It’s not hard to get into the holiday spirit in Durango. Downtown is lit up, snow is on the ground, everything drips with holiday goodness. But for those who want to start a new holiday custom or perhaps continue a longtime Christmas tradition, these holiday concerts, ballets and musicals always oomph up the holiday spirit.

A Traditional Family Christmas

Who’s ready to sing some carols? The Durango Choral Society! And you — you can sing along, too. It’s time for the Durango Choral Society’s annual holiday extravaganza, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. During “A Traditional Family Christmas,” DCS’ three choirs will perform in a special holiday celebration that will also feature a special jazz combo. This year’s concert also calls for audience participation in the form of singalongs and will feature a surprise guest conductor, who may or may not be wearing red. Wink, wink. Great fun for the family and kids of all ages. Buy tickets now to reserve your spot for this special Christmas tradition!

The Nutcracker

Nothing says Christmas like the Nutcracker. The State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara will put on four performances of the Nutcracker ballet over three days, Friday, Dec. 12, though Sunday, Dec. 14, at FLC’s Community Concert Hall. No need to settle for visions of sugar plums dancing in your head when you can catch a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Victorian-era holiday ballet. With shows Friday and Saturday nights that weekend, plus Saturday and Sunday matinees, there’s no reason to miss this magical masterpiece. Be sure to reserve your seats now!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat

Although this timeless musical isn’t a blatant holiday production, it has become a favorite holiday tradition. Enjoy the Biblical story, told almost entirely through song, of Joseph and the coat of many colors that his father gave to him. The Durango Arts Center puts on this production, which will feature mostly children aged 5 to 16 (along with a few adults). The classic musical’s family-friendly story and lessons of love and forgiveness make it a holiday favorite. Performances include evening shows and matinees on the weekends of Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. Buy your tickets online to make sure you get to enjoy this musical.

Bar D Wranglers Christmas Jubilee

The Bar D Wranglers bring their famous stage show from Durango’s Bar D ranch to the stage of Fort Lewis College’s Community Concert Hall. These cowboys put on a Christmas show to be remembered. Filled with funny stories and fierce fiddlin’, the Bar D Wranglers’ Christmas Jubilee comes with a heavy dose of Western tradition, country music and cowboy poetry. The Wranglers take the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 — so don’t miss out!

While you’re in Durango soaking up all the holiday spirit, be sure to stop by, say hi and/or stay with us at the Durango Quality Inn! Happy Holidays!