Noel Night 2024 by Ballantine Communications

Presented & Designed by: Ballantine Communications and The Durango Herald

Celebrate Noel Night!

John Blais chief executive officer

Jamie Opalenik vp of business development

Joann Sonday director of media and creative services

Tad Smith manager of creative services

Hunter Harrell special sections editor

Wade Campbell Gabriel Glenn graphic design

Gaia Creative cover and illustrations

Raye Burton audience marketing manager

Kirby Earl Gayle Vitarius sales operations

Anna Knowles

Joe Nelson

Kelly Ozier

Shell Simonson

Michele Wayne sales representatives

Ballantine Communications uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and details may change at any time for any reason. Verify specific information with the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this section, visit durangoherald.com.

save the date: Dec. 6, 2024 time: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

location: Downtown Durango dress code: Festive attire welcome what to bring: Family, friends and your holiday spirit! rsvp: facebook.com/events/1065947618458704?_rdr

ocal

First formally invites you to attend Durango ultimate holiday party and local shopping extravaganza, Noel Night. This beloved annual tradition is filled with family-friendly fun, festive food and beverages, lively activities, cheerful entertainment, incredible fundraisers and amazing deals.

Enjoy fellowship and festivities while browsing retail stores and pop-up markets during this special day of sales and celebrations. Buy baked goods, sip seasonal

Book is a great way to save money and support local, independent businesses at the same time. Pick up a copy of this year’s coupon book for yourself or a loved one at participating locations for the ultimate gift that keeps giving!

Where to find the Be Local Coupon Book:

Affordable Framing on Main

Animas Trading Company

Art Supply House & Custom Framing

Backcountry Experience

Crow's Closet

Durango Mailroom & Copy Center

opportunities and local gift ideas. Noel Night is made possible by a collaboration of generous sponsors, participating retailers (see page 20-21) and you–the community. So thank you for supporting local businesses, not only during the holidays, but also throughout the year!

Durango Natural Foods

Habitat for Humanity

Love Box DGO

Maria’s Bookshop

Pet Haus

Pine Needle Dry Goods

Pine Needle Mountaineering

Rivergate Pharmacy

Ska Brewing Company

Sunnyside Market

Urban Market

4Corners Riversports

All thanks to our sponsors

Arete Mortgage, Legacy Financial Advisors, Durango Chamber of Commerce, The Reynolds Law Group

Allison Ragsdale Photography, Animas Trading Company, Bank of Colorado, Carver Brewing Company, EsoTerra Ciderworks, Honey House Distillery, Primi Pasta and Wine Bar, Ska Brewing Company, Sun Sapphires, Sutcliffe Vineyards, Wagon Wheel Liquors

Shop local to support small businesses

The holiday season is a time of year when shopping takes center stage. While online giants and big box retailers seem to be everywhere, offering an endless array of products with the convenience of low prices, small businesses provide a range of benefits that go far beyond the ease of a mouse click or mountains of merchandise.

Strengthen the economy.

A large percentage of the money spent at small businesses stays in the community. That’s because these businesses often are owned and operated by local residents who are invested in the community themselves. Various studies indicate that for every $100 spent at a small business, roughly $70 stays in the community.

Enjoy better service.

Small, locally-owned businesses often sponsor schools, sports teams and charities. This helps foster a sense of belonging in the community.

Find innovative items. When seeking a unique, thoughtful gift, shopping locally is the way to go. Small businesses are not beholden to corporate policies or franchise restrictions, so they can more readily bring new life to existing ideas and trends. Small businesses may offer customers different options that larger retailers cannot match.

Local retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items.

Shopping local retailers is more than just a transaction — it is crucial for maintaining the economic foundation of small communities. Best of all, shopping locally benefits consumers and the community alike. Explore the perks of shopping locally throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Shopping in-person at local stores, you’ll see faces from your community and become better known in the local area. Small business owners have a keen interest in keeping customers happy. They often do so by providing superior customer service through tailoring recommendations, exhibiting a willingness to accommodate special requests, offering a more engaging shopping experience, and being more friendly and connected with regulars.

Support

the community.

Small businesses serve the community through the products and services they offer, and many give back in other ways as well.

