Christmas Events for Kids in Rapid City (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

13 min read

The Rapid City area has 12 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House in Deadwood on November 27 to Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights in Rapid City, which runs through December 27. 3 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in South Dakota, part of our guide for every state.

The short version

  • 12 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Rapid City for 2026, in Rapid City, Deadwood, Box Elder, Custer and Spearfish
  • First: Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House, Deadwood, November 27. Runs latest: Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights, Rapid City, through December 27
  • Free: Winter Market at Main Street Square, Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum and Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our South Dakota Christmas train rides page.

Rapid City Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
12 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Rapid City, Deadwood, Box Elder, Custer and Spearfish
Season
November 27 to December 27, 2026
Free events
3
Kinds of events
holiday event, holiday parade, holiday show and Santa and Mrs. Claus
Last checked

Plan your December

When each Rapid City Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House in Deadwood on November 27; the last runs to December 27. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Rapid City? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Rapid City

7 confirmed events for kids in Rapid City, soonest first.

Rapid City: Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights

Holiday lightsStorybook Island · Rapid City

Host
Storybook Island (opens in a new tab)
Where
Storybook Island, 1301 Sheridan Lake Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (nightly during the run, see host for hours)
Cost
Tickets sold at the gate or in advance, price not listed
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Storybook Island turns into a holiday light show each year from November 27 through December 27. Families walk the park's eight acres past storybook characters draped in more than 20 miles of twinkling lights while Christmas music plays. Kids can take a train ride through the park or a spin on the nostalgic indoor carousel, and on special evenings they can meet Santa and his reindeer.

This is the only fundraising event of the season for Storybook Island, which stays free to visit in Rapid City during the summer. Tickets are available at the gate, but the page encourages buying ahead. Local tourism tips say the entrance line is usually shorter on weekdays than on weekends, and that cookies, hot chocolate and cider are sold in the park.

Parent tip: Buy tickets ahead and try a weekday for a shorter line. Check the park for Santa and reindeer evenings.

See dates and details from Storybook Island (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: Festival of Lights Parade

Holiday paradeDowntown Rapid City / Main Street Square · Rapid City

Host
Downtown Rapid City / Main Street Square (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Rapid City (Main Street), 512 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6 pm
Cost
Free to watch (no ticket listed)
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Festival of Lights Parade is billed as the brightest event of the season in Rapid City. It starts at 6 pm on Saturday, November 28, and runs west on Main Street to 7th Street, then east on St. Joseph Street. Floats are built on flatbed trucks and decorated with lights, horse drawn carriages roll along the route, and Santa makes his big entrance at the end of the parade.

The parade follows the afternoon Winter Market at Main Street Square, so many families come early for the tree lighting, skating and vendors, then stake out a spot along the curb. The event page asks drivers to note that parking is not allowed along the route between 5th and 7th Streets from 5 to 8 pm.

Parent tip: Arrive early to claim a curb spot and park off the route. Bundle up since the parade is outdoors after dark.

See dates and details from Downtown Rapid City / Main Street Square (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: Winter Market at Main Street Square

Tree lightingFreeMain Street Square · Rapid City

Host
Main Street Square (opens in a new tab)
Where
Main Street Square, 512 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, noon to 8 pm
Cost
Free to attend, ice skating $10 plus $5 skate rental
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Winter Market takes place outdoors at Main Street Square on Saturday, November 28. The ice rink opens at noon, the marketplace opens at 1 pm, and Santa is by the Christmas tree from 1 to 5 pm for visits with kids. Black Hills Figure Skating performs at 2 and 4 pm, and live music plays through the afternoon. A warm up station with a fire gives families a place to thaw out.

At 4:50 pm the mayor gives a short address, followed by the tree lighting countdown at 4:57 pm. The Festival of Lights Parade steps off at 6 pm, and the rink closes at 8 pm. The event page says attending is free. Skating costs $10 for a rink day pass and $5 to rent skates, with $1 off for military, first responders, seniors and students. Vendors sell locally made gifts and art around the Square.

Parent tip: Dress warmly since everything is outdoors. Plan to stay for the 6 pm parade if the kids can stay up.

See dates and details from Main Street Square (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

Holiday showThe Monument · Rapid City

Host
The Monument (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Monument, 444 N Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026
Cost
Tickets required, price not listed
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Magical Christmas Ballet is described as the largest touring production of its kind in North America, and it reaches The Monument in Rapid City on December 1. The show features an international cast of dancers, acrobatics, elaborate costumes and larger than life puppetry set to Tchaikovsky's score.

