The Sioux Falls area has 9 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls on November 20 to A Christmas Story, The Musical in Sioux Falls, which runs through December 20. 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
- 9 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Sioux Falls for 2026, in Sioux Falls
- First: Winter Wonderland at The Falls, Sioux Falls, November 20. Runs latest: Winter Wonderland at The Falls, Sioux Falls, through January 3
- Free: Winter Wonderland at The Falls, Country Christmas and Downtown Christmas Market
- 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.
Sioux Falls Christmas events for kids at a glance
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 9 confirmed for 2026
- Cities
- Sioux Falls
- Season
- November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- Free events
- 3
- Kinds of events
- holiday show, holiday lights, Santa visit and holiday parade
- Last checked
Plan your December
When each Sioux Falls Christmas event for kids happens
The first is Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls on November 20; the last runs to December 20. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.
- Winter Wonderland at The FallsSioux Falls · Nov 20 to Jan 3
- 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of LightsSioux Falls · Nov 27
- NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas BalletSioux Falls · Dec 2
- Country ChristmasSioux Falls · Dec 3
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.Sioux Falls · Dec 3 to Dec 5
- Downtown Christmas MarketSioux Falls · Dec 5
- Holiday Trees at Good Earth State ParkSioux Falls · Dec 5
- Elf: The MusicalSioux Falls · Dec 10 to Dec 13
- A Christmas Story, The MusicalSioux Falls · Dec 18 to Dec 20
Look inside the book
Story time with Santa in Sioux Falls? 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.
Rally Takes the Train
Eight pages from the book
Turn the page
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See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $16.99 on Amazon.
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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 Sioux Falls
9 confirmed events for kids in Sioux Falls, soonest first.
Sioux Falls: Winter Wonderland at The Falls
Holiday lightsFreeSioux Falls Parks and Recreation · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Falls Park, 900 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly), 5 to 10 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Falls Park turns enchanting during the holidays. Winter Wonderland at The Falls illuminates the park every night from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, between 5 and 10 p.m., and thousands of lights fill the grounds.
Families can stroll the grounds, head up the five-story observation tower to see the glowing park from above, or stay cozy in the car and drive through while tuned to FM 97.7 for holiday songs matched to the lights. Visiting Falls Park costs nothing, and that holds during Winter Wonderland too. The park is at 900 N. Phillips Avenue, close enough to downtown to combine with supper. Wear warm clothes if you plan to walk around.
Parent tip: If you drive through, tune in FM 97.7 for the music that goes with the lights. Dress warmly to walk.
See dates and details from Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights
Holiday paradeDowntown Sioux Falls · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Downtown Sioux Falls (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Phillips Avenue, Downtown Sioux Falls, Phillips Ave, 13th St to 5th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Friday, November 27, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm
- Cost
- No fee listed
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Parade of Lights is a long-running Downtown Sioux Falls tradition, and 2026 marks its 34th year. Local businesses, nonprofits and community groups build whimsical lighted floats, and the parade fills Phillips Avenue with twinkling displays, festive music and holiday scenes. Awards such as Best Use of Lights and Spirit of Sioux Falls are handed out to favorite entries.
The parade begins at 6 pm on Friday, November 27 and travels south along Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street. It goes on snow or shine, so families should dress warmly and plan for cold temperatures. Free and paid parking is available in nearby downtown ramps and surface lots. The parade is a Downtown Sioux Falls signature event, and float registration is open for groups that want to take part.
Parent tip: The parade runs snow or shine, so bundle up and bring something warm to drink. Arrive early for a curbside spot along Phillips Avenue.
See dates and details from Downtown Sioux Falls (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
Holiday showWashington Pavilion · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Washington Pavilion (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Washington Pavilion, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 7 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not listed on the page
- Ages
- Family show
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The touring Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet comes to the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, December 2, at 7 p.m. The tourism listing bills it as the largest Nutcracker production in North America.
The production features world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets, all set to Tchaikovsky's iconic score. The listing describes it as a holiday spectacle that families will treasure for years. It is an evening show on a school night, so plan the timing around bedtime for younger children. Tickets are required and are sold through the Washington Pavilion box office or ticketing site, and the listing did not show a price. The Pavilion is in downtown Sioux Falls at 301 S. Main Avenue, within walking distance of restaurants, so families can make an evening of it.
Parent tip: This is a weeknight evening show. Tickets are sold through the Washington Pavilion.
See dates and details from Washington Pavilion (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: Country Christmas
Santa visitFreeStockyards Ag Experience · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Stockyards Ag Experience (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Stockyards Ag Experience, 301 East Falls Park Drive, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm
- Cost
- Free
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
The Stockyards Ag Experience, next to Falls Park in Sioux Falls, hosts its third annual Country Christmas on Thursday, December 3 from 5 to 8 pm. The free, family-friendly evening includes horse-drawn wagon rides, photos with Santa, and cookies with hot cocoa.
