Due to the possibility of cancellations, please check events’ websites/postings before attending.
1.) 22nd Annual Holiday Festival of Trees
Lake Area Tech | Watertown | 6 P.M. | November 19
Join Lake Area Technical College in the 22nd Annual Holiday Festival of Trees, a fundraiser for scholarships, programs, and campus upgrades. Start with the Silent Auction, and mingle over the hors d’oeuvres while you’re surrounded by twinkling Christmas trees and wreaths that were donated by various businesses. A Live Auction will also take place, followed by a performance by Neon Gypsy to bring the festival to a close.
MORE INFO: LAKEAREATECH.EDU.
2.) Christmas At The Capitol 2021
South Dakota State Capitol | Pierre | 8 A.M. | November 24 – December 26
This year’s theme for the Christmas at the Capitol in Pierre is Winter Wishes. Take in the spirit of the season humming along to festive songs, and stroll through the halls of the South Dakota State Capitol, which will be brimming with glittering ornaments, ornate wreaths, and plenty of garnished trees.
MORE INFO: CHRISTMASATTHECAPITOL.SD.GOV.
3.) Hall of Trees
Mean Cultural Education Center | Yankton | Times Vary | November 27
Tour through the Mead Cultural Education Center’s Hall of Trees—a display of up to 50 Christmas trees—to get festive for the holiday season. Other displays include the new Tonka toy and exhibits of snow globes, which will be created by local collectors.
MORE INFO: MEADBUILDING.ORG.
4.) Olde Tyme Christmas Parade & Celebration Kick-Off
Various Locations | Hill City | 5 P.M. | November 26
With Thanksgiving in the rearview, join Hill City in the Old Tyme Christmas Parade and Celebration Kick-Off, preparing for the month-long celebration with plenty of holiday festivities. Start with roasted chestnuts and cider at Alpine Inn before watching the parade after. Don’t forget to bring the kids to pick up an apple and share their lists with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Old World Plaza.
MORE INFO: HILLCITYSD.COM.
5.) 29th Annual Parade of Lights
Downtown | Sioux Falls | 7:30 P.M. | November 26
Huddle down the stretch of Phillips Avenue in downtown Sioux Falls for the 29th Annual Parade of Lights. This year’s theme is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, which is a nod to the tree lighting ceremony at Washington Pavilion. After awards are given for the best decorated tree on a float, head to Holiday Inn City Centre for an after party.
MORE INFO: DTSF.COM.
6.) Holiday Celebration & Winter Market
Main Street Square | Rapid City | 2 P.M. | November 27
Before watching the 23rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade make its way through downtown Rapid City, get in the spirit with the Holiday Celebration & Winter Market in Main Street Square. Pick up perfect, handmade gifts from local vendors, glide over the rink on a pair of ice skates, and watch the annual tree lighting.
MORE INFO: MAINSTREETSQUARE.ORG.