A highlight is the Dove of Peace adagio. The tourism listing says the production is in its 34th year and visits more than 80 cities annually, aimed at audiences of all ages. Showtime and ticket prices were not on the tourism page, so check The Monument box office for seating and start time. The Monument is at 444 North Mount Rushmore Road. Because the date is early in the month, it works well as a way to start the holiday season with the family, and the producers describe the show as appealing to all ages.

Parent tip: Look up the start time and buy tickets through The Monument before the date.

See dates and details from The Monument (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch

Holiday eventFreeThe Monument · Rapid City

Host
The Monument (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Monument, Rushmore Hall, 444 N Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
When
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up fills Rushmore Hall at The Monument on Saturday, December 12, from 10 am to 4 pm with local vendors selling gifts, decor, handmade goods, treats and stocking stuffers. Admission is free.

The family angle is the Grinch, who makes his debut appearance at the marketplace and is on hand from 10 am to 1 pm for photos with kids and families. The event listing calls the day family friendly and focused on shopping local. It is a low cost way to combine a bit of last minute gift shopping with a character visit for children. The Monument is the large events center at 444 North Mount Rushmore Road in Rapid City, and Rushmore Hall is the room used for the marketplace. The listing promises treats, stocking stuffers and handmade goods, so there is something for adults to browse while kids wait for their photo with the Grinch.

Parent tip: Come before 1 pm if the Grinch photo is the goal.

See dates and details from The Monument (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: A Christmas Carol

Holiday showThe Monument · Rapid City

Host
The Monument (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Monument, 444 N Mount Rushmore Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026
Cost
Tickets required, price not listed
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

This touring production of A Christmas Carol visits The Monument in Rapid City on Sunday, December 13. The listing says audiences young and old will enjoy the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, with Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim among the characters.

The two hour show weaves well known Christmas carols through the story, with projected scenery, dramatic light and sound effects, and large puppets for the ghosts. Because the story has a haunting side, parents of very young children may want to think about whether the ghost scenes suit their child. Start time and ticket prices were not included on the tourism page.

Parent tip: The ghost scenes can be spooky, so consider the ages of younger kids. Check The Monument for showtime.

See dates and details from The Monument (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City: Christmas at WaTiki

Santa and Mrs. ClausWaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort · Rapid City

Host
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort (opens in a new tab)
Where
WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, 1314 N Elk Vale Rd, Rapid City, SD 57703
When
Sunday, December 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (four days)
Cost
Price not listed, overnight stay suggested
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

WaTiki Indoor Waterpark says Santa is taking his holiday vacation there, and families are invited to make it part of their own tradition from December 20 to 23. For four days the resort becomes a holiday wonderland with special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus and a Duck the Halls duck race.

The resort recommends an overnight stay at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, which includes unlimited waterpark access and easy reach of the holiday activities around the property. Specific times and ticket prices were not listed on the tourism page, so check the WaTiki events page before you go. WaTiki is at 1314 North Elk Vale Road on the north side of Rapid City. Because the resort is built around its indoor waterpark, the holiday program is a warm option on a cold December day, and the tourism page ties the experience to staying overnight with unlimited waterpark access.

Parent tip: Confirm daily times and any day pass pricing on the WaTiki events page before driving over.

See dates and details from WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Deadwood

2 confirmed events for kids in Deadwood, soonest first.

Deadwood: Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House

Holiday eventDeadwood History · Deadwood

Host
Deadwood History (opens in a new tab)
Where
Historic Adams House, 22 Van Buren St, Deadwood, SD 57732 (near Rapid City)
When
Friday, November 27, 2026 to Saturday, December 19, 2026 (guided tours every half hour), 11 am to 4 pm
Cost
$12 non-members, $8 members, $5 ages 6 to 12, free ages 5 and under
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Historic Adams House in Deadwood is decorated for the season and lit by candlelight for special Christmas tours from November 27 through December 19. Guides lead tours every half hour from 11 am to 4 pm and share stories of Christmas traditions and the families who once lived in the Queen Anne style home.

Tickets cost $12 for non-members and $8 for members. Children ages 6 to 12 pay $5, and kids 5 and under are free. Tickets can be bought online at DeadwoodHistory.com or at the door, and the listing gives 605-722-4800 for questions. Deadwood is about an hour from Rapid City. The Adams House is at 22 Van Buren Street in Deadwood. Tours run every half hour, so families do not need to arrive at an exact time, and the lower child prices make it affordable for a group.

Parent tip: Buy tickets online or at the door and call 605-722-4800 with questions.

