Anticipating a magical holiday season in Sioux Falls? Our guide has all the festive events you need! Whether Sioux Falls is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide maximizes your holiday fun.
Kick off the season with Falls Park Winter Wonderland, where dazzling lights create a picturesque holiday scene. Picture the shimmering displays that fill the park, perfect for joyful strolls. The Parade of Lights shines bright with its colorful floats and twinkling decorations, bringing community spirit to the streets. And the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a timeless holiday classic filled with enchanting performances. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Sioux Falls
- Falls Park Winter Wonderland
- Parade of Lights
- Handel's Messiah
- Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
- The Nutcracker - Rapid City (Rapid City)
- Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story
- Disney Jr. Live on Tour (Rapid City)
- Holiday Festival of Lights (Yankton)
- Garden Glow (Brookings)
- Holiday for Fiddlers
See these and even more events listed below!
Sioux Falls Holiday Light Displays
Falls Park Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Spectacular holiday light display with extensive decorations.
Description:
Falls Park Winter Wonderland features a dazzling display of holiday lights with over 25 miles of twinkling strands, 260 decorated trees, and 215 beautifully adorned light poles.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Falls Park Winter Wonderland
Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday floats and festive decorations along Phillips Avenue.
Description:
The 32nd Annual Parade of Lights in Downtown Sioux Falls features holiday floats, festive decorations, and live music by Elizabeth Hunstad. The event includes free cookies and cider, as well as a cash bar.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Parade of Lights
Garden Glow
What to Expect:
Twinkling lights and holiday tunes in a winter setting.
Description:
Garden Glow at McCrory Gardens features 300,000 twinkling lights, decorated trees, and unique lighting features illuminating the path. The event includes holiday tunes and a Reindeer Meadow, with a gift shop and hot chocolate available to keep visitors warm. It is a holiday celebration with gram-worthy moments.
Where: Brookings | More Info: Garden Glow
Holiday Festival of Lights
What to Expect:
Largest lighted holiday parade in Southeast SD.
Description:
The Holiday Festival of Lights is a spectacular event featuring over 60 lighted floats and marching bands, culminating in the official lighting of Yankton's Christmas Tree, carolers, hot drinks, and fireworks.
Where: Yankton | More Info: Holiday Festival of Lights
Christmas in the Hills
What to Expect:
Tree lighting and parade of lights in a charming town setting.
Description:
Christmas in the Hills features a tree lighting, parade of lights, light displays, crafters marketplace, and a free Christmas music show, along with food and fun activities.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Christmas in the Hills
Sioux Falls Holiday Markets and Shopping
Cookie Cruise
What to Expect:
Sample local Christmas cookies and vote for the People's Choice award.
Description:
Sample bite-sized cookies from local bakers at Cookie Stops along downtown Hot Springs, vote for the People's Choice award, and explore holiday gift ideas at participating businesses.
Where: Hot Springs | More Info: Cookie Cruise
Sioux Falls Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet, whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Share in pure holiday magic with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, perfect for friends and family of all ages.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story
What to Expect:
Epic, personal telling of the Christmas story with a focus on the first-century context.
Description:
Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story is a beautifully crafted musical that takes audiences back to the first century to witness the birth of Christ. Featuring a blend of beloved Christmas songs and soul-stirring originals, this production offers a rich and relevant retelling of the Christmas story.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story
Handel's Messiah
What to Expect:
Iconic choral performance of Handel's Messiah.
Description:
Handel's Messiah is a renowned musical composition featuring the inspiring Hallelujah Chorus, performed by the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at First Lutheran Church. This iconic work tells the story of Christ's Nativity through majestic music.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Handel's Messiah
Holiday for Fiddlers
What to Expect:
Reunion of college friends blending holiday flavors with instrumental harmonies.
Description:
The "Three Fiddlers' Holiday" brings together Kenny Putnam, Tom Schaefer, and Owen DeJong with an all-star support band, featuring long-time performers Boyd Bristow, Mike Conner, Al Remund, Larry Rohrer, and Brian Kaija Bonde. This event reunites friends since college, blending holiday flavor with instrumental harmonies on stage.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Holiday for Fiddlers
Holiday Jam
What to Expect:
Christmas-themed concert with new musical arrangements.
Description:
The Holiday Jam features the Hegg Brothers, a 10-piece band performing Christmas classics and contemporary arrangements in a lively musical showcase.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Holiday Jam
The Nutcracker - Rapid City
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The Nutcracker - Rapid City features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. Celebrate America's favorite Christmas tradition with Tchaikovsky's timeless score, creating memories for friends and family of all ages.
Where: Rapid City | More Info: The Nutcracker - Rapid City
Disney Jr. Live on Tour
What to Expect:
Interactive character greetings and a high-energy live concert.
Description:
Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let's Play features beloved characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Spidey in an immersive concert experience with songs from hit Disney Jr. series and new original music.
Where: Rapid City | More Info: Disney Jr. Live on Tour
Sioux Falls Other Holiday Activities
Zonta Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Decorated trees and wreaths in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Zonta Festival of Trees is an annual event featuring beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, perfect for the holiday season. Visitors can explore the festive displays and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.
Where: Spearfish | More Info: Zonta Festival of Trees
Community Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday celebration with ice skating and Santa visit.
Description:
Join us at Deadwood's Outlaw Square for a festive holiday celebration featuring free ice skating, bumper car rides, s'mores making, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Visit Santa and enjoy holiday treats and cocoa. The event also includes the annual Deadwood Chamber Community Recognition Awards.