Celebrate the spirit of the season with small-town holiday events

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Take a quick trip outside of Sioux Falls to neighboring towns, many of which are served by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, to catch the spirit of the season. You’ll find Santa, parades, pancakes, cookies, hot cocoa and a welcoming vibe.

Alcester

The community of Alcester will close off Main Street on Friday, Dec. 5, for the annual Christmas tree lighting and Standstill Parade at 5:30 p.m. Businesses, organizations and individuals park their decorated vehicles along the street. There will be horse-drawn carriage rides and vendors selling hot drinks and treats. From 4 to 9 p.m., The Winter Roundup in the Alcester Morningside Event Center will offer a festive market filled with lots of unique Christmas gifts to purchase from local small businesses.

Baltic

Baltic High School’s Taste of Christmas Madrigal returns this year with a new format. There are two dates – an evening performance Saturday, Dec. 6, and a matinee Sunday, Dec. 7 – and two types of tickets. Admission for the show in the performing arts center is $15. A $35 ticket includes the show and early entrance to the commons for hors d’oeuvres, songs by the elementary students, music by the high school band brass quintet and caroling. Proceeds support Baltic Fine Arts. Purchase tickets on eventbrite.com.

Santa Days, organized by the Baltic PTO, will be Sunday, Dec. 14, in the Baltic Elementary commons. Stop by from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to chat with Santa and take photos. There will be crafts and cookie decorating for the kids, bingo for the whole family, along with cookies and hot chocolate. Outside, there will be a winter scene set up for family photos for a donation – organizers say one photo only, not a complex family photo shoot. There also will be horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides.

Beresford

The community Thanksgiving dinner will be Friday, Nov. 28. Enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings for a freewill donation. The meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Bridges at Beresford Golf Course & Community Center.

The 41st annual Christmas Craft Fair organized by the Beresford Lion’s Club will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, in the high school gym. More than 100 vendors will be there. Admission is $2 for adults. Food will be served, and there will be free door prizes. Proceeds from the event will go toward community projects.

Beresford’s Hometown for the Holidays will be Dec. 5-6. The community Christmas tree lighting will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, followed by a Holiday Light Cruise throughout town. Santa will make an appearance from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at a location that hasn’t been announced yet. Check here for updates.

The 4th Grade Christmas Store will be from noon to 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, in the Beresford Elementary School gymnasium. Student-run stores will feature garage-sale treasures, handmade items, baked goods, games, raffles and more. Each group will donate proceeds to a local charity of their choice.

Brandon

The annual Parade of Lights starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29. The VFW float with Santa will lead the parade from the high school down Holly Boulevard to Main Street, ending at the VFW. Santa will be dropped off there for a meet-and-greet with kids of all ages. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. If the parade is canceled because of weather, Santa will be at the VFW starting at 6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Valley Journal

That day also is Shop Small Saturday, sponsored by the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Locally owned stores will offer deals and events to kick-start holiday shopping. Visit at least six participating stores to be entered in a prize drawing. Get the details here. In addition, there’s a Shop Small Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Celebration UMC. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there for photos. Find information about vendors here.

Other community events:

• Nov. 29: Santa will be at Oakridge Nursery from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the annual holiday open house, which runs Nov. 28-30.
• Dec. 5-7 and 12-14: The Mighty Corson Art Players presents “Humbug,” a modern-day twist on “A Christmas Carol.” Ruthlessly ambitious Wall Street executive Eleanor Scrooge is determined to finish a corporate-takeover proposal on Christmas Eve until three “advisers” pay her visits. Get details and tickets here.
• Dec. 6: WELCA Advent Brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Brandon Lutheran Church. Entertainment by the Brandon Valley Chamber Choir. Tickets are $10.
• Dec. 7: Christmas Cookie Parade and Luncheon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Risen Savior Parish. The cookie and candy parade – fill a container with your favorites – starts at 9 a.m. Lunch with turkey croissants, soup and hot dogs will be served at noon after Mass. St. Nicholas will visit during lunch, and there will be craft activities for the kids and a 50/50 cash raffle and raffle baskets.
• Dec. 7: Christmas Concert from 2 to 5 p.m. at Split Rock Lutheran. Entertainment provided by the Rev. Kristi Holler. Followed by Christmas confections free-will offering bake sale.