Establish more jobs. Small businesses employ a significant percentage of the workforce and frequently provide jobs that might not be available in larger corporate settings. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, accounting for two out of every three jobs added to the U.S. economy. Keeping residents working helps strengthen local communities.

It pays dividends to shop small during the holidays and all year long. Shopping locally provides an array of benefits to both consumers and businesses. Shopping at small businesses establishes a more resilient, diverse and bustling local economy, and allows residents to forge stronger connections within the community.

Games add fun to festive parties

The holidays bring together friends, neighbors and family members to celebrate some of the most festive days of the year. Although celebrants often incorporate traditions they hold dear this time of year, downtime provides an opportunity to embrace new games and entertainment ideas as well.

holiday season. These creative games can include tests of agility, endurance and skill, such as relay races or a ring toss. There are dozens of ideas for competitionstyle games with simple set-up to entertain the whole family.

Candy Cane Fun

Enjoy festive fun with candy canes. Play a game of candy cane baseball. Hit a homerun with a candy cane bat and a mini marshmallow ball. Each participant gets three swings per turn. The person with the most home runs wins.

Once baseball becomes boring, hang strings on the straight ends of candy canes to fashion fishing

These are just a few festive ways to have fun with friends

TRADITIONS

Mistletoe

gift, come up with a fun way to break the tie, such as rock, paper, scissors or thumb wrestling.

Christmas Karaoke

Singing traditional carols and popular holiday tunes is not uncommon come December. In this competitive version of karaoke, singers have to keep on singing, even when the lyrics get turned off or covered to test their true knowledge of these songs.

Present Stackers

This requires keeping a collection of oddly-shaped gifts at the ready. Game participants try to stack the presents as tall as they can without them toppling over.

Kissing under the mistletoe is a holiday season tradition that can lead to some red faces when couples are caught beneath the plant. Norse mythology paved the way for kissing under the mistletoe. Legend has it the gods used mistletoe to resurrect Odin’s son, Baldur, from the dead. Baldur’s mother, Frigg, the goddess of love, made the plant a symbol of love and vowed to kiss anyone who passed under it. Mistletoe blooms under cold conditions, which is how it became associated with the holiday season.

Five fun gift exchange ideas

ift-giving is a significant component of the holiday season. Families can embrace traditional gift-giving, but those who want to add a touch of whimsy to gatherings with loved ones can consider these five creative and fun ways to exchange gifts.

Play the plastic wrap game. To exchange small stocking stuffer gifts, compile gift cards, cash, small toys, candy, and even some larger gifts (all participants can chip in and one person shops for the gifts). The designated person in charge begins rolling up the gifts in the plastic, adding one every few rolls. Turning the ball 90 degrees while wrapping helps make a more round, finished gift ball. To play, the person with the ball puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much as they can to access the gifts, while the person to the left is attempting to roll doubles on dice. When doubles are made, that person passes the dice to the left and starts his or her own attempts to get at the gifts in the plastic ball. The game ends when all the gifts are revealed, whether everyone has had a chance to unwrap or not.

Plan a white elephant gift exchange. A white elephant exchange is like a secret grab bag. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and then takes turns choosing a gift based on the number they’ve been given. When the gift is chosen, the person opens it. The next player can select a fresh gift or steal one of the presents that’s already been opened.

Host a makeand-take craft party. With this type of exchange, participants will engage in some form of crafting for the duration of the event, whether it’s pottery, painting, epoxy resin pouring or even knit crafts. At the end of the night everyone can swap their creations with

Give the gift of a group outing. Instead of exchanging material gifts, focus on sharing experiences with friends and family. A trip to watch a sports game or a theater performance can be an excellent way to spend time together, and something a person may not be inclined to do on his or her own. Certain venues will offer discounts on group tickets, so everyone can pool their resources.

Host a DIY cookie and cocoa exchange. Cookies, cocoa and the holidays are a perfect combination. A gift exchange where participants supply ingredients for these sweet treats, share their favorite recipes and then put together the finished products can make for an entertaining and festive afternoon. Each person can fill a cookie tin with baked cookies to take home and mason jars filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows can be an additional gift to enjoy later on a chilly evening.

Picking sides, choosing trees

People are passionate about the things they love, so the debate between artificial trees and their natural alternatives will resume. As with any debate, there are two sides. Those on the fence can consider these pros and cons of each style of holiday tree.

