Winters in South Dakota can be extremely cold and miserable, but you must admit that they are also gorgeous, with pristinely white snow and glittery ice. However, there is one SoDak town, the best winter town in South Dakota in particular, that will make you feel like you’re walking through a snow globe, which just so happens also to be the snowiest town in South Dakota:

Welcome to the super historical and equally snowy town of Lead!
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
As soon as you drive into town limits, it feels like you're crossing into a winter wonderland.
Boasting an average snowfall of nearly 200 inches, Lead can almost always be seen with a generous dusting of snow, especially in those mid-fall through late-spring months.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
And nothing makes it feel like winter (in a magical way) than a healthy dusting of snow.
To put into perspective how much snow that is, the town with the second most snowfall (North Spearfish) receives an average of 134 inches per year, followed by 133.9 inches (Deadwood).
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
So Lead is far and away the best place to experience the colder months!
As you can imagine, Lead is positively beautiful when covered in snow, especially along charming Main Street.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
You might think you've been transported to a faraway alpine ski resort, but it's right here during Christmas in South Dakota.

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If you are a fan of outdoor sports in the winter, there is truly no better place to be than Lead, as there are ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Even a family with wildly diverse interests can find something to delight and excite everyone.
Need we mention that Lead even offers 350 miles of designated snowmobile trails?
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
There's so much to explore you might need multiple trips to this charming town to see it all.
A great way to stay warm in Lead is with a little shopping, as the small town houses many one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
The kind people in town are one of the many things that make this the best winter town in South Dakota.
Don't forget to stop into one of Lead's many local eateries for warm drinks and home-cooked food!
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook
Nothing feels as good as a home-cooked meal after a day on the slopes.
To discover even more to see and do around snowy and beautiful Lead, please visit the Lead Chamber of Commerce's website.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook

Have you been to Lead, South Dakota? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments below. We love to hear your firsthand accounts of these unique destinations.

Do you have a favorite attraction, event, or restaurant that you would like to see featured here on Only in South Dakota? Nominate it here! For even more to see and do around Lead, check out Lead, South Dakota Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America.

Wondering what to pack on your winter vacation to the snowiest place in SoDak? We can help!

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Christmas In South Dakota

CC | January 25, 2024

Where can I see holiday lights in South Dakota?

This winter wonderland of a town is just the beginning of the holiday cheer in South Dakota. Check out these perfect spots to view Christmas lights in South Dakota while you’re hunting for the holiday spirit. There’s almost nothing more magical than walking or driving through a beautiful display of holiday lights with a warm beverage in hand and classic carols running through your head.

  • Sioux Falls Annual Parade of Lights - Sioux Falls
  • Storybook Island’s Christmas Nights of Light
  • Watertown Optimist Club Winter Wonderland
  • Christmas at the Capitol
  • Festival of Trees
  • Santa Day / Parade of Lights
  • Winter Wonderland at Falls Park
  • Festival of Lights/ Holiday Celebration and Winter Market
  • Madison’s Magical Christmas
  • Holidazzle Light Parade
  • Living Christmas Tree

 

What are the best Christmas towns in South Dakota?

Why stop at just a light display? These Christmas towns in South Dakota are overflowing with holiday décor and hot cocoa. Even though South Dakota gets a lot of scenic snow everywhere, these towns have special events and traditions that make them perfect for celebrating Christmas. It’s the best way to get into the December spirit.

  • Deadwood
  • Watertown
  • Pierre
  • Mitchell
  • Lead
  • Sturgis
  • Sioux Falls

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