Canistota

The annual Canistota Festival of Trees on Saturday, Dec. 6, features decorated trees and other fun activities for all ages at the American Legion Hall. Hours are 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for the movie “The Polar Express.” A soup dinner will follow at 5 p.m., and Santa the Grinch will arrive at 5:30 p.m. The high school band will perform Christmas music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring nonperishable food items, basic hygiene products and household essentials to help stock the Little Free Pantry and Backpack Food Program. The lighting of the Christmas tree on Main Street will be at 7 p.m., followed by bingo at 7:30 p.m. in the Legion hall. A covered wagon pulled by a tractor will provide a tour of Christmas lights beginning at 7:30 p.m. Find event updates here. 

Canton

The Canton Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Parade starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, downtown, traveling on Fifth Street from Milwaukee to Main streets. That’s followed by the lighting of the Lincoln County Courthouse trees, caroling and hot apple cider. That night, St. Dominic’s Catholic Church is hosting a soup and pie dinner for a freewill donation from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Wheel Public House. Takeout also is available at the parish hall.

Photo courtesy of Sioux Valley News

The annual Winter Wonderland & Festival of Trees will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in the Canton Performing Arts Center. Admission is free. Check out all the decorated trees and gingerbread houses, and vote for your favorites. Shop at the holiday fair, which last year had 50 vendors, and enjoy a meal and a bake sale from the Canton Community Center. Santa will be there for photos.

The chamber is hosting Breakfast With Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Canton Depot. Kids can write a letter to Santa and have their photo taken with him. Santa also will have a gift for them that day! There will be a make-and-take craft activity. Tickets are $10 per person.

Search for the perfect tree to cut down at Riverview Christmas Tree Farm north of town. The farm opened the weekend of Nov. 22-23 and will be open weekends through Dec. 13-14 – if the inventory lasts that long! It’s also open on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday. Visit Santa while you’re there, and shop for holiday crafts and Christmas wreaths in the lodge. Enjoy hot drinks, holiday treats and wine tasting. Find details here.

Other community activities:

• Nov. 28-30: “The Nutcracker Ballet” performed by Dance Gallery Youth Ballet at the Canton Performing Arts Center. Performances are at 2 p.m. each day and also 7 p.m. Nov. 29. Get tickets here. 
• Dec. 12: Holiday open house at Laura’s Lattes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free drip coffee and goodies, along with door prizes.
• Dec. 13-14: Living Nativity at Canton Lutheran Church, with viewings at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m. both nights. Soup supper runs from 5 to 7 p.m. There’s a cantata at 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday
• Dec. 15: The Flower and Flame quartet presents a live orchestra performance and reading of  “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. at the Canton Performing Arts Center. The show is free, but after the performance, stick around for refreshments, photos by the Christmas tree and a chance to support the performers through a “passing the hat” donation.

Centerville

Come celebrate a traditional small-town Christmas weekend Dec. 5-6. You’ll find local shopping, prize drawings and holiday treats, and, of course, Santa Claus is coming to town. Take photos with him and enjoy treats from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The library is hosting its annual open house and silent auction both days. Find more details at visitcentervillesd.com.

On Dec. 6, the Centerville Development Corporation will host the Celebrate Centerville Community Gala with a social hour, 605 Island Guy-catered dinner, program and community awards at the American Legion Hall. RSVP by Nov. 29 for the free dinner. Find details at visitcentervillesd.com.

On Saturday, Dec. 13, the Centerville Community Arts Council will present the 22nd anniversary show of “A Touch of Christmas.” This year’s program, “The Nazareth Evening News” begins at 6 p.m. at the Scandia Lutheran Fellowship Hall. Purchase tickets at the library until Dec. 8 or email [email protected]. Find details on the art council’s Facebook page.

