Spread the joy of the holidays in Watertown with our guide. Find out about all the festive events and activities that make this season special. Whether you're a Watertown insider or an outsider looking in, this guide reveals the city's festive soul.
One of the highlights of the season is the Holiday Lighted Parade, where dazzling floats and twinkling lights create a magical spectacle that brings the community together. Artisans and crafters showcase their talents at the Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show, offering unique gifts and decorative pieces for the holiday season. And the Christmas Tree Skirt Dash is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it combines holiday spirit and friendly competition in a fun race. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Watertown
- Holiday Lighted Parade
- Christmas Tree Skirt Dash (Sioux Falls)
- Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show (Sioux Falls)
- Huron Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge (Huron)
- Dakota Angler Ice Institute (Sioux Falls)
- Boo Bash
- Zoo Boo
See these and even more events listed below!
Watertown Holiday Light Displays
Holiday Lighted Parade
What to Expect:
Vibrant light displays and live music along historic Main Street.
Description:
The Holiday Lighted Parade in Downtown Watertown features bands, live music, and unique parade units with lots of lights, culminating in a visit to Santa's house after the parade.
Where: Watertown | More Info: Holiday Lighted Parade
Watertown Holiday Markets and Shopping
Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Largest private arts and crafts show in Sioux Falls with over 280 exhibitors.
Description:
The Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show features handcrafted and handmade items by talented artists and crafters from across the Midwest. This event showcases a wide variety of products, including pottery, jewelry, housewares, candles, rugs, holiday decor, furniture, toys, and knick-knacks. The show fills the entire 100,000 square foot Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls, offering an enjoyable shopping experience with extra wide aisles and holiday music.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show
Watertown Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Tree Skirt Dash
What to Expect:
Fun and festive running event with costume prizes.
Description:
The Christmas Tree Skirt Dash is a fun and festive running event held at Queen City Bakery in Sioux Falls, SD. Participants can choose from a 3.1-mile, 2-mile, or 1-mile dash along a short, warm bike trail. The event encourages runners to come dressed in fun costumes, with a sweet prize for the best costume. The course features penguin flags and signs to guide runners through each distance.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Christmas Tree Skirt Dash
Huron Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge
What to Expect:
Competitive pheasant hunting with unique rules and cash prizes.
Description:
The Huron Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge is an annual pheasant hunting competition that tests the skills of dogs and hunters. Thirty teams from across the United States compete in a timed, limited shell hunt, aiming to bag the most birds while adhering to strict rules.
Where: Huron | More Info: Huron Ringneck Festival & Bird Dog Challenge
Dakota Angler Ice Institute
What to Expect:
Comprehensive ice fishing gear showcase with expert demonstrations.
Description:
The Dakota Angler Ice Institute is an annual event showcasing the latest ice fishing gear and techniques. Attendees can learn from industry experts and explore a variety of products from top manufacturers.
Where: Sioux Falls | More Info: Dakota Angler Ice Institute
Zoo Boo
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treating with ghostly booths and animal encounters.
Description:
Join us for a spooktacular evening at Bramble Park Zoo where youth can trick-or-treat, visit ghostly booths, and observe animals in a fun and safe environment. Businesses and organizations can set up candy stations throughout the zoo grounds.
Where: Watertown | More Info: Zoo Boo
Boo Bash
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treating with local businesses and community partners.
Description:
Join the Boo Bash in downtown Jefferson for a fun-filled afternoon of trick-or-treating with local businesses and community partners. Enjoy a variety of activities, including music, kids' games, and festive booths.
Where: Watertown | More Info: Boo Bash
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Brookings (44 miles)