Real tree

Pros: One of the biggest advantages of a real tree is its pleasing aroma. The fresh pine smell of a natural tree can trigger memories of Christmases gone by and make a home feel cozy and holiday-ready. It takes many years for a Christmas tree to grow large enough to be harvested, and as it grows it provides a habitat for animals and benefits the planet by absorbing carbon and providing oxygen, according to Megan Quinn, coordinator of conservation biology at the Nature Conservancy

of Canada. When trees are cut down, two or three may be planted in their place. Buying a real tree from a business nearby also supports the local economy.

Cons: Real trees can be messy and require upkeep like daily watering. Cutting down a tree and bringing it home can help guarantee freshness, but there is really no way to know when trees at Christmas tree lots were cut down. This means that needles can begin falling the moment the tree is placed in the living room. Another thing to note is that live trees can’t be placed just anywhere. They shouldn’t be next to fireplaces or heat sources, where they can dry out prematurely and pose a fire risk. A real tree also might have unwelcome bugs or animals hiding within its branches. According to Penn State Extension, anything from spotted lanternflies to spiders to aphids to bark beetles or lice may be on a real tree.

Artificial tree

Pros: Artificial trees can be convenient because they are easy to assemble, disassemble and store. Plus, you don’t have to venture out each year to get one. Unlike real trees, artificial trees do not require watering or vacuuming to manage fallen needles. Since artificial trees can be reused for numerous seasons, they may be more costeffective than real trees. Artificial trees can last anywhere from six to 10 years, but that life span depends on the quality of the tree and how well it is maintained. Artificial trees also guarantee a uniform, pleasing look year after year.

of artificial versus natural trees published in 2009 by Ellipsos, a Montreal-based sustainable development consulting firm, an artificial tree emits 8.1 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year, compared to 3.1 kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted by a real tree in a given year. In addition, the chemicals used in manufacture may have adverse effects on human health and often are non-recyclable. Artificial trees also take up room in homes year-round since they need to be stored. Plus, they don’t emit a pleasing aroma.

Did you know?

Even though the debate continues regarding the merits of artificial and real Christmas trees, it seems there is a winner, at least within the United States. According to Statista, 47% of American households own an artificial Christmas tree, while 24% purchase real trees. Though real trees might not be as popular as their artificial alternatives, the number of real trees that are purchased each year remains significant. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.

Cons: Artificial trees are made from polyvinyl chloride and other plastics, and environmentalists attest that those ingredients make them bad for the environment. According to an assessment study

Friday, Nov. 29-until trees sell out

hours: Sundays-Fridays noon-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

location: D&SNGR parking lot on the corner of Camino del Rio and College Avenue

Proceeds benefit San Juan Mountains Association

Christmas Trees for Conservation

Get involved in the giving season

Creating holiday magic comes at a cost for many families. Purchasing gifts for children can place a heavier financial burden on parents struggling to stay afloat. However, with a little help from the community, many families in need can still create lasting memories together this year.

Annual Holly Jolly Toy Drive is now “Project Merry Christmas”

The La Plata Family Centers Coalition provides direct education and resources to support families. This year, residents can choose between three ways to get involved: Donate funds, request an angel to sponsor this season, or shop at local businesses and drop a toy in the Project Merry Christmas collection box. For more information about deadlines to donate, see lpfcc.org/toydrive.

PROJECT MERRY

CHRISTMAS DROP-OFF:

Alpine Bank

1099 Main Ave.

Durango Dermatology

523 South Camino del Rio

Kroegers Ace Hardware

8 Town Plaza

NAPA Auto Parts

2143 Main Ave.

Nature’s Oasis

300 South Camino del Rio

Skin, Inc.

2143 Main Ave.

Donate good to Toys for Tots

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to children in the community. In 2023, the program distributed 2,235 toys to 575 children. This year, there are dozens of ways to donate and give back. To request or offer support, visit the local campaign page for application and donation deadlines at laplatacounty-co.toysfortots.org.

