Upcoming Events

Oct 11, 2025 - Jan 10, 2026 / Nordic Yule Market - Brookings

Step into the magic of the season at our Nordic Yule Market, open October 11 – January 10 at the South Dakota Art Museum Shop! Inspired by traditional Nordic and German holiday markets, this festive ...

Step into the magic of the season at our Nordic Yule Market, open October 11 – January 10 at the South Dakota Art Museum Shop! Inspired by traditional Nordic and German holiday markets, this festive shopping experience features: • Handcrafted gifts from Nordic and local artists (50 new vendors!) • Special events including live music, sip & shop, and family-friendly activities • A cozy reading corner • Meet & greets with your favorite characters • Free gift wrapping on select days

South Dakota Art Museum
South Dakota Art Museum 57007 1036 Medary Avenue, Brookings, SD 57007

Nov 15, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025 / Holiday Ho Ho Horseshoes - Deadwood

Purchase a unique Deadwood holiday horseshoe ornament from participating locations to win great prizes!

Purchase a unique Deadwood holiday horseshoe ornament from participating locations to win great prizes!
Various locations
Various locations 57732 Deadwood, SD 57732
Lights display.
Falls Park
Falls Park 131 E Falls Park Dr Sioux Falls, SD

Nov 26, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025 / Christmas at the Capitol - Pierre

Grand lighting ceremony of nearly 100 decorated trees. 

Grand lighting ceremony of nearly 100 decorated trees. 
South Dakota State Capitol
South Dakota State Capitol 57501 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501
Storefront display contest.
Various locations
Various locations Brookings, SD

Nov 28, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026 / Festival of Trees - Custer

Decorated trees on display. You can view all of the trees set up by community partners and organizations at the Custer State Park Visitor Center throughout the month of December.  

Decorated trees on display. You can view all of the trees set up by community partners and organizations at the Custer State Park Visitor Center throughout the month of December.  
Visitor Center Custer State Park
Visitor Center Custer State Park 13329 13329 U.S. 16A Custer, SD 57730

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025 / Mead Museum Hall of Trees - Yankton

The 8th Annual Mead Museum Hall of Trees will feature 80 Christmas trees, uniquely decorated by area businesses and organizations.The public is invited to enjoy 80 beautifully, uniquely decorated Christmas ...

The 8th Annual Mead Museum Hall of Trees will feature 80 Christmas trees, uniquely decorated by area businesses and organizations.The public is invited to enjoy 80 beautifully, uniquely decorated Christmas trees on all three floors of the Mead Museum in Yankton South Dakota. Community businesses and organizations join together for this special tradition. Santa visits on Sundays in December. Experience ...
Mead Building
Mead Building 57078 82 Mickelson Dr, Yankton, SD 57078

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 30, 2025 / Trees and Trains - Hill City

Seasonal displays, model trains, photos with Santa and entertainment.

Seasonal displays, model trains, photos with Santa and entertainment.
South Dakota State Railroad Museum
South Dakota State Railroad Museum 57745 222 Railroad Ave., Hill City, SD 57745

Dec 01, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025 / Light Up Lead - Lead

Come visit Lead's Winter Wonderland! The community of Lead lights up for the city-wide holiday lighting contest and everyone is invited to travel the town and see the lights from December 1 ...

Come visit Lead's Winter Wonderland! The community of Lead lights up for the city-wide holiday lighting contest and everyone is invited to travel the town and see the lights from December 1 through the 31st!
City of Lead
City of Lead 57754 Lead, SD 57754

Dec 07, 2025 - Jan 06, 2026 / Garden Glow - Brookings

Stroll through an outdoor wonderland of lights, images and scenes of the holidays at the McCrory Gardens. Garden Glow will be closed for the following days: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's ...

Stroll through an outdoor wonderland of lights, images and scenes of the holidays at the McCrory Gardens. Garden Glow will be closed for the following days: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 
Education and Visitor Center at McCrory Gardens
Education and Visitor Center at McCrory Gardens 57006 631 22nd Ave. Brookings SD 57006

Dec 22, 2025 / Santa Visits Garden Glow - Brookings

Come see Santa at Garden Glow! Admission - FREE

Dec 23, 2025 - Dec 24, 2025 / 1880 Train Holiday Express - Hill City

Journey to the North Pole, where Santa waits to get on board. Adults-only cars with spiked hot chocolate available on select days. 

Journey to the North Pole, where Santa waits to get on board. Adults-only cars with spiked hot chocolate available on select days. 
Hill City Station
Hill City Station 57745 222 Railroad Ave. Hill City, SD 57745
Features hit songs from the original animated series.
Washington Pavilion
Washington Pavilion 57104 301 S. Main Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

Dec 31, 2025 / New Year's Eve - Deadwood

Main Street celebration highlighted by the ball drop above the Historic Franklin Hotel veranda.

Main Street celebration highlighted by the ball drop above the Historic Franklin Hotel veranda.
Franklin Hotel
Franklin Hotel 57732 798 Upper Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732

Dec 31, 2025 / "American to the Heart" - Sioux Falls

Dress in your heartland American jeans/hat or New Year's Eve sparkle to celebrate America250.

Dress in your heartland American jeans/hat or New Year's Eve sparkle to celebrate America250.
El Raid Shrine
El Raid Shrine 510 South Phillips Avenue

Dec 31, 2025 / Cowboys & Aliens - Rapid City

Black Hills Symphony Orchestra performance.

Black Hills Symphony Orchestra performance.
Performing Arts Center
Performing Arts Center 57701 601 Columbus Street, Rapid City, SD 57701

Jan 01, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026 / Downtown Burger Battle - Sioux Falls

Local restaurants compete for the title of Best Burger in DTSF.

Local restaurants compete for the title of Best Burger in DTSF.
Various Locations
Various Locations

Jan 01, 2026 / First Day Hike - Bruce

Fight off the winter blues with an approximately one-mile guided hike through Oakwood Lakes State Park. Park license required.

Fight off the winter blues with an approximately one-mile guided hike through Oakwood Lakes State Park. Park license required.
Oakwood Lakes State Park
Oakwood Lakes State Park 20247 20247 Oakwood Dr., Bruce, SD

Jan 01, 2026 / First Day Hike - Sioux Falls

Start 2026 off right with a First Day Hike.  This one-mile guided hike will showcase the winter nature of the park as well as the park's history. Park license required. 

Start 2026 off right with a First Day Hike.  This one-mile guided hike will showcase the winter nature of the park as well as the park's history. Park license required. 
Good Earth State Park
Good Earth State Park 26924 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
4-Person Scramble Indoor Golf.  
Golf Addiction
Golf Addiction 57106 5301 W 57th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
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