Don’t Miss The Most Heartwarming Christmas Tradition In South Dakota

There's plenty to keep you busy at Christmastime in South Dakota. From lighting celebrations to Christmas parades, towns large and small all across the state celebrate the season. Here's a tiny community that draws people from hundreds of miles away for a truly heartwarming Christmas tradition.

You'll find the tiny town of Nora just south of Alcester. It's a community of fewer than 10 people.

The Nora Store will take you right back in time. It closed back in 1962, but it's on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's a little gem.

The owner, Mike Pedersen, moved this absolutely gorgeous restored pipe organ into the store in 1989, and invited community members to join him for a small Christmas sing-along. He's been hosting these gatherings every year since.

Mike plays carols on the pipe organ while folks sing along.

Local musicians offer their talents, as well. You might be treated to the sounds of a flute, violin, piano and more...depending on who's around and wants to pitch in!

You might just see Santa Claus while you're there.

What started out as one evening with a few people has become a larger event over the years, and now includes several evenings of sing-alongs. For many folks, it's a cherished South Dakota Christmas tradition.

The sing-alongs are also serve as fundraisers to help keep this little store in tip-top shape. Community members make voluntary donations at the door.

You can also make a direct donation to the store by mailing it to: Mike Pederson at Nora Store, 30707 475th Avenue, Nora, South Dakota 57001-6903.

This year, skip some of the more commercial aspects of the holiday and focus on creating a sense of community, love and peace.

Nora Store will host 12 sing-alongs this year! Attend evening sessions from 6:30 PM to 9 PM on November 24th, 25th and 26th and December 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th and 10th. You can participate in daytime sing-alongs from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM on November 26th, December 3rd and December 10th.

What Christmas traditions does your family celebrate?

For another magical Christmas experience, stroll through the Christmas Nights of Lights display at Storybook Island in Rapid City.