Where to See the Best Holiday Lights in South Dakota
Just a short drive north of Sioux Falls, the city of Brandon transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland each holiday season with its annual holiday lights display at the Brandon Winter Wonderland. About 15 minutes from Sioux Falls’ downtown, this well-loved community event centers around Miller Park, where winding walking paths are lined with thousands of colorful lights and festive decorations. Visitors can stroll or drive through the park to enjoy illuminated trees, seasonal sculptures, and the warm glow reflecting off the snow. The charm here comes from the cozy, small-town vibe paired with the creativity of local volunteers who craft many of the displays by hand. Evening visits are best, especially on clear, crisp winter nights when the lights shine brightest against the dark sky.
Further west, the historic town of Deadwood, nestled in the Black Hills roughly 50 miles southwest of Rapid City, hosts a dazzling holiday scene that blends old-time charm with festive cheer. Main Street, lined with Victorian architecture, is adorned with twinkling lights, wreaths, and garlands, making it one of the most picturesque holiday strolls in the state. Visitors can explore the shops, galleries, and saloons decked out for the season while the nearby Mount Moriah Cemetery overlooks the town, offering quiet views dusted with snow. Deadwood’s unique appeal lies in its blend of Wild West history and holiday spirit, where you can sip hot cider in a historic tavern after walking under glowing arches of lights. The best time to take in Deadwood’s display is early evening, when the streets are lively but not overly crowded.
In the heart of the Black Hills, Rapid City’s Memorial Park lights up with an extensive display known as the Dazzling Lights of the Black Hills, typically a 2.5-mile drive-through experience located just minutes from downtown Rapid City. Visitors can enjoy themed light exhibits ranging from animated reindeer to giant snowflakes, all set against the backdrop of tall pines and winter’s early dusk. The spectacle is notable for its scale and variety, offering a relaxing way to experience holiday magic from the warmth of your vehicle or on foot during special walking nights. This display is especially enchanting after a fresh snowfall, which enhances the reflections and makes the whole park feel like a scene from a holiday card.
Traveling south to the city of Sioux Falls, Falls Park offers a unique twist on holiday lights with its dramatic natural setting. Just a few minutes from downtown, this urban park features the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River, which are often illuminated with spotlighted trees and festive decorations in the winter. The contrast between the rushing water and sparkling lights creates a magical atmosphere that’s distinct from typical light displays. Visitors can wander the paved trails to various overlooks, taking in views of the falls framed by glowing holiday lights. Early evening is ideal here, as the park closes after dark but the sunset hour offers a blend of lingering daylight and emerging illumination.
For those venturing into eastern South Dakota, the town of Madison, about an hour north of Sioux Falls, hosts its annual Christmas Nights of Lights at Lake Herman Park. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through the park’s wooded areas, where thousands of lights adorn trees, bridges, and pavilions surrounding the frozen lake. The quiet, serene setting of Lake Herman makes this display stand apart, offering a peaceful retreat into nature with seasonal cheer. The park’s open spaces also allow for some of the clearest winter skies, making it a perfect spot for stargazing after admiring the lights. Evening drives after a recent snowfall amplify the experience, adding a crisp stillness to the illuminated landscape.
Farther north, the town of Aberdeen offers a heartwarming holiday experience at Wylie Park, about 60 miles northeast of Brookings. The park becomes a center of festive activity with its extensive light displays, including a charming model train that loops through miniature holiday scenes—a delight for families and train enthusiasts alike. The park’s natural beauty, with its wooded areas and open spaces, provides a perfect backdrop for the twinkling lights. Visitors often combine their light-viewing with a visit to the nearby Storybook Land, a children’s theme park featuring fairy tale-themed decorations that add to the seasonal magic. The crisp winter evenings of late December are when the charm of Wylie Park’s lights truly shines.
Lastly, heading into western South Dakota, the town of Sturgis, known for its famous motorcycle rally, offers a quieter but no less captivating holiday light display during the winter months. About 35 miles northeast of Rapid City, the city’s downtown streets and surrounding neighborhoods are adorned with thousands of LED lights, wreaths, and festive window displays that celebrate the rugged spirit of the Black Hills region. Visitors can enjoy a winter walk through downtown, popping into local shops and cafes warmed by fireplaces. The combination of small-town warmth, historic buildings, and holiday decorations makes Sturgis a welcoming stop for travelers seeking an authentic seasonal atmosphere away from the crowds. Early evening hours on weekends often feature local events, enhancing the festive mood.
Each of these South Dakota destinations offers visitors a distinct way to experience holiday lights, from urban park waterfalls to small-town main streets and wooded winter parks. Whether driving through vibrant displays or strolling beneath glittering arches, the state’s diverse landscapes provide enchanting backdrops for seasonal celebrations that invite visitors to slow down and savor the magic of winter nights.