From stunningly lit main streets to captivating Christmas light displays, South Dakota is getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year. If you have ever wondered, “where are there Christmas lights near me,” you’ve found your answer. These extravagant Christmas set-ups are sure to bring out your holiday spirit and make you feel as though you’re surrounded by magic. So grab your winter coat; gather your loved ones, and check out 11 of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota.
- Sioux Falls Annual Parade of Lights - Sioux Falls
Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. / Facebook 230 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. / Facebook Visit the historic downtown of Sioux Falls for one of the best Christmas events in South Dakota. The Annual Parade of Lights is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Grab your spot on the side of the road, and watch the shimmering floats roll by. Get all of the details, including day and time, on the website of Sioux Falls Annual Parade of Lights. Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Storybook Island’s Christmas Nights of Light
Storybook Island / Facebook
Storybook Island / Facebook Come to Storybook Island for a merry Christmas stroll. One of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota, Christmas Nights of Light shimmers with more than 20 miles of lights in the park. Meander through the park as you sip on hot cocoa and admire the spectacular light display. Find more info, including dates and times, on the official website of Storybook Island Chrismas Nights of Light. 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
- Watertown Optimist Club Winter Wonderland
Watertown Optimist Club / Facebook
Watertown Optimist Club / Facebook This stunning wonderland is organized every year by the Watertown SD Optimist Club to help fund children’s programs in the community. View the gorgeous displays and trees from the comfort of your warm vehicle, and jump out and greet Santa Claus at the end. When you consider that approximately 30,000 people explore this wonderland each year, you know it’s well worth your visit. Find more information on Winter Wonderland. 90 S Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201, USA
- Christmas at the Capitol
Christmas as the Capitol / Facebook
Christmas at the Capitol Facebook Each year the historical Capitol Building is decorated with nearly 100 Christmas trees thanks to faithful, talented volunteers. Explore three floors of pure holiday bliss while enjoying delightful music provided by carolers and musicians. This free display begins with a lighting ceremony. Get all of the details, including dates and times, on Christmas at the Capitol. 500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
- Festival of Trees
The Historic Homestake Opera House / Facebook
The Historic Homestake Opera House / Facebook Located in the Historic Homestake Opera House, this festive holiday event, one of the most beloved Christmas events in South Dakota, is a fundraiser for music and theater programs in the community. Marvel at beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths while participating in a silent and live Christmas auction. Delicious drinks and Christmas treats will also be available as well as pleasant holiday music. Head over to the official website of Historic Homestake Opera House for days, hours, and more information. 313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, USA
- Santa Day / Parade of Lights
Wessington, South Dakota / Facebook
Wessington, South Dakota / Facebook This annual parade has been dazzling viewers for years. Wessington comes alive with a marvelous line-up of creative Christmas floats. Grab a warm cup of hot chocolate and vote for your favorite Christmas display before enjoying a delicious chili/soup supper. More information can be found on the Parade of Lights website. 170 Wessington St S, Wessington, SD 57381, USA
- Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
Jerry / Flickr
Abby Bischoff / Flickr Falls Park transforms into a dazzling “Winter Wonderland" every holiday season, making it one of the most beloved Christmas events in South Dakota. Stay in your warm, cozy car, and drive through this impressive mile-long display of wreaths, decorated trees, strings of lights, and various animated features. The view from the observation tower is absolutely exquisite. Stop by the official website of Winter Wonderland at Falls Park for more information. 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Festival of Lights/ Holiday Celebration and Winter Market
Festival of Lights Parade / Facebook
Joe Wolf / Flickr The locals line the streets each year to enjoy this magical Black Hills tradition that features over 75 dazzling, unique holiday floats. Grab your ice skates and join the other locals as they glide around Main Street’s rink. Afterward, find the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one with the help of the Winter Market’s local vendors. This is a winter premier event you won’t want to miss. Head over to the official website of Main Street Square for more information, including dates and times. 526 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
- Madison’s Magical Christmas
Facebook/Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Bring the whole family to one of the most fun Christmas events in South Dakota. Madison’s Magical Christmas features a full menu of activities - from photos with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree to Christmas carolers and hot chocolate. It’s one of the must-visit events of the season. All of the info you need to plan your visit to Madison’s Magical Christmas can be found on the Madison’s Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. 924 5th St NE, Madison, SD 57042, USA
- Holidazzle Light Parade
Downtown Spearfish / Facebook
Downtown Spearfish / Facebook The annual Holidazzle Light Parade will once again illuminate Main Street Spearfish, drawing visitors from all over to this popular Christmas event in South Dakota. Arrive early for holiday shopping sales, roasted chestnuts, and a community chili feed and food drive. You can’t get much more festive than that. Find more on the Holidazzle Light Parade. Spearfish, SD, USA
- Living Christmas Tree
Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree / Facebook
Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree / Facebook Soak in the Christmas splendor at The Living Christmas Tree, an Aberdeen tradition since 1988. Talented performers sing your favorite holiday tunes from a 20-foot-Christmas-tree-shaped structure complete with plenty of garland and sparkling lights. Keep up-to-date on all of the latest news of The Living Christmas Tree on Facebook. 203 S Washington St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
Have you been wondering, “where can I find Christmas lights near me?” Wonder no more! Add some or all of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota to your holiday to-do list this year. If you’re up for a bit of traveling this holiday season, check out these six magical Christmas towns in South Dakota.
Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. / Facebook
230 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. / Facebook
Visit the historic downtown of Sioux Falls for one of the best Christmas events in South Dakota. The Annual Parade of Lights is the perfect way to welcome the holiday season. Grab your spot on the side of the road, and watch the shimmering floats roll by. Get all of the details, including day and time, on the website of Sioux Falls Annual Parade of Lights.
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
Storybook Island / Facebook
Come to Storybook Island for a merry Christmas stroll. One of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota, Christmas Nights of Light shimmers with more than 20 miles of lights in the park. Meander through the park as you sip on hot cocoa and admire the spectacular light display. Find more info, including dates and times, on the official website of Storybook Island Chrismas Nights of Light.
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Watertown Optimist Club / Facebook
This stunning wonderland is organized every year by the Watertown SD Optimist Club to help fund children’s programs in the community. View the gorgeous displays and trees from the comfort of your warm vehicle, and jump out and greet Santa Claus at the end. When you consider that approximately 30,000 people explore this wonderland each year, you know it’s well worth your visit. Find more information on Winter Wonderland.
90 S Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201, USA
Christmas as the Capitol / Facebook
Christmas at the Capitol Facebook
Each year the historical Capitol Building is decorated with nearly 100 Christmas trees thanks to faithful, talented volunteers. Explore three floors of pure holiday bliss while enjoying delightful music provided by carolers and musicians. This free display begins with a lighting ceremony. Get all of the details, including dates and times, on Christmas at the Capitol.
500 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, USA
The Historic Homestake Opera House / Facebook
Located in the Historic Homestake Opera House, this festive holiday event, one of the most beloved Christmas events in South Dakota, is a fundraiser for music and theater programs in the community. Marvel at beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths while participating in a silent and live Christmas auction. Delicious drinks and Christmas treats will also be available as well as pleasant holiday music. Head over to the official website of Historic Homestake Opera House for days, hours, and more information.
313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Wessington, South Dakota / Facebook
This annual parade has been dazzling viewers for years. Wessington comes alive with a marvelous line-up of creative Christmas floats. Grab a warm cup of hot chocolate and vote for your favorite Christmas display before enjoying a delicious chili/soup supper. More information can be found on the Parade of Lights website.
170 Wessington St S, Wessington, SD 57381, USA
Jerry / Flickr
Abby Bischoff / Flickr
Falls Park transforms into a dazzling “Winter Wonderland" every holiday season, making it one of the most beloved Christmas events in South Dakota. Stay in your warm, cozy car, and drive through this impressive mile-long display of wreaths, decorated trees, strings of lights, and various animated features. The view from the observation tower is absolutely exquisite. Stop by the official website of Winter Wonderland at Falls Park for more information.
131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Festival of Lights Parade / Facebook
Joe Wolf / Flickr
The locals line the streets each year to enjoy this magical Black Hills tradition that features over 75 dazzling, unique holiday floats. Grab your ice skates and join the other locals as they glide around Main Street’s rink. Afterward, find the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one with the help of the Winter Market’s local vendors. This is a winter premier event you won’t want to miss. Head over to the official website of Main Street Square for more information, including dates and times.
526 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701, USA
Facebook/Greater Madison Area Chamber of Commerce
Bring the whole family to one of the most fun Christmas events in South Dakota. Madison’s Magical Christmas features a full menu of activities - from photos with Santa and the lighting of the Christmas tree to Christmas carolers and hot chocolate. It’s one of the must-visit events of the season. All of the info you need to plan your visit to Madison’s Magical Christmas can be found on the Madison’s Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
924 5th St NE, Madison, SD 57042, USA
Downtown Spearfish / Facebook
The annual Holidazzle Light Parade will once again illuminate Main Street Spearfish, drawing visitors from all over to this popular Christmas event in South Dakota. Arrive early for holiday shopping sales, roasted chestnuts, and a community chili feed and food drive. You can’t get much more festive than that. Find more on the Holidazzle Light Parade.
Spearfish, SD, USA
Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree / Facebook
Soak in the Christmas splendor at The Living Christmas Tree, an Aberdeen tradition since 1988. Talented performers sing your favorite holiday tunes from a 20-foot-Christmas-tree-shaped structure complete with plenty of garland and sparkling lights. Keep up-to-date on all of the latest news of The Living Christmas Tree on Facebook.
