The holidays are a magical time, but there’s nothing like the holidays in the Black Hills and Badlands. From riding with Santa to the North Pole on the 1880 Train to musical selections celebrating the season. From a historic Christmas to reveling in another year gone by, there is something special to help you enjoy the most magical time of the year on your vacation.
Christmas Tours of the Historic Adams House
Celebrate Christmas in Historic Deadwood by touring one of the most iconic homes in the Deadwood community, decorated for the holiday season. The Historic Adams House was built in 1892 and belonged to Deadwood’s mayor, W.E. Adams. The building was converted into a museum in 2000. Take a tour of the elaborately decorated house Dec. 8, 9, 15, and 16. Marvel in the beauty of the Queen Anne-style home, while learning the history of the old home.
42nd annual Lakota Nation Invitational
The Black Hills are alive with more than just holiday events that you’ll want to add to your calendar. Each year, the region welcomes the Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI), bringing together thousands of Native youth to participate in various friendly competitions. The events are open to the public and include basketball, volleyball, cross-country, cheerleading, and wrestling. Other Native American events that take place include a powwow, hand games, and Lakota language bowl. The event has grown to include an art show, knowledge bowl, poetry slam, and more. Be sure to see the amazing things the Native youth showcase during this event. The 42nd annual Lakota Nation Invitational takes place Dec. 12 to 15, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City.
One of the beautiful things about the holiday season is the lights that adorn houses and businesses. This year, Wall is getting in the spirit of the occasion by hosting their inaugural parade of lights on Dec. 13, starting at 6 p.m. Be sure to make your way to Wall Main Street to enjoy the festive floats decked out in sparkling lights.
Santa Meet and Greets
It’s that time of year when the man in the big red suit visits all the children of the world to make sure they’ve been good. Santa will be making an appearance at businesses throughout the coming weeks. Get the kiddos over to see him so they can tell him what they want for Christmas.
- Santa visits The Shops at Main Street Square – Dec. 22, 2018 – Noon to 3 p.m. – Rapid City
- Free Pictures with Santa at Black Hills Harley-Davidson – Dec. 16 and 23, 2018 – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Rapid City
- Visits with Santa at Rushmore Mall – Daily, until Dec. 24, 2018 – Times vary – Rapid City
Holiday Shows and Performances
Celebrate the season at a festive performance. Hear your favorite Christmas tunes from Orion and Stacey and the rest of the cast from the Potter and Company Christmas Show out of the Buffalo Ridge Theater. Relive an old classic with Black Hills Community Theatre’s special performance with a meal, Fezziwig’s Feast.
- Charles Dickins’ “A Christmas Carol” – Dec. 13 to 17, 2018 – Seraphim Theatrical Entertainment in Rapid City
- A Green Dolphin Jazzy Christmas – Dec. 14, 2018 – Matthews Opera House in Spearfish
- Black Hills Community Theatre presents Fezziwig’s Feast – Dec. 16 to 22, 2018 – 6 p.m. – Hilton Garden Inn in Rapid City
- Potter & Company Christmas Show – Dec. 22, 2018 – 7 p.m. – Buffalo Ridge Theater in Custer
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne! It’s time to ring in another year. The Black Hills and Badlands like to roll out the red carpet for the festive affair. Celebrate with a ball drop from Historic Main Street in Deadwood or outside of the historic Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City; enjoy a balloon drop at a water park or ice skating in the heart of downtown Rapid City.
- New Year’s Ball Drop – Silverado Franklin in Deadwood
- Downtown Countdown – Main Street Square in Rapid City
- New Year’s Eve Party – Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City
- New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop – Watiki Indoor Waterpark Resort in Rapid City
- New Year’s Eve Party – Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City
Get Outside
A fresh blanket of snow transforms the Black Hills into a winter wonderland. Get outside and enjoy the new season, which officially begins on Dec. 21. There are many opportunities to get outside on your own or with organized hiking events, including the following. Not much of a hiker? Head to Main Street Square for some ice skating in the heart of downtown Rapid City.
- Custer State Park First Day Hike – Jan. 1, 2019 – 10 a.m. – Custer State Park
- First Day Snowshoe Hike – Jan. 1, 2019 – 1 p.m. – George S. Mickelson Trail
For a full list of events, visit our events calendar.