Colorado Gives Day

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP-OFF:

Note: There are over 35 drop-off sites in La Plata County! Here are a handful participating in Noel Night:

Beads & Beyond

840 Main Ave.

Durango Treasures

900 Main Ave.

Durango Welcome Center

802 Main Ave.

The Durango Herald

1275 Main Ave.

The Smiley Building

1309 East Third Ave.

Twilight Toys

600 Main Ave. #105

This statewide giving campaign celebrates the philanthropic organizations that serve our communities. Donations made now through Dec. 10 help nonprofits receive more funding. Community First Foundation and FirstBank contribute to an Incentive Fund that totals $1 million, which is then distributed to all nonprofits that receive donations on Colorado Gives Day.

Research more ways to support nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve this season. Find more information on giving opportunities in the Four Corners Nonprofit and Volunteer Resource Guide, available online at issuu.com/durangoherald/docs/nonprofit2024is.

Navigate holiday shipping charges

Each holiday season, hundreds of millions of packages are delivered across the globe. Thanks to online shopping, major courier companies play a significant role in ensuring that shoppers receive gifts on time.

Shipping costs are a component of ecommerce, and must be factored in when budgeting for holiday spending. Shipping rates are based on a number of factors, including the weight of the package, its dimensions, the distance it needs to be shipped, and how quickly (or slowly) the package must arrive.

Volume is another component of shipping. During the holidays, couriers move more packages than during other months of the year. To facilitate this, they may need to bring on more permanent staff or temporary workers. Those increased staffing costs are passed on to the consumer through shipping rate increases.

So what is the holiday consumer to do in regard to shipping? These guidelines can help shoppers master the art of shipping this holiday season.

Shop as early as possible. Shopping early can alleviate some of the extra charges associated with last-minute shopping. When they shop early, shoppers can choose the longest shipping duration, which often costs the least. Packages shipped outside of the holiday rush tend to be less expensive to ship than those being sent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Price out the major couriers. If you are shipping a parcel from home, compare the prices of the postal service, UPS and FedEx. Choose the one with the most budget-friendly and timely service.

Utilize membership discounts. Organizations like AAA or AARP offer members percentage-based discounts on some shipping services.

Shop with retailers that offer free shipping. Many retailers entice shoppers to buy with them by offering free shipping. Keep in mind there may be a threshold that needs to be met, such as a minimum total before shipping is free. Shoppers can save a lot if they purchase several gifts from one retailer and meet that threshold.

Consider ship-to store options. Many retailers offer the opportunity to ship-to-store for free. This can be advantageous for retailers because, once inside the store to pick up the shipment, a consumer may be more inclined to purchase additional items. However, if you’re disciplined and only grab what you’ve pre-purchased, you can avoid shipping costs entirely.

Shipping during the holiday season can be costly. Customers need to be aware so they can navigate rates accordingly and stay within holiday shopping budgets.

A guide to holiday shipping deadlines

USPS

Dec. 18 – last day to ship FirstClass Mail (including cards)

Dec. 19 – last day to ship Priority Mail Service

Dec. 21 – last day to ship Priority Mail Express Service

UPS

Dec. 19 – last day to ship 3-Day Select

Dec. 20 – last day to ship 2-Day Air Services

Dec. 23 – last day to ship Next-

FedEx

Dec. 13 – last day to ship Ground Economy

Dec. 17 – last day to ship Ground

Dec. 17 – last day to ship Home Delivery

Dec. 19 – last day to ship Express Saver

Dec. 20 – last day to ship 2-Day Services

Dec. 24 – last day to ship Same Day

* all dates exclude Alaska and

TRADITIONS

Santa Claus

Children who celebrate Christmas eagerly await the arrival of a jolly sort who goes by the name of Santa Claus. His origin story stretches back to the third century, when Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of children. Saint Nicholas was a monk in what is modernday Turkey. It is said that he traveled helping the poor and the sick. History.com says he is believed to have saved three impoverished sisters from slavery by providing them with a dowry so they could be married, and he also provided gifts to children.

THoliday shopping tips

he festive and fun nature of the holiday season can make it easy to forget the benefits of being frugal. Many people go overboard on holiday spending, making this time of year costly for consumers.

Sales between the beginning of November 2023 and Christmas Eve 2023 climbed 3.1% from the year earlier, according to the Mastercard SpendingPulse. The National Retail Federation reported in November 2023 that holiday spending was expected to reach between $957 and $966 billion. Trading Economics, a financial market indicator and forecast provider, said personal spending in the United States only rose 0.2% in

Shoppers who want to spend less and stick to a budget for holiday entertaining and gifting can keep these budgeting tips in mind.

