The month ahead may be filled to the brim with shopping lists, tangles of lights, cookie recipes, and holiday parties, But amid the hustle and bustle are memories that will last long after Jack Frost leaves town. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a holiday date night, 605 found a few events to help celebrate the season with the ones you love.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPITOL
PIERRE
Hosted by Governor Dennis Daugaard and First Lady Linda, enjoy a celebration of 90 decorated trees for the 37th Annual Christmas at the Capitol event, “The Colors of Christmas.” The event is a community effort, with decorations coming from businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government offices throughout the state.
The event is free of charge and is displayed December 1-26 from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. For more information, visit christmasatthecapitol.sd.gov.
CHRISTMAS AT THE Palace
MITCHELL
Hosted by the World’s Only Corn Palace and Mitchell Main Street and Beyond, Christmas at the Palace brings music, entertainment, and a
little holiday magic to downtown Mitchell. On December 5, snack on
sweet treats, meet Santa Claus, and celebrate a tree lighting at the
Corn Palace from 4 -7 p.m.
Stick around for the Parade of Lights on Mitchell’s Main Street, kicking off at 7 p.m.
GARDEN GLOW
BROOKINGS
Be dazzled this month by thousands of glimmering lights featured at the terrace of McCrory Gardens. Stroll past dozens of evergreen trees and lighting displays sponsored and decorated by local businesses, as the gardens are transformed into a special sign of the season. Garden Glow is officially lit on December 1 during the 5th Annual Music and Mistletoe, and runs through December 31. Cross items off your holiday shopping list
at the Garden’s gift shop, and stay warm during your walk with a
cup of hot chocolate.
Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for kids. For more information, visit mccrorygardens.com. Note that the Garden Glow is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
SANTACON
SIOUX FALLS
There may be just one Kris Kringle, but you’ll never see so many snow-white beards and rosy-red cheeks in Sioux Falls than at the Sixth Annual SantaCon. Make merry at this 21+ pub crawl through four downtown establishments in your favorite festive costume. The free event on December 16 starts at 4 p.m. at Wiley’s Tavern and runs through 8 p.m.
For a full list of pub stops and guidelines, visit facebook.com/siouxfallssantacon.
