Christmas in the Hills
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Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Christmas in the Hills

Experience the magic of the holiday season at Christmas in the Hills, a festive celebration in Hot Springs. This event kicks off with a delightful Cookie Cruise, allowing attendees to sample and vote for the best local cookies. The evening continues with the enchanting 'Journey of Lights Parade,' featuring beautifully illuminated floats. The following day, explore the Handcrafters Marketplace for unique gifts and decorations, all while enjoying live Christmas music and festive food.

What to Expect

Community-wide holiday festival with cookie tasting and light parade

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, shoppers, community event enthusiasts

Vibe

Festive, community-oriented, cheerful

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High (for outdoor parade and marketplace)

Special Events & Promotions

  • Annual Cookie Cruise
  • Journey of Lights Parade
  • Christmas in the Hills Handcrafters Marketplace
  • Free Christmas Music Show

Tags

community celebrationholiday marketSanta visitsfestive foodfamily friendlyfree eventholiday traditionparadestree lightingartisanal products

Location

Hot Springs
Hot Springs, SD
57747

Event Details

Duration

Weekend event

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce

Food & Drink

Food and fun for all, Cookie Cruise

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the 'Journey of Lights Parade' to secure a good viewing spot, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of Santa.
  • Bring cash for the Handcrafters Marketplace, as some vendors may not accept cards, and it speeds up transactions.
  • Check the 'Cookie Cruise' map on hotsprings-sd.com closer to the date to plan your tasting route efficiently.
  • Dress in warm layers, as the first weekend of December in South Dakota can be quite cold, especially during the evening parade.
  • Consider staying overnight to fully enjoy all the weekend festivities without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Cookie Cruise'?

The Cookie Cruise is an event where you can taste bite-size cookies at local businesses from 4pm-7pm on Friday and vote for your favorite.

Where can I find the full event schedule?

A full schedule is available by clicking the provided link in the event description, which leads to a Google Drive document.

Is there a cost to attend the main events?

The event is listed as FREE, with specific mention of a Free Christmas Music Show.

What kind of items can I expect at the Handcrafters Marketplace?

You can find a variety of handcrafted items, original creations, home-baked goodies, ornaments, decor, and gift ideas.

Is Santa Claus expected to be at the event?

The 'Journey of Lights Parade' description mentions that you might even see Santa, if you're super nice.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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