7 Christmas Light Displays In South Dakota That Are Pure Holiday Magic
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Tori Jane
Author
South Dakota is one of those places in the US that doesn’t get enough credit, if you ask me – particularly in the winter. Sure, it can get pretty frigid around here in the depths of winter, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to have a great season anyway. It’s quite the opposite – there are so many wonderful Christmas lights displays in South Dakota, for instance, that you could turn exploring them all into a road trip (or a day trip). Curious about Christmas lights near me (and you!)? Come check out these must-do displays:
1. McCrory Gardens - Brookings
631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006, USA
Every season, McCrory Gardens puts on one of the best Christmas lights displays in South Dakota. From 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily from November through December, meander through an amazing wonderland aglow with tens of thousands of shimmery lights. This one might just become your new favorite tradition! Be sure to visit the official McCrory Gardens website for this year's dates and times.
2. Winter Wonderland at Falls Park - Sioux Falls
131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
Come see the biggest Christmas lights display in South Dakota in Sioux Falls at the epic Winter Wonderland. For two decades now, this tradition has lit up the chilly nights in town. It'll be aglow every evening from 5 p.m. until midnight, from mid-November until early January. Climb up the visitor's tower for the ultimate birds-eye view of this amazing holiday lights display in South Dakota. These are the best Christmas lights near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hands down! For this year's festivities, refer to the official Visit Sioux Falls website.
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3. Watertown Optimist Club Winter Wonderland - Watertown
90 S Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201, USA
This fun family Christmas tradition in South Dakota is one nobody will soon forget. This awesome, always-free lights display is put on by, well, exactly who you'd expect - the Watertown Optimist Club (yes, that's a thing). Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving and going through Christmas Day, more than 60 magical displays will adorn the roadside at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park. Donations are encouraged!
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4. Tour de Lights
The epic Tour de Lights is a magical map of all the best neighborhood and/or business Christmas lights displays in South Dakota. You'll be amazed at how many are on the list; it makes for the perfect winter road trip. Not sure what to bring? Check out our awesome road trip packing list. Bonus points for Christmas music playing as you drive! Visit the official Tour de Lights website for the map!
5. Christmas Nights of Light - Rapid City
1301 Sheridan Lake Road, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
Christmas Nights of Light is eight and a half acres of jaw-dropping lights and decor sure to thrill the whole family. Held at Storybook Island every year, Christmas Nights of Light is a shimmering homage to the winter season. Meet all your favorite storybook characters decked out in lights; sip on cocoa or cider and enjoy. Visit the official Travel South Dakota website for this year's dates, times, and admission.
6. Christmas at the Capitol - Pierre
313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Christmas at the Capitol is a much-beloved tradition in Pierre in which the capitol building gets all blingy and decked out in light and color. With up to 100 fully-decorated trees, three floors of wonders, and plenty to offer, this tradition is one you'll wonder why you didn't indulge in before. And if you have, well, welcome back - this beautiful festival of light and conifers is sure to bring you plenty of holiday joy all season long. It all starts with a lighting ceremony - come out and enjoy!
7. Festival of Trees, Lead
313 W Main St, Lead, SD 57754, USA
Lead is one of the best Christmas towns in South Dakota, and the lovely Festival of Trees may attest to this. Held at the historic Homestake Opera House, this event puts the "fun" in fundraiser as all proceeds benefit music and theatre programs within the community. Trees and other traditional decor are made all the more magical with song - come out and fall in love with Lead for the holidays.
There they are: some of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota. This little state sure knows how to make winter special! Come out and enjoy all of these awesome traditions with family and friends – you’ll love the memories made.
What are your favorite things to do in South Dakota during the winter? Let me know!
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