Is it just us, or could nearly every cheesy and picture-perfect Christmas movie take place right here in the Mount Rushmore State? Think about it: Our towns are incredibly charming and everyone is super friendly, and our landscape always looks like a regular winter wonderland. While nearly everything about South Dakota is perfect come Christmas, these six towns still manage to make this special time of year even more magical.
1. Custer
There is no better place to be year-round than the Black Hills, in communities like Custer. While Custer is worth visiting in every season, colorful Christmastime is pure magic, thanks to their annual Custer Christmas Parade (pictured), light displays, and shopping galore.
2. Brookings
You know Brookings as being the home of South Dakota State University, but did you know it is also home to plenty of Christmas cheer? When you visit the charming town, be sure to set aside time to take in everything it has to offer, which includes the stunning McCrory Gardens, Festival of Lights, and talented community members who are always ready to adorn their homes in the best lights and displays.
3. Sioux Falls
Okay, okay, we know that Sioux Falls is not a small town; however, we still had to mention it for its free and fabulous Winter Wonderland at Falls Park! Taking place November 20th, 2020, through January 10th, 2021, Winter Wonderland at Falls Park is comprised of 355,926 lights, 270 decorated trees, and colorful lights shining directly on the magnificent waterfall.
4. Pierre
You know we couldn't have a list of the best Christmas towns without mentioning our very own capital city, which is home to not only the one-of-a-kind Christmas at the Capitol, but a Parade of Lights, concerts, Cultural Heritage events, and much more! Tell us: which annual Pierre event is YOUR favorite?
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5. Deadwood
Kris Kringle's Christmas Market, ice skating, light displays galore, AND a historical Festival of Trees? All of this can only be in Historic Deadwood, which we highly recommend visiting each and every Christmas.
6. Watertown
Elaborate drive-thru Christmas light displays are typically reserved for big cities, but that didn't stop Watertown (population 23,000) from producing the best in the region! Taking place every year from late November through Christmas night, Watertown's Winter Wonderland is free but freewill donations - which benefit the Watertown Optimist Club - are greatly appreciated.
Which Christmas town is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments! For even more to do around SoDak this time of year, check out Escape 2020 With A Magical Journey Aboard The Holiday Express In South Dakota.
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