Set a value to gift recipients. It may sound harsh, but certain people on holiday shopping lists may be assigned a higher value than others. For example, you wouldn’t necessarily spend the same amount on a gift for a child’s teacher as you would for a grandmother. Putting a dollar figure next to each name on the shopping list helps you identify your expected spending and where you can cut back, if necessary.

Establish your overall budget. Once you have an idea of your potential holiday expenditures, set a firm budget. Avoid the temptation of impulse buys, which can make it easy to go over budget.

items across various retailers. Many stores also have price-match policies that can save shoppers money.

Look for deals all of the time. Many people get hung up on perceived deep discounts from Black Friday and Cyber Monday offers. However, industry experts say there often isn’t a huge difference in markdowns between these promotions and those during other sales. Some retailers even increase prices on goods only to mark them down for Black Friday to make it appear that there is a discount. Only by knowing the average price for items can you know if a sale is legitimate.

Begin shopping early. Start scouring ads and looking for deals prior to Thanksgiving or Black Friday. Keep a running list of gift ideas and when the price is right, purchase those items.

Sign up for store rewards. If you don’t want your regular email inbox inundated with offers, set up a separate email account for in-store and online shopping. Then you can sign up for the rewards programs at checkout. Utilize the coupon codes and advertisements for sales to save money without having your primary email data shared with other marketers.

Price check “perfect gifts.” If you’ve spotted the perfect gift for someone but it’s beyond budget, see if you can find a better price elsewhere, says Better Money Habits. There are apps that allow users to scan barcodes and check

Track spending carefully. If you don’t know how much you’re spending, then you cannot possibly stick to a budget. After each purchase, keep a running tally of all holiday spending to see how far you are from the finish line.

The holidays can be expensive, but with smart budgeting and dedication to savvy shopping, it ’s possible to stay out of financial trouble.

LMaster the art of last-minute shopping

ast-minute shopping for holiday gifts requires strategy and savvy. Yet, shoppers who wait until the eleventh hour to do their holiday shopping are in good company. Roughly one in five shoppers waits until December to start grabbing holiday gifts. Although shopping early to land the best deals and avoid the stress of running out of time works for many people, there are those who do their best work when shopping is down to the wire.

Here are some tips for finding bustle of the holiday season.

Don’t downplay the power of gift cards. Some suggest that a gift card isn’t an ideal gift because it doesn’t require much thought or effort. But the numbers do not lie. A research report from the Retail Gift Card

Establish a plan. you’re shopping at the last minute, that doesn’t mean you should head out unprepared. A sea of options can often be overwhelming. Consider the recipient, which kind of gift might fit them best, and how much you’re willing to spend. Then decide which store(s) to visit.

minute gifts.

Capital One

Shopping enables consumers

accumulate shopping rewards. Online shopping is convenient, and can be a viable option for those who waited until mid- to late-December to shop. Just be aware of shipping times and expedited fees to make sure the

Skip the clothing department. Clothes are goto choices for holiday gifts, but they can be particularly challenging to purchase. Size, cut, style and additional variables are unique to each individual. Since browsing clothing racks can take a lot of time you likely will not have, avoid clothes as last-minute gift options.

the ready when shopping online or in person. Don’t hold up the line trying to load a website or find a coupon on the store app, as it’s likely those behind you are last-minute shopping as well.

Enjoy Noel Night special events

sparkle from Sol Sparkle Hair Tinsel. Give back to the local community with $5 beer and wine proceeds going to Local First. Bank of Colorado

1199 Main Ave. 5-9 p.m.

Local First is hosting a festive and free gift-wrapping station during Noel Night sponsored by the Bank of Colorado. Our team of volunteers will wrap your presents with care and holiday cheer — at no cost to you! While the wrapping is free, donations

chocolate, graham crackers, marshmallows and lots of holiday cheer. Check out the gallery for the perfect holiday gifts.

Chavera

600 Main Ave. Suite 101 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Enjoy a hot cocoa bar and hors d’oeuvres.

Crystal Boutique

1053 Main Ave. 11a.m.-8 p.m.

Let us treat you to delicious hot cider and snacks.

