At 6 p.m. today, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at the First National Bank parking lot to lead a caroling procession to the park, where they will share hot chocolate and cookies and kick off the countdown to Dec. 25. It is a Durango holiday tradition that celebrates the winter season with good cheer and community togetherness. There are many such opportunities to follow, with Noel Night on Dec. 5, the Festival of Trees at the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Train Museum on Dec. 5-7 and 12-14 and the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair on Dec. 5-7 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Community traditions and celebrations abound in Durango’s holiday season. Come out this evening to sing with Santa. Happy holidays.