Chancellor

The Chancellor Event Center is hosting the Last Chance Holiday Craft & Vendor Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 20. The admission fee is $1 and includes door prize drawings. Activities include an elf scavenger hunt, Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bingo, Christmas photo booths, an ugly Christmas sweater contest and concessions.

Colton

Tri-Valley FFA is organizing Santa Days on Sunday, Dec. 14, with photos with Santa, fun activities for kids, bingo for all ages with prizes and a soup cookoff with proceeds going to community member Tanner Van Aasselt, who is battling cancer. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Taopi Hall. Bingo starts at 11:30 a.m.

Crooks

Crooksmas returns to Crooks this year. The fun will be Sunday, Dec. 7, with Santa Claus appearing at the Crooks Community Center from 3 to 5 p.m. The event, organized by Crooks Area Working Together, will offer activities for the kids, face-painting, cookies and a photo op with the big guy. CAWT is collecting freewill donations for the Tri-Valley Angel Tree. Find updates here. It doesn’t appear that there will be a parade of lights this year.

Dell Rapids

Dell Rapids is celebrating Christmas at the Dells from Dec. 4-7. The celebration kicks off with winter concerts at the public and private schools Thursday and Friday. On Friday, there’s a meat raffle at Norby’s Bar hosted by the Lions Club. Highlights for Saturday include children’s activities from 9 a.m. to noon at Carnegie Library, a free showing of “Christmas With the Kranks” at 10 a.m. at Dells Theatre, horse-drawn wagon rides from 1 to 3 p.m. downtown, bingo at Pizza Ranch from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and a soup supper at the American Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. The Christmas tree at the Dells Senior Center will be lit at 6:15 p.m., and there will be caroling and cookies.

The Parade of Lights starts at 6:30 p.m. downtown on Fourth Street. The Dell Rapids High School and St. Mary’s jazz bands will perform at 7:30 p.m. in The Grand Opera House, followed by the El Riad Shrine Chanters Choir. On Saturday, Santa will be available for photos at 9 a.m. at the theater before the movie, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Dell Rapids Museum  and after the parade at Pinz. Click here to get the full schedule for Christmas at the Dells or visit Facebook.

Other community events:

• Dec. 11: The Flower and Flame quartet presents a live orchestra performance and reading of  “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. at The Grand Opera House. Tickets are $15; call 605-321-9789 or purchase at the door.

Garretson

The town’s annual Hometown Christmas will be Saturday, Dec. 13. The day begins with a community appreciation breakfast with pancakes, sausage and biscuits and gravy from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Legion Dugout and a vendor fair there and The 529 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New this year is a Festival of Trees display and Elsa’s Ice Castle from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at The 529 with a freewill donation for admission. Elsa and Olaf will be there from 11 a.m. to noon. The Garretson Public Library will have a holiday story time and crafts for kids 4 and younger from 10 to 11 a.m. and Frosty Frolics Activities from 1 to 3 p.m. The Legion will host Santa and crafts from 2 to 4 p.m. and story time from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Legion Dugout. Throughout the day, stop by the museum for free popcorn, cider and coffee. From 5 to 7 p.m., the fire department will host a chili contest and feed at the Legion, with bingo from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Parade of Lights on Main Avenue starts at 5:30 p.m. See the full Garretson Hometown Christmas schedule here.

Photo courtesy of Garretson Gazette

Harrisburg

Santa Claus arrives Saturday, Nov. 29, for the Harrisburg Hometown Holiday. He’ll be at the Christmas tree lighting at 5 p.m. at Lake Ole and will be available for photos until 7 p.m. in Heritage Gym. Businesses and organizations will set up booths and provide hands-on crafts, games and holiday treats. Vendors also will be selling gift items in the Children’s Market.

The Harrisburg Community Library and Harrisburg Disability Awareness Commission will host a Sensory Santa event from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the library. They’ll offer photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, treats and book giveaways, all in a sensory-friendly environment.