The organizers say more details about the wagon rides will be shared closer to the event, so it is worth checking the listing again in late November. Because it is a weeknight event that wraps up by 8 pm, it fits well into a school night, and it pairs easily with a stop at the Falls Park holiday lights nearby. The event appears on the Downtown Sioux Falls calendar, and the Stockyards Ag Experience is at 301 East Falls Park Drive.
Parent tip: Check the listing again closer to December 3 for wagon ride details. Bring your own camera or phone for the Santa photos.
See dates and details from Stockyards Ag Experience (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.
Holiday showSpotlight Theatre Company · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Spotlight Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Orpheum Theater Center, 315 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Thu December 3 (7 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 4 (7 to 8:30 pm) and Sat December 5 (2 to 3:30 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not listed on the page
- Ages
- Family show
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Downtown Sioux Falls gets a youth musical when Spotlight Theatre Company stages Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. at the Orpheum Theater Center. Catch it on Thursday, December 3 or Friday, December 4, with each evening show starting at 7 p.m., or come to the Saturday matinee, December 5, at 2 p.m.
This stage version follows Rudolph, Santa and the familiar friends from the classic TV special. His glowing nose makes Rudolph feel like an outsider in Christmastown, and on his journey he teams up with Hermey the Elf and Yukon Cornelius, who are misfits too. When a storm puts Santa's Christmas Eve ride in danger, Rudolph learns that being different could be what rescues the holiday. Songs include the title tune and A Holly Jolly Christmas. Young children will find the Saturday matinee the most comfortable choice.
Parent tip: Little ones will do best at the 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Contact the Orpheum for ticket prices.
See dates and details from Spotlight Theatre Company (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: Downtown Christmas Market
Santa visitFreeDowntown Sioux Falls · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Downtown Sioux Falls (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Cherapa Place Plaza, 300 N Cherapa Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57103
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 9 pm
- Cost
- Free to attend
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Downtown Sioux Falls is launching a new outdoor Christmas market modeled after traditional European markets, held at Cherapa Place Plaza on Saturday, December 5 from 3 to 9 pm. The event is open to all and is listed as free to attend. Visitors can enjoy Christmas carolers and festive entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, Santa appearances with photo opportunities, and family-friendly winter holiday activities, along with downtown retailers showing their holiday goods.
The market follows the 605 Made Holiday Market, held earlier that day from 10 am to 4 pm in the underground parking garage of the Cherapa Apex, so families can make a full day of it downtown. Organizers say more details are coming, so check the page closer to the date for the Santa schedule.
Parent tip: The organizers plan to post more details closer to the date, so check the page for Santa's appearance times before you go.
See dates and details from Downtown Sioux Falls (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park
Holiday lightsSouth Dakota Game, Fish and Parks · Sioux Falls
- Host
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, Visitor Center, 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
- When
- Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
- Cost
- Free with a South Dakota state park entrance license
- Ages
- All ages
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, just southeast of Sioux Falls, decorates its visitor center with holiday trees each December. On Saturday, December 5 from 5 to 7 pm the park hosts a festive evening with the trees on display, live music, light refreshments and Santa.
The event itself is free, but a South Dakota state park entrance license is required to enter the park. It is a small, relaxed alternative to the bigger downtown events and a chance for kids to see Santa in a cozy indoor setting. Questions can go to the park at 605-213-1036. The park is at 26924 480th Avenue, southeast of the city, and the Experience Sioux Falls listing links to Game, Fish and Parks for park details.
Parent tip: Make sure your vehicle has a state park entrance license, or plan to buy one, before driving out.
See dates and details from South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: Elf: The Musical
Holiday showWashington Pavilion · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Washington Pavilion (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Washington Pavilion, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Thu December 10 (7:30 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 9 pm) and Sun December 13 (2 to 3:30 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not listed on the page
- Ages
- Family show
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
Elf: The Musical comes to the Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls, performed by The Good Night Theater Collective. Three evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, Friday, December 11 and Saturday, December 12. Two afternoon shows begin at 2 p.m., one on Saturday, December 12 and another on Sunday, December 13.
This stage comedy is based on the popular film about a man who grew up at the North Pole and heads to New York City for a funny adventure. The local company performs it in the complete Broadway form. The tourism page pitches it as a holiday outing featuring one of the best-loved characters in Christmas movies. School-age kids and their families will likely find the afternoon shows the easiest to attend.
Parent tip: Pick an afternoon show if your children are young. Buy tickets through the Washington Pavilion.
