Thinking about an escape to Rapid City this holiday season?
Holiday fun in our community is easy to find and when it's paired with the outstanding outdoor adventures of the Black Hills, it's unforgettable.
Events
Holiday events always add something special to the season. Whether they form from family traditions or first time experiences, these Rapid City area events rank high on the list for many.
- The Festival of Lights parade through Downtown Rapid City
- Holiday Celebration & Winter Market at Main Street Square - although after opening day of the ice rink any experience at this dreamy winter location is a must.
- Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights
- The 1880 Train Holiday Express
- Kountry Junkin' Christmas Market at the Central States Fairgrounds
- A Rush Hockey Game at The Monument - games happen all season long and are so fun to attend with family and friends.
Our events calendar is loaded with things happening throughout the year in the Rapid City area and is the best resource when you're looking for entertainment during your visit!
Festive feelings
Feast your eyes on holiday decorations throughout town by going beyond the family drive through neighborhoods. The charm of Downtown Rapid City is amplified during this time of year with holiday decorations. Large candy canes and snowflakes are strung above the streets, the City of President statues can be found bundled up with winter gear for those in need, and at the heart of it all is the cutest ice rink I've ever seen - Main Street Square. Grab a hot cocoa or seasonal coffee from Alternative Fuel and browse all the beautiful decorations throughout the downtown shops.
Local parks like Halley Park, located near downtown, and Canyon Lake Park, located on the west side of Rapid, also come alive with twinkling lights this time of year.
After all these festive finds you can "cheers" to time well spent with locally made winter flavors at one of the Rapid City breweries. Get a taste of what's on tap this season.
Explore the Area
I can’t talk about winter activities in our area without mentioning the Black Hills and area parks. Whether it be snowmobiling, snow shoeing, hiking, or just a jaw-dropping scenic winter drive, it’s important to experience winter throughout the hills. And what better way is there to burn off some of those big holiday meals?
Many envision a South Dakota winter means visiting a frozen tundra, but we have some stunningly beautiful winter days where you can find yourself out hiking in a t-shirt. You can learn more about Chinook winds and Rapid weather in this blog, which makes planning your winter getaway a little easier.
It's a wonderful time to make memories and explore new places with the ones you love. For more information and things to do during a winter visit to the Rapid City area, check out the related content below and follow us on social media!