See dates and details from Deadwood History (opens in a new tab)

Deadwood: Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum

Santa and Mrs. ClausFreeDeadwood History · Deadwood

Host
Deadwood History (opens in a new tab)
Where
Days of '76 Museum, 18 76th Dr, Deadwood, SD 57732 (near Rapid City)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Deadwood History invites families to its annual Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum on Saturday, December 5, from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free. The open house includes children's activities, face painting, holiday gifts for sale and refreshments.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand for photos from 11 am to 2 pm. Kids get free access to the museum's exhibits while they are there. Deadwood is about an hour northwest of Rapid City in the Black Hills. The museum is at 18 76th Drive in Deadwood and tells the story of the area's rodeo, Old West and Black Hills history. The event page also mentions great holiday gifts for family and friends, so it works as a shopping stop too, and refreshments are served for visitors.

Parent tip: Aim for 11 am to 2 pm to catch Santa and Mrs. Claus.

See dates and details from Deadwood History (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Box Elder

1 confirmed event for kids in Box Elder, soonest first.

Box Elder: Parade of Trees

Holiday eventThe Box Elder Events Center · Box Elder

Host
The Box Elder Events Center (opens in a new tab)
Where
The Box Elder Events Center, 631 WaTiki Way, Box Elder, SD 57719 (near Rapid City)
When
Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026
Cost
Price not listed
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Parade of Trees at The Box Elder Events Center is an indoor display of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, nonprofits and community organizations. It runs from December 1 through December 26, and the host describes it as a festive experience for all ages.

Visitors stroll through the display of uniquely decorated trees, pick up decorating ideas and support the groups that sponsored them. Hours and admission were not listed on the tourism page, so look at the Events Center website before you go. Box Elder sits just east of Rapid City near Ellsworth Air Force Base, a short drive from town. The Box Elder Events Center is at 631 WaTiki Way in Box Elder, next to the WaTiki waterpark resort, so it pairs easily with a resort visit. The display runs most of December, which gives families plenty of chances to fit it in.

Parent tip: Check hours and admission on the venue's site before you go.

See dates and details from The Box Elder Events Center (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Custer

1 confirmed event for kids in Custer, soonest first.

Custer: Custer Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting

Holiday paradeCuster Area Chamber of Commerce · Custer

Host
Custer Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Custer, 8th St and Mt Rushmore Rd, Custer, SD 57730 (near Rapid City)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Cost
Free to watch (no ticket listed)
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Custer Christmas Parade takes place on Saturday, December 5. The route begins on 8th Street at Lynn's Dakotamart and moves west down Mt. Rushmore Road, ending on 4th Street at Way Park. There the town holds the Juanita Fish Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The tourism listing did not give a start time, so check with the Custer chamber or the town's event posts for the schedule. Custer is roughly 40 miles from Rapid City in the southern Black Hills, a scenic drive that many families combine with a stop at Custer State Park. Way Park is the town park in Custer, and the tree is named in memory of Juanita Fish. The ceremony follows the parade, so families can walk with the crowd from the route to the park. Dress warmly because this is an outdoor event in the southern Black Hills.

Parent tip: The listing has no start time, so confirm it with the Custer chamber before making the drive.

See dates and details from Custer Area Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Spearfish

1 confirmed event for kids in Spearfish, soonest first.

Spearfish: Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market

Holiday paradeVisit Spearfish · Spearfish

Host
Visit Spearfish (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Spearfish, 722 Main St, Spearfish, SD 57783 (near Rapid City)
When
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 6 pm
Cost
Free to watch (no ticket listed)
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Holiday Market opens at 9 am at the Spearfish Rec Center with more than 100 regional vendors showing homemade goods. That evening the annual Holidazzle Parade begins at 6 pm and runs from Spearfish High School into the heart of downtown Spearfish.

The community tree lighting takes place in front of Leones' Creamery just as Santa crosses by during the parade. Spearfish is about 50 miles north of Rapid City, so families usually treat it as a day trip into the northern Black Hills. The parade route starts at Spearfish High School and ends in the heart of downtown at 722 Main Street. Arrive early to find parking in town, and dress warmly for an evening outdoors in the Black Hills.

Parent tip: Spearfish is a drive from Rapid City, so plan for winter road conditions.

See dates and details from Visit Spearfish (opens in a new tab)

Looking further afield? Our South Dakota Christmas events for kids guide lists every confirmed event in the state, and we have city guides for Sioux Falls. The national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Rapid City Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Rapid City in 2026?

