Holidays in the Black Hills - 10 Festive Activities

We welcome the holidays in the Black Hills and Badlands. As you prepare for the season with family and friends, we want to share with you 10 of our favorite festive activities in the region.

1880 Train Holiday Express

Allll abboooard! The 1880 Train Holiday Express is waiting! A one-hour train ride that departs from Hill City, the classic steam engine winds through the Hills, inviting you on a magical holiday journey. Enjoy hot chocolate, a sugar cookie, and a candy cane during the ride. Have your wish list ready, because Santa and Mrs. Claus will be aboard, ready to greet the kids and kids at heart! A Winter Express ride is also offered, but Santa and Mrs. Claus will not be present.

And for the adults that want a little extra holiday cheer, book a ride on Holiday Express Spiked! The ride serves butterscotch or peppermint spiked hot chocolate in a keepsake mug.

Storybook Island Christmas Night of Lights

Your favorite childhood tales come to life under dancing, twinkling light displays and festive music at Christmas Night of Lights at Storybook Island. The park celebrates the season with special evening hours where you can walk a lighted path through the park, take a train ride, sip hot chocolate, and shop.

Outdoor Skating

Laughter and merriment fill the air as downtown hubs transform into a winter wonderland. Ice skating is a traditional holiday pastime, and several downtown hubs present the opportunity to lace up. Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City becomes an ice-skating rink, where families can enjoy an afternoon in the fresh winter air or an evening under the sparkling holiday lights. Deadwood’s Outlaw Square offers skating on a “glice”, synthetic ice, rink along with inflatable bumper cars for a fun, unique activity!

Cut your own Christmas Tree

Feel the crunch of snow beneath your boots and the fresh scent of pine as you trek through Black Hills National Forest to find the perfect Christmas tree. This a nostalgic holiday pastime that can be enjoyed with family or friends.

Please note: You do need a permit to cut a tree in the Black Hills National Forest. Purchase your permit at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City.

Community Holiday Festivals

From decorated streetlights to large community trees lighting up the town, join in on one of several events that draw community members together, encompassing the classic, small-town charm and holiday magic, filling your hearts with holiday cheer.

Holiday Light Parades

Winter nights light up with parades welcoming the spirited season! Twinkly floats blasting holiday tunes make their way through regional communities’ downtown streets. Many light and holiday parades are paired with music, Santa visits, and winter markets.

Santa Sightings!

You better watch out — Santa Claus is coming to the Black Hills and Badlands! Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday photo with Mr. and Mrs. Claus or you want to share your wish list before Christmas Eve, area attractions and community events will welcome Santa.

In addition to the 1880 Train Holiday Express and Storybook Island’s Christmas Night of Lights, he’s also set to appear at the Festival of Trees in Spearfish, Outlaw Square, Deadwood, and at the Days of ’76 Museum, Deadwood. Find more Santa sightings here.

Christmas Concerts

Fill your heart with joy at holiday-themed concerts where your favorite carols are performed. From well-known regional acts to local musicians, concert events are held throughout the Black Hills and Badlands communities spreading cheer.

View events here.

Holiday Shopping

Boutiques come to life, their windows glowing with the warmth and shimmer of holiday displays. Unique gifts await at local shops, and each invites you to peruse and enjoy the tailored displays.

Special events add to the merriment of holiday shopping. Seasonal pop-up markets showcase local artisans and homemade treats and classic holiday flavors. Window decorating contests, cookie sampling, and special deals are paired with community-wide events.

First Day Hike

Ring in the New Year surrounded by pine-clad hills and open skies. Custer State Park hosts three hikes throughout the Park on New Year’s Day where you can learn more about the region and set intentions for the New Year!

More Events

Visit BlackHillsBadlands.com/Events for a full lineup of holiday and regional events.