Dancing Willow Herbs

1018 Main Ave. A 6-10 p.m.

Herbal Cocktails & Mocktails, Get cozy in the apothecary with drinks, snacks and sales.

Delicious Details

The Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave. 4-6 p.m.

Stop by for free samples and a taste of what’s to come.

Dolce

835 Main Ave. Suite 101

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate and pick up a little sweet treat while shopping.

Durango Antique Market

780 Main Ave. A 5-9 p.m.

Bring your camera for your visit with jolly, old St. Nick and shop for your one of a kind, unique gifts.

Durango Arts Center

802 East Second Ave. noon-7 p.m.

Shop the DAC Gift Gallery. Small bites provided by EsoTerra available from 5-7 p.m. Purchase refreshments at the gallery bar. There will also be a mystery prize wheel with gifts, discounts where every spin is a win!

Plus, see the special, seasonal installation of Durango Street Pianos. The original Maria’s Bookshop street piano is coming back from retirement - with a few upgrades. With festive lights, this piano will serenade people all night long with holiday songs. Enjoy the concert anytime, or pick a song to sing along with karaoke-style.

Durango Welcome Center

802 Main Ave. 5-7 p.m.

Swing by for hot chocolate and family crafts provided by Mountain Studies Institute, and a bluegrass music performance by Stillwater’s Animas Roots from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

EsoTerra Ciderworks

558 Main Ave. 4-9 p.m.

EsoTerra’s 100 (gifts) under $100: Gather for an evening filled with local artisans, interactive children’s music lessons with Kiki’s Jamboree,

Volunteers of America is hosting a visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their cheerful elves. Stop by for a holiday hello and capture a special photo. Donations will support the Southwest Safehouse and Durango Community Shelter, helping those

TRADITIONS

Caroling

The British traditions of wassailing and mumming and the Slavic tradition of koliada were some of the precursors to more modern caroling. People would go door-to-door and recite poetry or sing with the hope of bringing about good fortune or influencing a future harvest, according to Rutgers University. Carolers spread hope and good tidings through song during a time of year when sunlight was limited.

Noel Night Artisan Market

The Century Building, 862 Main Ave. Second Floor 4-9 p.m. This market features the work of 20 local artists and makers.

Noel Night Maker’s Market

835 Main Ave. 4:30-9 p.m.

The third annual Noel Night Makers Market in the Main Mall will host eight Durango creatives including Belle and the Bear, Blue Leaf Design Co, Lil Bud Design, Dream Clay Designs, Hannah Wilson Art, Hello Luna Creative, Tempist Jade and Wild Brush.

Nomadic Ceramic

1053 Main Ave. 4-6 p.m.

Stop in for tea, coffee and snacks, plus a fun scavenger hunt. Anyone who finds the Christmas gnome receives a $10 store credit.

Picasso & Vino

835 Main Ave. #214

Attend the Art Gift Fest for an open studio atmosphere while you create a small art piece created by you! Great for gifts and sticking stuffers created with a personal touch. Professional artist available for assistance.

PRIMI Pasta and Wine Bar

1201 Main Ave. #102 5-8 p.m.

Visit our Italian Christmas Market to enjoy complimentary mulled wine and shop among local artisan booths set up on the patio, including holiday handmade crafts and baked goods fundraising for Girl Scout Troop 26242.

Rocky Mountain

Chocolate Factory

561 Main Ave. 4-7 p.m.

Our store will serve free mini hot cocoas.

Scenic Aperture

708 Main Ave. 5-8 p.m.

Swing by the gallery for an artist meet and greet on Noel Night.

Second Story Books

124 East 9th St. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Shop for unique gift baskets for book lovers, plus enjoy regular store offerings and the Penny-aPage Book Fair from 4-9 p.m.

Seed Studio

The Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Parents can have some fun on Noel Night while their kiddos have a blast at Seed Studio. Kids will enjoy holiday activities, create a unique art project, and have an opportunity to make new friends. Event is for children ages 5-12 and cost is $50 per child. If you are signing up more than one of your children, receive a 15% discount. Use promo code SIBILING15 when checking out.

Shampoo Durango

130 West Eighth St. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The salon’s team is on-hand to help with holiday styling tips, skin care questions and hair care specials.

