Sioux Falls Parade of Lights 2024 in South Dakota

The Parade of Lights has become a beloved family tradition in Sioux Falls, SD, drawing thousands each year. Held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the parade marks the start of the Christmas season and brings festive joy to the community.

Parade of Lights

Festivities in downtown Sioux Falls kick off in the afternoon. By around 6:45 p.m., Philips Avenue is closed to traffic and packed with spectators eagerly awaiting the start of the spectacular event. The Parade of Lights begins at 7:30 p.m., featuring holiday floats adorned with festive decorations and dazzling lights, traveling along Phillips Avenue between 13th Street and 5th Street. The city center buzzes with music as the parade, which follows a different theme each year, makes its way through town.

After Party & Awards Ceremony

Floats in the Parade of Lights compete for six different awards, judged by a panel of community leaders. Each winning float receives a trophy in recognition of its achievement. The entire city gathers to celebrate at the After Party & Awards Ceremony, which takes place immediately following the parade at approximately 8:30 pm in the Palisades Room of the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre. This free, public event features festive holiday lighting, live music by Elizabeth Hunstad from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, free cookies and cider, and a cash bar.

Visitor Reviews

The rove.me team had the pleasure of chatting with past attendees of the Sioux Falls Parade of Lights to learn about their experiences. We inquired about the event's organization, comfort level, and overall impressions. We also sought their opinions on whether the Sioux Falls Parade of Lights is worth attending.

"It's a super fun event to bundle up and attend, with lots of people in the holiday spirit," says Serah Rose from Canistota, South Dakota, who has been attending the Parade of Lights every year since 2015 with her family. Serah appreciates that it's a well-organized event with a strong presence of police and National Guard ensuring that crowds and traffic are managed safely and smoothly throughout the approximately 45-minute parade. Her advice: "I always encourage others to go, but make sure to arrive early, dress warmly, and bring something warm to drink—or some money to buy a treat while you're there!"