music and entertainment, seasonal food and drink specials, art openings and creative pop-ups, as well as family-friendly activities like crafts, cocoa and photos with Santa.
A complete list of events, participating businesses, and special happenings can be found in the Noel Night insert included in The Durango Herald. Community members can also explore the schedule at local-first.org/noelnight.
As holiday spending ramps up, Noel Night serves as an important reminder of the impact shopping locally makes. When residents choose locally owned businesses, more of every dollar stays in La Plata County, supporting local jobs, strengthening entrepreneurship and keeping Durango’s economy resilient. Local retailers recirculate up to three times more money back into the community than national chains. That means every holiday purchase made on Noel Night supports the unique character of our business community, generates vital tax revenue and helps ensure money stays in the region, benefiting friends, neighbors and local families.
As Local First continues to organize this beloved tradition, the nonprofit is inviting the community to help sustain the event for years to come. Those who love Noel Night, value local businesses or simply want to support a strong local economy can make a tax-deductible donation to the Local First Foundation. Contributions help cover event production, small-business support services and local economic initiatives that benefit the entire region. To give, visit www.coloradogives.org/donate/Local-First-Foundation.
Noel Night is made possible through partnerships with the Durango Business Improvement District, Main Avenue businesses, The Durango Herald, the city of Durango and generous sponsors including First Southwest Bank, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Purgatory Resort, CommonSpirit Mercy Hospital, Bank of Colorado, Durango Sustainable Goods, Tafoya Barrett & Associates, Café Amor, Desert Sun and many more.
See you downtown for a night of sparkle, connection and local love!
Ashley Christie is Local First’s membership and communications specialist.
