Due to the possibility of cancellations, please check events’ websites/postings before attending.
1.) Christmas at the Capitol
South Dakota State Capitol Building | Pierre | 8 A.M. | December 1-26
Celebrate the joy of the season with Christmas at the Capitol. Attend one of the near-daily performances by various community performers, choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. Take a stroll through the halls of the South Dakota State Capitol Building to tour the Winter Wishes display of trees and decorations.
MORE INFO: CHRISTMASATTHECAPITOL.SD.GOV.
2.) Holiday Express
1880 Train | Hill City | Times Vary | December 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 23-24
Climb aboard the 1880 Train as you take a round trip ride from Hill City to the North Pole, where Santa will join the journey. With warm hot chocolate in one hand and a sugar cookie in the other, listen to a special story. At the end of the night, leave with a keepsake mug. Grab a Gift Pack that includes a light-up necklace, an ornament, Poppy Reindeer Crunch Popcorn, and gourmet Hammond’s Candies.
MORE INFO: 1880TRAIN.COM.
3.) Garden Glow
McCrory Gardens | Brookings | 5 P.M. | December 4-23, 26-31, January 2-6
Walk through the bright, twinkling lights projecting the holiday spirit of McCrory Gardens. It’s a great setting for a date, a family evening, or just to take in happy holiday vibes. Seasonal music will accompany the stroll. Don’t miss the newest display called Reindeer Meadow.
MORE INFO: SDSTATE.EDU.
4.) New Year’s Eve in Historic Deadwood
Various Locations | Deadwood | Times Vary | December 31-January 2
Bring in the new year in Deadwood. Grab dinner at First Gold Gaming Resort’s New Year’s Eve Buffet. Throughout the weekend, various events will be at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort including New Year’s Eve Cash Bash and One Million Dollar Giveaway. Buffalo Bodega Complex will have their 2 DJs Two Stages event. Watch the ball drop in front of Silverado Franklin Hotel and Casino from Main Street.
MORE INFO: DEADWOOD.COM.
5.) Burning Beetle
Pageant Hill | Custer | 6:30 P.M. | January 15
Support Custer Area Arts through the Burning Beetle with a community variety show, a pub crawl, and more. Release your inner angry mob member and bear a torch as you march to the burning beetle effigy. This event raises awareness of the Mountain Pine Beetle, which has caused the destruction of forests.
MORE INFO: FACEBOOK.COM.
6.) Winterfest
Lead | Times Vary | January 27-30
Join the Lead Area Chamber of Commerce in WinterFest to close out January. This annual event typically has highlights like fireworks, a cook-off, a bonfire, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, a parade, and more. The official 2022 schedule will be released soon.
