The Magical Road Trip Will Take You Through South Dakota’s Most Charming Christmas Towns
Our South Dakota Christmas towns are shining brightly! With thousands of dazzling lights and charmingly decorated Main Streets, these beloved towns sure know how to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re seeking out a new adventure, what’s better than a holiday road trip? We went ahead and pre-charted a Google Map that you can use as your guide in visiting some of South Dakota’s most charming Christmas towns.
Note: If you don’t see your favorite Christmas town / city listed, don’t fear! We are planning to do a part 2 featuring the festive places on the western side of the state.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
Google Maps
Watertown Optimist Club / Facebook
Every year the Watertown Optimist Club hosts an enchanting light festival at Stokes-Thomas lake. At the end of the drive, you can even hop out of your car and greet Santa! This impressive display will be available every Friday night from 6:00 PM-9 PM through the weekend of Christmas. 90 S Lake Dr, Watertown, SD 57201.
Stroll through Brooking’s historical downtown and enjoy the sweet decorations and festive storefronts. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and do some last minute Christmas shopping at the unique stores.
Madison sure knows how to celebrate the Christmas season in style. Their spectacular light display is available for your viewing pleasure nightly from 6:00 PM-10:00 PM until New Year’s Day. Tune into 88.9 for some fabulous Christmas music to accompany the dancing lights. 924 NE 5th St. Madison, SD 57042.
Winter Wonderland at Falls Park is an absolutely fabulous display of wreaths, decorated trees, light poles and 25 miles of light strings. Be ready to be charmed as you meander through Falls Park and gaze at the magical displays. There’s a reason this display has gained national attention. It’s open to the public nightly until January 8th. 131 E Falls Park Dr.
Stop by 120 West Fir Street and view their beloved annual light display. It runs Sunday- Thursday until New Year’s Day from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM. As one of the largest animated Christmas displays in the state, this display will be a magical experience well worth your time.
Swing through Huron to view their Christmas Lanes, a tradition since 1862. The residents of this town go all out each year, decorating their homes with magical, twinkling lights that are sure to dazzle you.
What do you think? Would you want to take this road trip?