203 S Washington St, Aberdeen, SD 57401, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In South Dakota November 17, 2021 Beth Price-Williams How can I prepare for winter in South Dakota? Winter in South Dakota brings with it a ton of fun. We have quite a few Christmas events and even the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota to visit when, of course, the winter allows. If you’ve not been through a South Dakota winter, you might want to start preparing early. Get ready to go slow, for example, on the highway when the snow is blowing and the ice is thick. Most states cancel school and close the office on bad snow days. Not South Dakota. You’ll dig out and go on with the day as usual. Just make sure you’re bundled up any time you go outdoors – the wind. It’s something you have to experience to understand. Are there any winter hiking trails in South Dakota? An evening of visiting the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota can best be followed – the next day – with a refreshing winter hike in South Dakota. Bundle up for a picturesque hike along such breathtaking trails as Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route in Spearfish. Wait until you see the landscape sprinkled in snow as you trek through the forest. Badlands National Park has the perfect hiking trail – whether you like short and sweet or prefer a challenge. Don’t forget to plan a visit to Good Earth State Park at Blood Run in Sioux Falls either. It’s home to several scenic yet rather easy trails. Where are the most magical places in winter in South Dakota? South Dakota winters can be downright brutal. However, when we’re cozy and warm inside, we can probably admit the snow-covered landscape is simply breathtaking. If you need a bit of summer in the middle of winter, make your way to Evan Plunge in Hot Springs. Swim in the warm pools; zip down slides, and flip on the rings into the water. It’s a picture-perfect winter destination and a wonderful prelude to an evening of viewing the Christmas lights in South Dakota.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Christmas Light Displays In South Dakota
November 17, 2021
Beth Price-Williams
How can I prepare for winter in South Dakota? Winter in South Dakota brings with it a ton of fun. We have quite a few Christmas events and even the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota to visit when, of course, the winter allows. If you’ve not been through a South Dakota winter, you might want to start preparing early. Get ready to go slow, for example, on the highway when the snow is blowing and the ice is thick. Most states cancel school and close the office on bad snow days. Not South Dakota. You’ll dig out and go on with the day as usual. Just make sure you’re bundled up any time you go outdoors – the wind. It’s something you have to experience to understand. Are there any winter hiking trails in South Dakota? An evening of visiting the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota can best be followed – the next day – with a refreshing winter hike in South Dakota. Bundle up for a picturesque hike along such breathtaking trails as Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route in Spearfish. Wait until you see the landscape sprinkled in snow as you trek through the forest. Badlands National Park has the perfect hiking trail – whether you like short and sweet or prefer a challenge. Don’t forget to plan a visit to Good Earth State Park at Blood Run in Sioux Falls either. It’s home to several scenic yet rather easy trails. Where are the most magical places in winter in South Dakota? South Dakota winters can be downright brutal. However, when we’re cozy and warm inside, we can probably admit the snow-covered landscape is simply breathtaking. If you need a bit of summer in the middle of winter, make your way to Evan Plunge in Hot Springs. Swim in the warm pools; zip down slides, and flip on the rings into the water. It’s a picture-perfect winter destination and a wonderful prelude to an evening of viewing the Christmas lights in South Dakota.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Winter in South Dakota brings with it a ton of fun. We have quite a few Christmas events and even the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota to visit when, of course, the winter allows. If you’ve not been through a South Dakota winter, you might want to start preparing early. Get ready to go slow, for example, on the highway when the snow is blowing and the ice is thick. Most states cancel school and close the office on bad snow days. Not South Dakota. You’ll dig out and go on with the day as usual. Just make sure you’re bundled up any time you go outdoors – the wind. It’s something you have to experience to understand.
Are there any winter hiking trails in South Dakota?
An evening of visiting the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota can best be followed – the next day – with a refreshing winter hike in South Dakota. Bundle up for a picturesque hike along such breathtaking trails as Mount Roosevelt Trail Winter Route in Spearfish. Wait until you see the landscape sprinkled in snow as you trek through the forest. Badlands National Park has the perfect hiking trail – whether you like short and sweet or prefer a challenge. Don’t forget to plan a visit to Good Earth State Park at Blood Run in Sioux Falls either. It’s home to several scenic yet rather easy trails.
Where are the most magical places in winter in South Dakota?
South Dakota winters can be downright brutal. However, when we’re cozy and warm inside, we can probably admit the snow-covered landscape is simply breathtaking. If you need a bit of summer in the middle of winter, make your way to Evan Plunge in Hot Springs. Swim in the warm pools; zip down slides, and flip on the rings into the water. It’s a picture-perfect winter destination and a wonderful prelude to an evening of viewing the Christmas lights in South Dakota.
