SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – With Thanksgiving ending on Thursday, Sioux Falls has plenty of family-friendly holiday events happening this weekend.
Christmas tree lighting ceremony
November 24th
The lighting of the Christmas tree outside the Washington Pavilion begins at 6:25 p.m. Before the lights, there will be entertainment and refreshments starting at 5:45 p.m. Participants are asked to gather at the corner of 11th Street and Main Avenue. 45 foot tall tree lighting.
parade of lights
November 24th
The 31st annual Sioux Falls Parade of Lights will be held on the streets of downtown Sioux Falls on Friday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The parade route begins at 13th and Phillips streets and ends at 5th Avenue. Phillips Avenue closes at 6:45 for the parade, and 12th and 13th streets and parts of 1st Avenue close at 5:15 for the parade. Bleachers, porta-potties, and parking are available near downtown.
KELOLAND News will live stream the parade from the second floor of the State Theatre. Keroland’s Grant Sweeter and Scott Mundt will be providing commentary for the event.
Parade of Lights Afterparty
November 24th
The Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Center will host an afterparty in the Palisades Room immediately following the parade at 8:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public and will feature live music by Elizabeth Hunstad, a cash bar, and free events. cookies and cider.
Float prizes will also be awarded at the afterparty. Award categories include “Best Use of Light,” “Best Workmanship,” “Spirit of Sioux Falls,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “Downtown Sioux Falls Award,” and “Hometown Sioux Falls Award.” Pride Award, etc.
jingle bell run
November 24th
The annual run begins at Forwick Park at 5pm. Same-day registration will be available at 605 Running Company from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Jingle Bell Run supports the Arthritis Foundation. For the Sioux Falls branch, he raised more than $22,000 of a $26,000 goal.
winter weekend
November 24th – December 17th
Downtown Sioux Falls will host a winter festival near the new 10th Street mural throughout December. The event will include photo opportunities, bumper cars on a plastic ice rink, food trucks from Black Iris Coffee and Chick-fil-A, and more. Live music will be provided by Dakota Entertainment and will feature DJ Holiday Music, Carol-aoke and the Holiday Carolers. Winter weekend hours are Fridays from 5-8 p.m., Saturdays from 1-8 p.m., and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. The kickoff event on Friday, Nov. 24 will run for an additional two hours from 5 to 10 p.m. during the Parade of Lights.