Explore the magical holiday season in Sioux Falls, SD, where excitement and wonder await locals and visitors alike. Experience the awe-inspiring Parade of Lights as illuminated floats and performers bring downtown to life. Stroll through the enchanting Winter Wonderland at Falls Park, where thousands of LED lights highlight the beauty of the Big Sioux River falls.
Delight in the spectacular show at Christmas at the Western Mall, featuring over 50,000 lights synchronized to festive tunes and supporting a noble cause. Discover Sioux Falls' festive charm with these unforgettable holiday events!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Sioux Falls Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Sioux Falls
- Parade of Lights
- Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
- Christmas at the Western Mall
- Sioux Falls SantaCon
- Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
- Christmas at the Cathedral
- Live Nativity
- ZooLights
- Christmas Market
- Ice Rink Opening Ceremony
Sioux Falls Holiday Light Displays
Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Illuminated floats and marching bands
Description:
Sioux Falls transforms into a river of light as the annual Parade of Lights flows through downtown streets. This beloved tradition, dating back to 1992, features dazzling illuminated floats, marching bands, and costumed performers. Spectators line the sidewalks, feeling the crisp winter air as they watch the procession. You can join in the fun by decorating yourself with glow sticks and light-up accessories. The parade showcases the creativity of local businesses and organizations, each vying for the coveted "Best Use of Lights" award.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
What to Expect:
Light displays around natural waterfalls
Description:
Falls Park bursts with color as thousands of LED lights illuminate the natural beauty of the Big Sioux River falls. This annual display, which began in 2003, artfully combines nature and technology. Visitors can stroll along illuminated pathways, marveling at the interplay of light and water. The park's five-story observation tower offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire display. Falls Park played a crucial role in the city's founding, powering the Queen Bee Mill in the late 19th century. Now, it serves as a stunning backdrop for holiday memories.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
Christmas at the Western Mall
What to Expect:
Synchronized light show to benefit Make-A-Wish
Description:
The Western Mall hosts a spectacular synchronized light show that captivates visitors while supporting a noble cause. This dazzling display, featuring over 50,000 lights, pulses and dances to holiday tunes. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special frequency to enjoy the full audio-visual experience. All donations collected benefit the Make-A-Wish South Dakota chapter, granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. The show has become a cherished tradition since its inception in 2006, growing more elaborate each year.
Website:
ZooLights
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at the Great Plains Zoo
Description:
The Great Plains Zoo sparkles after dark as Zoo Lights transforms the park into a luminous safari. Intricate light sculptures depict animals in playful poses, creating a nocturnal wonderland. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour, discovering glowing habitats and animated displays. Along the way, you'll learn fascinating facts about nocturnal animals and conservation efforts. This event, which began in 2018, has quickly become a beloved addition to Sioux Falls' holiday calendar, offering a unique twist on traditional light displays.
Website:
Sioux Falls Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor market with local flair
Description:
Downtown Sioux Falls embraces Old World charm with its European-inspired Christmas Market. Wooden chalets line the streets, offering locally-made crafts, baked goods, and warming beverages. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and spiced cider. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts like candle-dipping or ornament-making. This market pays homage to the city's German heritage, which dates back to some of its earliest settlers in the late 19th century. Local choirs perform carols, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Website:
Sioux Falls Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
What to Expect:
Blend of holiday classics and original compositions
Description:
The Hegg Brothers bring their signature sound to Sioux Falls, infusing holiday classics with jazz, rock, and gospel influences. This high-energy concert features a talented ensemble of regional musicians, creating a rich tapestry of sound that fills the venue. Audience members can groove to innovative arrangements of familiar tunes and discover new holiday gems. The Hegg Brothers, natives of Sioux Falls, have been delighting audiences with their Holiday Jam since 2009, showcasing the city's vibrant music scene.
Website:
Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
Christmas at the Cathedral
What to Expect:
Concert in a historic cathedral setting
Description:
St. Joseph Cathedral resonates with angelic voices and soaring instrumentals during the annual Christmas at the Cathedral concert. The cathedral's stunning Gothic Revival architecture, dating back to 1919, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for this musical celebration. Professional musicians and local choirs blend their talents in a program that ranges from traditional carols to contemporary compositions. Attendees can admire the cathedral's intricate stained glass windows while basking in the glow of candlelight. This beloved event has been a cornerstone of Sioux Falls' holiday season for over two decades.
Website:
Sioux Falls Other Holiday Activities
Sioux Falls SantaCon
What to Expect:
Santa-themed pub crawl for charity
Description:
Sioux Falls' downtown district transforms into a sea of red and white as hundreds of Santas descend for the annual SantaCon. This lively pub crawl combines holiday cheer with charitable giving, as participants donate toys or funds for local children's charities. Revelers hop from bar to bar, spreading joy and raising spirits. You might catch impromptu carol singing or Santa dance-offs along the way. This event, part of a global phenomenon that started in San Francisco in 1994, puts a uniquely Sioux Falls spin on the SantaCon tradition.
Website:
Live Nativity
What to Expect:
Interactive retelling of the Nativity story
Description:
The biblical story of Christmas comes to life in this immersive live nativity experience. Costumed actors and live animals transport visitors to ancient Bethlehem, recreating scenes from the first Christmas. Guests can interact with characters, pet the animals, and even participate in hands-on activities like candle-making or weaving. The aroma of frankincense and myrrh wafts through the air, adding to the authentic atmosphere. This event draws inspiration from the first live nativity scene, created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223, bringing that centuries-old tradition to the heart of Sioux Falls.
Website:
Ice Rink Opening Ceremony
What to Expect:
Figure skating performances and community skate
Description:
Sioux Falls kicks off the winter season with a spectacular Ice Rink Opening Ceremony. Professional figure skaters dazzle the crowd with graceful performances, their blades etching intricate patterns on the freshly smoothed ice. After the show, the rink opens for a community skate, allowing visitors to glide alongside the pros. This event harks back to the city's long-standing love affair with ice skating, which began with the first outdoor rink in McKennan Park in the 1920s. The ceremony symbolizes the start of winter activities in Sioux Falls, uniting the community in celebration of the season.
Website:
Nearby Events
Holiday Boutique (Harrisburg)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of locally-made gifts and decor
Description:
Local artisans and craftspeople showcase their talents at the Holiday Boutique, offering a treasure trove of unique gifts and decor. This carefully curated event features everything from hand-blown glass ornaments to artisanal foods, all created within the region. Shoppers can chat with makers, learning the stories behind each item. The boutique highlights the rich artistic heritage of Sioux Falls, which has been a hub for creativity since the establishment of the Sioux Falls Arts Council in 1969. Live demonstrations by artists add an interactive element to the shopping experience.
Website:
Christmas in the Country Tour (Hartford)
What to Expect:
Self-guided tour of rural holiday displays
Description:
The Christmas in the Country Tour invites visitors to explore the holiday spirit beyond city limits. This self-guided driving tour winds through the picturesque countryside surrounding Sioux Falls, showcasing elaborately decorated farms and rural homes. Each stop offers a unique display, from vintage tractor light shows to life-sized nativity scenes. You can warm up with hot cocoa at designated rest stops along the route. This tour celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region, highlighting the festive creativity of rural communities that have been the backbone of South Dakota since its founding.