Experience the festive cheer in Rapid City! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events and activities. Whether you're rediscovering Rapid City or experiencing it for the first time, this guide is your holiday lifeline.
One of the standout experiences is the Falls Park Winter Wonderland, where the park transforms into a breathtaking display of lights and holiday decorations. Another delightful occasion is the Main Street Square Holiday Celebration & Winter Market, offering local vendors and seasonal treats that capture the essence of the season. And the Storybook Island Christmas Nights of Lights is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it brings classic tales to life with a magical light display. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rapid City
- Falls Park Winter Wonderland (Sioux Falls)
- Main Street Square Holiday Celebration & Winter Market
- Storybook Island Christmas Nights of Lights
- Downtown Christmas Market (Spearfish)
- Festival of Lights Parade (Belle Fourche)
- Wheelin' to Wall (holiday edition) (Wall)
- Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival (holiday crafts) (Custer State Park)
- Volunteer Hours Holiday Activities (Pierre)
- Little STEAMers Preschool Holiday Activities (Pierre)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rapid City Holiday Light Displays
Falls Park Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display with animated features.
Description:
Falls Park transforms into a dazzling display of holiday lights with over 338,000 LEDs, 260 decorated trees, and 215 adorned light poles. The event features a 360-degree view from the five-story tower and a custom soundtrack on FM 97.7.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Falls Park Winter Wonderland
Festival of Lights Parade
What to Expect:
Lighted parade and tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
The Festival of Lights Parade in Belle Fourche features a lighted parade, the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, and fireworks. It is a community event that brings together local performers and community groups, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Belle Fourche | More Info: Festival of Lights Parade
Storybook Island Christmas Nights of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with classic character themes.
Description:
Storybook Island transforms into a vibrant display of hundreds of lights, featuring classic characters and festive decorations.
Where: Rapid City | More Info: Storybook Island Christmas Nights of Lights
Rapid City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Main Street Square Holiday Celebration & Winter Market
What to Expect:
Local vendors selling handmade items and seasonal food.
Description:
Join Main Street Square for the annual Winter Market, a festive gathering where local vendors showcase handmade jewelry, art, and delicious food. The event coincides with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Downtown Parade of Lights, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the community and share creations.
Where: Rapid City | More Info: Main Street Square Holiday Celebration & Winter Market
Downtown Christmas Market
What to Expect:
Local artisans and vendors selling handmade crafts and gourmet foods.
Description:
Downtown Christmas Market is a seasonal event offering a variety of local vendors selling handmade crafts, gourmet foods, and unique gifts. The market provides an opportunity for community members to come together and celebrate the holiday season with a focus on local artisans and businesses.
Where: Spearfish | More Info: Downtown Christmas Market
Rapid City Holiday Giving Opportunities
Volunteer Hours Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Providing holiday meals to families in need through community volunteer efforts.
Description:
The Pierre Area Referral Service's Holiday FEAST Program provides Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals to families in need. Volunteers can assist in organizing and distributing these meals, ensuring that everyone has a chance to enjoy a festive holiday meal.
Where: Pierre | More Info: Volunteer Hours Holiday Activities
Rapid City Other Holiday Activities
Wheelin' to Wall (holiday edition)
What to Expect:
Unique cycling event in the Badlands National Park.
Description:
The Wheelin' to Wall bicycle event offers two days of recreational rides through the Badlands of South Dakota, catering to all interests and abilities with various pavement and gravel course options. Participants can enjoy scenic views, aid stations, and shuttle services while supporting local infrastructure improvements.
Where: Wall | More Info: Wheelin' to Wall (holiday edition)
Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival (holiday crafts)
What to Expect:
Annual buffalo roundup with holiday crafts.
Description:
The Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival is an annual event where visitors can witness the thunder of bison herds and enjoy holiday crafts, celebrating the rich history and culture of Custer State Park.
Where: Custer State Park | More Info: Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival (holiday crafts)
Little STEAMers Preschool Holiday Activities
What to Expect:
Montessori-based preschool with hands-on STEM activities.
Description:
The Little STEAMers Preschool 3-Day Session for 4-5 year olds is an educational program based on Montessori methods, where students learn through guided exploration and hands-on activities that develop their understanding of STEM concepts.