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Durango Hair Tinsel will be on-site to share some holiday bling. Send a direct message to @DurangoHairTinsel on Instagram or walk in for an

appointment. Plus, offerings from Parker Dane Salon and Boutique and Chris Young Knives in the evening.

Sorrel Sky Gallery

828 Main Ave. 5-8 p.m.

Celebrate a festive evening of shopping, art, refreshments and great company, featuring Durango sculptor Bryce Pettit.

Studio & Gallery

1027 Main Ave. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Browse work from Studio & Gallery’s quiver of 14 local artists, and an opening reception for Heidi Chowen in the Recess Gallery.

Sun Sapphires

640 Main Ave. #201 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sip free wine while browsing local artists booths, as well as a large selection of jewelry and glass art.

The ArtRoom Collective

The Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave. 4-7 p.m.

Come for merriment, art, gifts and holiday cheer! Talk with local artists, be inspired by creative work, or buy a local, handcrafted item for yourself or someone special. Smiley Cafe will feature live music throughout the night for festive holiday sounds.

The Good Fight Boxing Gym

835 Main Ave. Suite 105 6-8 p.m.

Participate in the Twelve Rounds of Christmas at The Good Fight Boxing Gym. Take advantage of holiday discounts, enter to win prizes, including free personal sessions, and more.

The Sparrow Mercantile 801 Main Ave. 5-9 p.m.

Enjoy festive drinks, treats, and exclusive discounts throughout the evening. Sip on a hot cider with cinnamon whiskey and savor delicious meatballs provided by Honey House Distillery and Honeyville. Proceeds from our locally-designed collection will benefit Local First. Discover unique gifts from a variety of talented makers and entrepreneurs in the retail space just below us, where we will host an incredible lineup of local and small businesses.

Toh-Atin Gallery

145 West Ninth St. 5:30-8 p.m.

Listen to live music by Darryl Kuntz while you browse the gallery.

Trend Benders Boutique

10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Live music by local musician Rob Webster.

United Way of Southwest Colorado 1010 Main Ave. 5:30 p.m.

Stop by for some holiday cheer and free hot chocolate with all the fixins.

Yoga Durango 1485 Florida Road C201 6-7:15 p.m.

Join us for a candlelight yoga class with Sheryl.

Exclusive deals from participants

Adela Flora Design Co.

Purchase a flower bouquet and get a free aspen candle holder.

Aesthetics and Wellness of Durango

Receive a package of three Evoke with a TriLift Laser package.

Affordable Framing on Main

Receive a 20% discount on custom framing. Must include the frame, mat and glass.

Animas Trading Company

Draw for a discount at checkout.

Carver Brewing Company

Get a free beer per $25 gift card purchase.

Cascade Xpress Carwash

Enjoy 25% off on all washes, detailing services, gift cards and detailing gift certificates, plus a drawing to win cleaning supplies. Sign up for a membership and receive a complimentary detail service for one night only.

Chavera

Exclusive in-store only deals up to 70% off.

Crystal Boutique

Free gift with every purchase.

Dancing Willow Herbs

10% off all Dancing Willow Herb products.

Dolce Boutique

15% off storewide along with a $20 sale rack.

Duranglers Flies & Supplies

10% off storewide excluding sale items.

Durango Gourmet Popcorn

Deals on 32-ounce popcorn containers, specialty canned goods, such as pickles and salsas, and gourmet hotdogs, as well as gift packs and gift boxes.

Eureka 20% off storewide.

Graze Colorado

10% off charcuterie and dessert board preorders. Complimentary hot chocolate with freeze-dried marshmallows with every in store purchase. Exclusive treats.

Hot Worx

Infrared sauna fitness studio pre-sale.

Jimmy’s Music & Supply

Sales, music and good cheer from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Leaf & Node

10% off any purchase. Free plant with purchase of $75 or more.

Lizard Head Trading Company

20% off everything in store. Gift wrapping available in store.

Maria’s Bookshop

Roll the "discount dice" for up to 20% off your total purchase.

Moose on the Loose 20% off everything in-store.

Out of the Blue Spin for your discount.

Pure Skin Organic Day Spa

Buy $100 or more in gift certificates, receive a $25 gift certificate. Online and eGift purchases excluded.

