With so many events taking place in South Dakota, we understand how it can be overwhelming to remember them all. We’ve decided to highlight our favorite things happening week by week, focusing on unique, fun, and creative events across the state.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPITOL GRAND LIGHTING CEREMONY
November 26. South Dakota State Capitol Rotunda, Pierre. 7 p.m. Head to the state capitol to take part in one of the season’s brightest traditions: the Grand Lighting Ceremony. This will make the beginning of Christmas at the Capitol, a month-long holiday celebration that includes around 100 trees decorated by community members. More info: christmasatthecapitol.sd.gov.
TURKEY TROT 5K
November 28. Old Storybook Island, Rapid City. 9 a.m. Want to start your day of thanks by winning pie? Lace up your running shoes to participate in the 40th Annual Turkey Trot 5k, a holiday race put on by the Black Hills Runners Club. Not a runner? Walk your way to the finish line where there is sure to be pies galore. More info: blackhillsrunnersclub.org.
28TH ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS
November 29. Downtown, Sioux Falls. 7:30 p.m. Grab your hot cocoa, mittens, and favorite parade buddy as you make your way to downtown Sioux Falls to watch the 28th Annual Parade of Lights. With the theme of “At the Movies” in honor of the Sioux Falls State Theatre reopening, floats will undergo judging in categories like Best Workmanship, Mayor’s Choice, and Best Use of Lights. More info: dtsf.com.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & WINTER MARKET
November 30. Main Street Square, Rapid City. 2 p.m. Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, this community celebration will have a variety of local vendors, a holiday concert, and a visit from Santa. Wrapping up the day of cheer and kicking off the 22nd Annual Festival of Lights Parade will be the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. More info: mainstreetsquarerc.com.
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
November 30. South Dakota. All day. Head to your favorite local shops for Small Business Saturday, a national day to celebrate locally-owned shop owners and the products and business they bring to our communities. This is a great opportunity for holiday shopping, getting to know people in your town, and celebrating what makes South Dakota great. Shop small! More info: dtsf.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
Holiday Express Opening
November 29th – November 30th
1880 Train, Hill City
Times vary.
Watertown Optimists Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights Park Opening
November 30th
Stoke-Thomas City Park & Campground, Watertown
6 p.m.
Festival of Lights Parade
November 30th
Downtown, Rapid City
6 p.m.
Festival of Lights Parade
November 30th
Downtown, Brookings
4 p.m.
SPORTS
Sioux Falls Stampede vs Fargo Force
November 27th
Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls
7:05 p.m.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs Texas Legends
November 27th
Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls
6:30 p.m.
Sioux Falls Skyforce vs Northern Arizona Suns
November 29th – November 30th
Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
Sioux Falls Stampede vs Dubuque Fighting Saints
November 30th
Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls
7:05 p.m.
GET INVOLVED
1 Million Cups
November 27th
Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings
9 a.m.
MUSIC
Later Babes
November 29th
Icon Lounge + Events, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
Williams & Ree
November 30th
Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood
8 p.m.
Joe Nichols
November 30th
The District, Sioux Falls
8:30 p.m.
