We spent the Christmas season in Durango, Colorado, and it quickly became one of our favorite holiday getaways. So let’s dive into what you can do to make the most of your time there! From festive lights and historic train rides to cozy shops and snowy adventures.

Durango is full of family-friendly events and magical moments. Tucked into the southwest corner of the state, this mountain town offers stunning views, small-town charm, and plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa

Colorado and Utah are known for their hot springs, and we’re big fans. They’re a great way to warm up during the winter season, boost circulation, and enjoy all the relaxation and health benefits that come with soaking in natural mineral water. 

We’ve visited the huge Glenwood Hot Springs (full blog post here) before with the whole family, so this time we were excited to check out Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

Durango Hot Springs is hands down one of the best places to unwind during the holidays. It’s become one of our favorite holiday traditions, right alongside shopping from local businesses for meaningful souvenirs and unique gifts. 

The Trimble Hot Springs are closed on Christmas Day, you can visit on December 24th or 26th.

Pro tip: get there early! It gets lively by noon and fills up quickly.

If you don’t have a reservation, you can usually make one the same day. Forgot something? No worries, they have a small gift shop stocked with towels, sandals, and unique gifts you might not find elsewhere. There’s also a food truck and drink shack on-site (yes, they serve adult beverages too).

Whether you’re visiting with kids or just need a relaxing break from the holiday hustle, definitely add Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa to your must-do list. It’s a fun, laid-back experience for the whole family.

Purgatory Resort: A Festive Mountain Getaway for the Whole Family

Purgatory Resort is a great way to enjoy the winter season and experience Christmas in Durango Colorado with a scenic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or just soaking up the snow-covered views, this family-friendly resort has something for everyone.

One of the biggest highlights is their annual New Year festive event, which includes live music, a torchlight parade, and a fireworks display. Ski instructors and mountain patrollers light up the slopes in a glowing procession that’s not only magical for the kids, it’s a fun-loving show for the adults too.

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or just there for the holiday vibes, Purgatory Resort is a must-visit winter destination while you’re in Durango.

Stroll Through Historic Downtown Durango’s Winter Wonderland

We were lucky enough to spend the holidays house sitting just two blocks from Main Avenue, and let me tell you, Historic Downtown Durango on Christmas Day is pure magic. After a fresh snow, the entire town transformed into a real-life winter wonderland, straight out of a holiday movie.

The Strater Hotel, Diamond Belle Saloon, and other independent businesses go all out with festive decor, adding charm and cheer to every corner. A simple walk down Main Avenue is a holiday activity in itself, perfect for soaking in the spirit of the season with a cup of cocoa and the whole family in tow.

Singing With Santa at Buckley Park

Located on the north end of Main Avenue near the Animas River, Buckley Park transforms into the heart of Durango’s holiday spirit every November. One of the city’s most beloved annual events, Singing With Santa takes place around November 28 at 5:30 PM and is a must for families visiting during the season.

The day kicks off with a festive reindeer scavenger hunt and wraps up with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, live music, and plenty of holiday cheer. There’s free entry, free hot chocolate, and best of all you can meet Santa and take your own free photos (don’t forget your own camera!).

It’s a heartwarming community celebration that’s just as magical for the grown-ups as it is for the kids.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Watch this video on TikTok.

The Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is hands-down one of the best ways to experience Christmas in Durango, Colorado. Originally built to transport ore, silver, and gold from the San Juan Mountains, this historic vintage steam train now offers scenic summer rides and unforgettable winter magic.

During the holidays, the train transforms into the magical Polar Express train ride, bringing the beloved award-winning book by Chris Van Allsburg to life. Departing on Noel Night, the journey whisks families away to the North Pole for an immersive holiday experience.

From the moment you board the Polar Express Durango, the train crew sets the mood with cookies and free hot chocolate served in a festive souvenir mug you can take home. The entire ride is bursting with festive cheer as the crew leads joyful Christmas carols and creates magical moments that keep kids and grown-ups smiling the whole way through. And yes, Santa Claus himself makes a special appearance to greet the kids and hand out gifts.

After your visit to the North Pole, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the adorable reindeer outside. Then head inside the train museum where Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and professional photo ops await. With on-site printing and a festive setup, it’s a perfect way to capture the moment.

This was truly one of the most fun holiday experiences we’ve ever had, and it’s easy to see why it’s a must-do if you’re spending Christmas in Durango. And, if you want the full details click here.

Unique Things to Do in Durango, Colorado (Beyond the Usual)

Snowdown Festival: Durango’s Winter Celebration

If you’ve never heard of the Snowdown Festival, let’s change that. This uniquely Durango event was created to lift spirits during the darker, colder months of winter, and it’s grown into one of the most beloved local celebrations in the region. The idea? Get the community together, support local businesses, and bring a little light (and laughter) to the chilly season.

Held annually around the third week of January, Snowdown lasts about 10 days and is packed with quirky fun: think egg drop contests, costume fashion shows, karaoke, bingo, and even giant Yahtzee. Prizes are awarded, local shops and eateries join in the festivities, and it’s all centered around good vibes and community spirit.

We haven’t seen anything quite like it in all our travels, if you’re looking for something fun, unique, and truly local, add Snowdown Festival to your winter itinerary.

Animas River Walk and Whitewater Park

The Animas River Walk is one of the best spots in Durango to soak in those peaceful Christmas-time views. We took a long stroll here and spotted everything from trout fishermen to deer foraging for apples and even hawks perched high in the trees, overlooking the quiet river valley. It’s a scenic and relaxing way to connect with nature right in the heart of town.

If you’re visiting with kids, head over to the Durango Whitewater Park, where there’s a big playground, open fields for soccer, and basketball hoops ready for a pickup game. But the real MVP here? The kayak launch and in-stream boating features, it’s perfect for adventurous families looking to hit the whitewater rapids, even in winter.

Climb the Sky Steps to the Rim Trail and Play the Giant Xylophone

The Sky Steps are one of the more unique outdoor spots in Durango, they connect downtown at E 10th Street to Fort Lewis College, climbing more than 500 steps straight up to the Rim Trail. During the winter season, especially around Christmas, it’s not uncommon to spot deer foraging near the lower elevations of the trail.

Once you reach the top, look for a curious row of silver poles near the road. At first, I thought it was a bike repair station (probably because I have two friends who raced on the Fort Lewis cycling team), but it’s actually a giant xylophone! Rubber mallets are attached so you can make your own trail-side music, it’s such a fun surprise and the perfect photo op.

Keep heading north on the Rim Trail and you’ll come across Nat’s Kiva, a peaceful stone circle with 360° views. From here, you’ll get some of the best lookouts over the San Juan Mountains, making this hike one of the most rewarding ways to experience Durango’s natural beauty.

Should Your Family Spend Christmas in Durango, Colorado This Year?

Absolutely! Durango is the kind of place that wraps you up in small-town charm with a festive atmosphere that feels straight out of a holiday movie. With a population of around 20,000, it’s cozy without feeling too quiet. There’s plenty to do for families, from scenic train rides to hot springs and holiday festivals.

We actually had friends drive in from Colorado Springs to join us, it’s that kind of place worth gathering for. Whether you’re chasing snow, Santa, or just magical winter vibes, we highly recommend spending Christmas in Durango, Colorado. The vibe is warm, the people are kind, and it’s one of our favorite holiday spots to date.