See dates and details from Washington Pavilion (opens in a new tab)Sioux Falls: A Christmas Story, The Musical
Holiday showWashington Pavilion · Sioux Falls
- Host
- Washington Pavilion (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Washington Pavilion, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
- When
- Fri December 18 (7:30 to 9:30 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 9:30 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 8:30 pm), 2026
- Cost
- Tickets required, price not listed on the page
- Ages
- Fun for the whole family
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
A Christmas Story, The Musical plays at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls from December 18 to 20. Shows are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Based on the beloved holiday film, the Broadway musical brings Ralphie Parker's unforgettable Christmas wish to life with humor, nostalgia and festive fun for the whole family, according to the tourism listing. Set in 1940s Indiana, the story follows young Ralphie as he schemes to get the gift of his dreams, with an infamous leg lamp, pink bunny pajamas, a department store Santa and a triple-dog dare along the way. The show earned three 2013 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. The Saturday and Sunday matinees are the easiest options for families with school-age children.
Parent tip: Matinees on Saturday and Sunday suit families best. Tickets are sold through the Washington Pavilion.
See dates and details from Washington Pavilion (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 Rapid City. 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.
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 AmazonSioux Falls Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask
What Christmas events for kids are in Sioux Falls in 2026?
We confirmed 9 Christmas events for kids in Sioux Falls for 2026 on each host’s own page: Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls (November 20), 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights in Sioux Falls (November 27), NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Sioux Falls (December 2), Country Christmas in Sioux Falls (December 3), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. in Sioux Falls (December 3), Downtown Christmas Market in Sioux Falls (December 5), Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park in Sioux Falls (December 5), Elf: The Musical in Sioux Falls (December 10) and A Christmas Story, The Musical in Sioux Falls (December 18). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.
What Christmas events for kids are in Sioux Falls, South Dakota?
For families in and around Sioux Falls, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Winter Wonderland at The Falls (Nightly, Nov 20 to Jan 3, 5 to 10 pm, free); 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights (Fri, Nov 27, 6 to 7:30 pm, no fee listed); NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet (Wed, Dec 2, 7 pm, tickets required, price not listed on the page); Country Christmas (Thu, Dec 3, 5 to 8 pm, free); Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. (Dec 3 and 4 at 7 pm, Dec 5 at 2 pm, tickets required, price not listed on the page); Downtown Christmas Market (Sat, Dec 5, 3 to 9 pm, free to attend); Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park (Sat, Dec 5, 5 to 7 pm, free with a south dakota state park entrance license); Elf: The Musical (Dec 10 to 13, matinees Dec 12 and 13 at 2 pm, tickets required, price not listed on the page); A Christmas Story, The Musical (Dec 18 to 20, matinees Dec 19 at 2 pm and Dec 20 at 1 pm, tickets required, price not listed on the page). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Sioux Falls section of this page.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Sioux Falls?
Yes. 3 of the 9 events here are free: Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls, Country Christmas in Sioux Falls and Downtown Christmas Market in Sioux Falls. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa in Sioux Falls this December?
Santa appears at Country Christmas in Sioux Falls (December 3), Downtown Christmas Market in Sioux Falls (December 5) and Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park in Sioux Falls (December 5). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.
Are there kids' Christmas events in Sioux Falls on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?
Yes: Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls (through January 3).
How much is Winter Wonderland at The Falls in Sioux Falls?
Free. Winter Wonderland at The Falls is on Friday, November 20, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027 (nightly), 5 to 10 pm at Falls Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights in Sioux Falls?
No fee listed. 34th Annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights is on Friday, November 27, 2026, 6 to 7:30 pm at Phillips Avenue, Downtown Sioux Falls. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in Sioux Falls?
Tickets required, price not listed on the page. NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 7 to 9 pm at Washington Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Country Christmas in Sioux Falls?
Free. Country Christmas is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5 to 8 pm at Stockyards Ag Experience. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. in Sioux Falls?
Tickets required, price not listed on the page. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR. is on Thu December 3 (7 to 8:30 pm), Fri December 4 (7 to 8:30 pm) and Sat December 5 (2 to 3:30 pm), 2026 at Orpheum Theater Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Downtown Christmas Market in Sioux Falls?
Free to attend. Downtown Christmas Market is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 3 to 9 pm at Cherapa Place Plaza. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park in Sioux Falls?
Free with a South Dakota state park entrance license. Holiday Trees at Good Earth State Park is on Saturday, December 5, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, Visitor Center. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is Elf: The Musical in Sioux Falls?
Tickets required, price not listed on the page. Elf: The Musical is on Thu December 10 (7:30 to 9 pm), Fri December 11 (7:30 to 9 pm), Sat December 12 (2 to 9 pm) and Sun December 13 (2 to 3:30 pm), 2026 at Washington Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
How much is A Christmas Story, The Musical in Sioux Falls?
Tickets required, price not listed on the page. A Christmas Story, The Musical is on Fri December 18 (7:30 to 9:30 pm), Sat December 19 (2 to 9:30 pm) and Sun December 20 (1 to 8:30 pm), 2026 at Washington Pavilion. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Sioux Falls?
Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Sioux Falls 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.