We confirmed 12 Christmas events for kids in Rapid City for 2026 on each host’s own page: Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House in Deadwood (November 27), Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights in Rapid City (November 27), Festival of Lights Parade in Rapid City (November 28), Winter Market at Main Street Square in Rapid City (November 28), NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Rapid City (December 1), Parade of Trees in Box Elder (December 1), Custer Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Custer (December 5), Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum in Deadwood (December 5), Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market in Spearfish (December 5), Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch in Rapid City (December 12), A Christmas Carol in Rapid City (December 13) and Christmas at WaTiki in Rapid City (December 20). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Rapid City, South Dakota?

For families in and around Rapid City, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights (Nov 27 to Dec 27, tickets sold at the gate or in advance, price not listed); Festival of Lights Parade (Sat, Nov 28, 6 pm, free to watch (no ticket listed)); Winter Market at Main Street Square (Sat, Nov 28, 1 to 5 pm (ice rink 12 to 8 pm), free to attend, ice skating $10 plus $5 skate rental); NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (Tue, Dec 1, tickets required, price not listed); Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch (Sat, Dec 12, 10 am to 4 pm (Grinch 10 am to 1 pm), free); A Christmas Carol (Sun, Dec 13, tickets required, price not listed); Christmas at WaTiki (Sun, Dec 20 to Wed, Dec 23, price not listed, overnight stay suggested). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Rapid City section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Deadwood, South Dakota?

For families in and around Deadwood, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House (Nov 27 to Dec 19, tours every half hour, 11 am to 4 pm, $12 non-members, $8 members, $5 ages 6 to 12, free ages 5 and under); Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum (Sat, Dec 5, 10 am to 4 pm (Santa 11 am to 2 pm), free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Deadwood section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Box Elder, South Dakota?

For families in and around Box Elder, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Parade of Trees (Dec 1 to Dec 26, price not listed). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Box Elder section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Custer, South Dakota?

For families in and around Custer, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Custer Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting (Sat, Dec 5, free to watch (no ticket listed)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Custer section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Spearfish, South Dakota?

For families in and around Spearfish, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market (Sat, Dec 5, market 9 am, parade 6 pm, free to watch (no ticket listed)). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Spearfish section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Rapid City?

Yes. 3 of the 12 events here are free: Winter Market at Main Street Square in Rapid City, Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum in Deadwood and Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch in Rapid City. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Rapid City this December?

Santa appears at Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights in Rapid City (November 27), Festival of Lights Parade in Rapid City (November 28), Winter Market at Main Street Square in Rapid City (November 28), Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum in Deadwood (December 5), Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market in Spearfish (December 5) and Christmas at WaTiki in Rapid City (December 20). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Are there kids' Christmas events in Rapid City on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights in Rapid City (through December 27) and Parade of Trees in Box Elder (through December 26).

How much is Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House in Deadwood?

$12 non-members, $8 members, $5 ages 6 to 12, free ages 5 and under. Candlelight Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Saturday, December 19, 2026 (guided tours every half hour), 11 am to 4 pm at Historic Adams House. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights in Rapid City?

Tickets sold at the gate or in advance, price not listed. Storybook Island's Christmas Nights of Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026 to Sunday, December 27, 2026 (nightly during the run, see host for hours) at Storybook Island. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Festival of Lights Parade in Rapid City?

Free to watch (no ticket listed). Festival of Lights Parade is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 6 pm at Downtown Rapid City (Main Street). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Market at Main Street Square in Rapid City?

Free to attend, ice skating $10 plus $5 skate rental. Winter Market at Main Street Square is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, noon to 8 pm at Main Street Square. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Rapid City?

Tickets required, price not listed. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at The Monument. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Parade of Trees in Box Elder?

Price not listed. Parade of Trees is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 to Saturday, December 26, 2026 at The Box Elder Events Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Custer Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in Custer?

Free to watch (no ticket listed). Custer Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting is on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at Downtown Custer. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum in Deadwood?

Free. Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at Days of '76 Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market in Spearfish?

Free to watch (no ticket listed). Spearfish Holidazzle Parade and Holiday Market is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9 am to 6 pm at Downtown Spearfish. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch in Rapid City?

Free. Holiday Marketplace Pop-Up with the Grinch is on Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10 am to 4 pm at The Monument, Rushmore Hall. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is A Christmas Carol in Rapid City?

Tickets required, price not listed. A Christmas Carol is on Sunday, December 13, 2026 at The Monument. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Christmas at WaTiki in Rapid City?

Price not listed, overnight stay suggested. Christmas at WaTiki is on Sunday, December 20, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (four days) at WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Rapid City?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Rapid City Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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