Upcoming Events

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

National Music Museum

Sign up for our science-based preschool program for our youngest learners. Literature, free exploration, sensory experiences, directed experiments, art and conversation will be at the core of the program. The overall curriculum is being designed on a 3-year cycle so children who start as 3 year-olds will have a new experience each year. The Fall Semester starts September 8, 2023 and runs through December ...

SD Discovery Center

Lights display.

Falls Park

Grand lighting ceremony of nearly 100 trees. 

South Dakota State Capitol

Located in the historic GAR Hall, the gallery is bursting with exceptional handmade, fine art and craft work for unique holiday buying. Support area artists in a festive boutique style setting, while finding that one-of-a-kind gift you've been searching for! 

GAR Hall Art Gallery

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

South Dakota State Railroad Museum

Discover the magic of Christmas at the Mead Museum Hall of Trees 2023 from Friday, November 24 - Sunday, December 31! This year as you enter the historic 1909 Mead Building, you will encounter our Nutcracker themed foyer redesign by Forte of Yankton and the KVHT / KVTK Radio Angel Tree. While you sip your free hot cocoa and coffee, you will enjoy walking through our winter wonderland filled with over ...

Mead Museum

Each year, starting the weekend after Thanksgiving through Christmas Day (WEEKENDS ONLY) from 6:00pm--9:00pm, Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park is OPEN for drive-through viewing of 60+ lighted displays. Location from Watertown: North on Hwy 20, then turn South on S. Lake Drive toward Lake Kampeska and the Entrance to city park and Winter Wonderland. Watertown Optimist club members will greet you. Near the ...

Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park

Community theater performance.

Town Players Theater

Theatrical performance.

Washington Pavilion

Our annual convention is regarded as one of the most important events of the year. As a grass roots farm organization, our annual convention allows for our members to gather together to discuss and develop vital agriculture policy that serves the best interest of rural family farmers and ranchers. This year we welcome special guests Larry Rhoden – SD Lieutenant Governor, Michael Kades – ...

Crossroads Hotel & Huron Event Center

Music and entertainment.

Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

Enjoy a weekend of holiday fun in Hot Springs with music, crafts, wagon rides, pictures with Santa, tree lighting and a lighted parade! Friday, December 1 (American Legion) ·         4:00 – 6:00 pm Cookie Cruise ·         4:30 – 6:00 pm American Legion event room o   Sandstone ...

Multiple locations

Stroll through the illuminated children's park with hot cocoa and Santa.

Christmas Nights of Lights - Rapid City

Christmas Nights of Lights - Rapid City

Christmas Nights of Lights - Rapid City

Storybook Island

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

Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House - Deadwood

Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House - Deadwood

Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House - Deadwood

Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House - Deadwood

Historic Adams House

Light display and food at Fort Sisseton Historic Sate Park.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

Free trolley rides, letter writing to Santa, warm drink stations, festive carolers, and more; culminating with brightly decorated parade floats and the sight of Santa Claus spreading cheer to the delight of all.

Featuring the inspiring Hallelujah Chorus, Handel's Messiah returns to usher in the holiday season. Join your South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls for this divine masterpiece!  

First Lutheran Church