Top 10 ways to end your year with the Washington Pavilion

This piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

There are only a matter of days remaining in 2025 — and the Washington Pavilion has something to fill every one of them.

Whether you’re entertaining kids on holiday break, welcoming guests for the season or just looking for a good reason to get out of the house, it’s waiting downtown at or near the Washington Pavilion.

Here are our top 10 fun reasons for a visit soon.

Meet Santa

Bring your wish list and get ready for a memorable moment with St. Nick. Santa visits the Washington Pavilion one more time this season — Dec. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break at 1 p.m. Bring your cameras as photos are welcome.

Get wild about science 

The Washington Pavilion teams up with the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium for the Wild About Science series one Saturday per month through March. The next one is Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avera Stage Science on the third floor of the Kirby Science Discovery Center.

You’ll discover the creatures that thrive after dark, from owls to other nocturnal species. Learn how they navigate the night with live demonstrations and interactive learning. It’s included with museum admission and free for members.

Knock out last-minute Christmas shopping

Get ready to be stumped no longer for that hard-to-shop-for person on your holiday list. A gift is waiting at Alcove, the Washington Pavilion’s museum shop at The Steel District.

You’ll find an assortment of everything from local art to hands-on activities, games, books and home decor. There’s truly something for all ages and interests.

Enjoy daily special offers and begin browsing online. Details are here.

Go Grinch

DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL already has broken a record for the top revenue-generating show ever at the Washington Pavilion, exceeding $1 million in ticket sales. It will be playing Dec. 23-27, and it has added an additional performance for a total of 10 shows.

You even can see the show on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day — a rare opportunity for a Broadway tour in Sioux Falls.

Get ready for incredible costumes, fun scenery and hit songs for ideal holiday entertainment. Visit here for the latest tickets available.

Enjoy a holiday movie

There’s no better place to watch a holiday favorite than the Wells Fargo CineDome, and this holiday season you can enjoy “The Polar Express” in a uniquely immersive experience.

Visit here for more on show times and tickets.

Explore Tidings & Tinsel 

You’ll be swept up by the spirit of the season enjoying beautifully decorated trees throughout the Washington Pavilion lobbies, each one uniquely designed by local businesses.

It’s the perfect festive backdrop to your Pavilion visit, and you can enjoy it through Jan. 13.

Don’t miss this additional photo opportunity

Are you missing the signature Christmas tree outside the Washington Pavilion? It’s not gone — just in a fun new space! Stop by the MarketBeat Holiday Plaza on 10th Street in front of the city’s parking ramp. You’ll find not just the tree but plenty of other great photo-ops and fun areas to explore.

Save all month

There’s no better time all year to consider a membership to the Washington Pavilion, including as a gift option for essentially anyone on your list.

Take a look at all the ways to save through Dec. 31.

Noon Year’s Eve

Ring in 2026 with a celebration at noon Dec. 31, featuring a balloon drop and New Year’s-themed activities in the Washington Pavilion’s maker spaces. The event is included with your daily admission or membership.

Free First Friday

School won’t be back in session yet, and you can enjoy a visit to the Washington Pavilion for free on First Friday on Jan. 2. Explore the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center at no cost, including the new floor about space exploration.

The gift of memorable experiences awaits with these special offers at the Washington Pavilion