Rocky Mountain

Chocolate Factory

Draw a discount for 10-25% off purchases.

The Sparrow Mercantile

Pull a surprise discount from the Santa hat for up to 30% off your purchase.

Tippy Canoe

Draw a Candy Cane to receive a 10%50% discount. One draw per person.

Toast Records and Bakes 10-20% off from 5-10 p.m.

Toh-Atin Gallery

20% off all Navajo weavings Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Yoga Durango

One-day sale on class packs: $5 off a 5 class pack, $10 off a 10 class pack, 25% off all YD apparel (T-shirts, hoodies, tanks, hats). Shop online, between scheduled classes or from 4-8 p.m.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

A Shared Blanket

AAA Colorado

Adela Flora Design Co.

Aesthetics & Wellness of Durango

Affordable

Framing on Main Animas Trading Company

Artesanos

Design Collective

Belle and The Bear

Blues, Mtn & Soul

Brown’s Shoe

Fit Company

Carver Brewing Company

Cascade Xpress Car Wash

Century Building

Artisan Market

Chavera

Chef Safari’s African Fusion

Community Connections

Crystal Boutique

Dancing Willow Herbs

Delicious Details

Dolce Boutique

Duranglers Flies and Supplies

Durango Antique Market

Durango Arts Center

Durango Treasures

Durango Welcome Center

EsoTerra Ciderworks

Eureka Clothing

Girl Scout Troop 26242

Graze Colorado

Honey House Distillery

Honeyville

Kroeger’s Ace Hardware

La Plata on Main

Lanka Blue Jewelry

Leaf & Node

Lizard Head

Trading Company

Maria’s Bookshop

Moose on the Loose Mountain Marketplace

Nomadic Ceramic

Out of the Blue Overland

Picasso & Vino

Pine Needle Dry Goods

Pine Needle

Mountaineering

Primi Pasta and Wine Bar

Pure Skin

Organic Day Spa

Rio Grande Trading Company

Rocky Mountain

Chocolate Factory

San Juan Symphony

Sarvaa Organics

Scenic Aperture

Second Story Books

Seed Studio

Shampoo Durango, Inc.

Sorrel Sky Gallery

Studio & Gallery

Sun Sapphires

The ArtRoom Collective

The Fallen Angel

The Good Fight

Boxing Gym

The Sparrow Mercantile

Tippy Canoe

Toast Records & Bakes

Toh-Atin Gallery

Trend Benders Boutique

Twilight Toys

United Way of Southwest Colorado

Volunteers of America

Yoga Durango

Raymond Gibby

Dale Terbush

1 Vintage Sweater

One-of-a-kind, pre-loved sweaters (inventory changes daily!)… $20-$40 Lizard Head Trading Company

2 Designer Accessories

Sustainable pre-loved wallets, purses and jewelry … $50-$300 Lizard Head Trading Company

3 Vintage and Handmade Jewelry

Real silver, gold, and gems; sustainable, quality gifts (selection changes daily) … $15-$75 Lizard Head Trading Company

4 Tanzanite Pendant

14k white gold, 3.76ct tanzanite center stone accented by sapphires, amethyst, diamonds and tanzanite … $5,400 Sun Sapphires

5 Diamond Ring

14k white gold, 0.19ct VS2 diamond center stone accented by sapphires, size 5 (can be resized) … $2,000 Sun Sapphires

6 Aspen Leaf Jewelry

Beautiful handmade aspen leaf jewelry; sets, charms and necklaces … $7.80 and up Affordable Framing on Main

7 Trendy Pairs

Pleather purse and beret …$45.95, $15.95 Animas Trading Company

8 Winter Warmth

Pom pom beanie and thermal fingerless mittens … $21.95, $20.95 Animas Trading Company

9 More Matching Sets

Scarf and beanie set … $29.95 Animas Trading Company

10 Stylish Sweater Dresses

Alpaca Blend Sweater Dress … $83.95 Animas Trading Company

11 Puffer Vest + Mittens

Stylish, warm vest for your winter wardrobe … $29.95, $19.95 Animas Trading Company

1 Advent Calendar

Delicious Details 1 2 8 4 3 7 10 9 6 5

12-piece calendar featuring individually-wrapped, larger-than-life RMCF Signature Favorites and Holiday Favorites … $29