Old Fashioned Christmas hosted by Lava’s Coffee will offer a morning of fun Saturday, Dec. 13, in Harrisburg. There will be free horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides from 10 a.m. to noon, starting in the parking lot of the businesses at 305 W. Willow St. Stop inside – use the back door – to buy a cup of coffee or cocoa, and check out the gift shop. There also will be activities for the kids and photos with Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual “A Prairie Christmas” will have two showtimes this year at 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Harrisburg High School Performing Arts Center. “A Prairie Christmas Prelude” with ninth grade vocal music students and chamber choir students will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11. Tickets for Thursday can be purchased here and on Saturday here.

The Country Apple Orchard opened Nov. 21 for its third season of selling pre-cut Christmas trees and more. The store is stocked with wreaths, decorations, take-and-bake pies and items that will make great gifts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with a final date to be determined. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Santa will be there for photos from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and 13. The holiday light show isn’t being held this year.

Hartford

Hartford Hometown Christmas will be celebrated Sunday, Dec. 7. The day starts with breakfast provided by the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce for a freewill donation from 8 to 11 a.m. at the West Central Becker Center. A kids carnival runs from noon to 4 p.m. at West Central High School, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there the whole time. Visit the vendor show from noon to 4 p.m. at the West Central Becker Center. Student groups will be selling food at the school. Catch a horse-drawn wagon ride between the school and downtown from noon to 4 p.m. Watch a children’s movie at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, with Christmas caroling at 4 p.m. Activities downtown in the afternoon include gingerbread house and mini Christmas tree contests, cookie decorating, balloon twisting, crafts and activities at 120 Main Events and a bonfire at 4:30 p.m. The Knights of Columbus is serving a community dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. George Catholic Church.

The lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and the Parade of Lights will be at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street, and the day ends with a fireworks show at 7:30 p.m. at the high school. For details, follow the event on Facebook or at hartfordhtc.com.

Lennox

The annual Festival of Tables sponsored by the Lennox Band Boosters will be Saturday, Dec. 6, in the LWC Intermediate cafetorium. Tour the decorated tables, check out the raffle items and enjoy brunch. The high school jazz band and other ensembles will play holiday music. Doors open at 10 a.m., and brunch will be served at 10:30 a.m., followed by raffle drawings. Tickets are $10 in advance from band students or by emailing [email protected]. They’re $15 at the door.

Raffle basket from last year

Santa Night from the Lennox Commercial Club will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the LWC Intermediate cafetorium. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. A freewill donation community meal will be served. Vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree, and buy raffle tickets to win gift baskets provided by local businesses.

Cut your own Christmas tree at Tannenbaum Tree Farm, which is owned by Tim and Claudia Wassom. Most of the trees are Scotch pines, and there are some varieties of spruce. The Wassoms also have wreaths, doors swags and winter containers for sale. The farm northeast of Lennox opened over the weekend and will be open Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 5-7 and by appointment during the week by calling 605-647-9414. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Fridays and Sundays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Get updates on hours and availability by calling or checking the farm’s Facebook page.

Montrose

Christmas in the Valley will be Sunday, Nov. 30, in Montrose. The celebration begins at 3 p.m. with bingo at the American Legion, and there will be a children’s Christmas play at 4 p.m. at the Methodist Church that all kids can participate in. The community Christmas tree lighting will be at 5 p.m. on Main Street, followed by a community meal at the Legion with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, gift bags for kids and door prizes. Find updates on Facebook.

Parker

Parker celebrates Hometown Christmas with a Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, on Main Street. Join the fun after the parade at the school gym for a freewill-donation supper and bingo. Earlier in the day, the Parker Public Library will have a make-and-take Christmas craft and activities from 9 a.m. to noon. There’s a vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Building, where Parker cheerleaders will be selling food, and Santa will be available for photos. The Parker FCCLA is hosting a kids carnival from 1 to 3 p.m. in the school commons. Admission is $3 or two nonperishable food items.

Salem

Salem Hometown Christmas, hosted by Salem Community Women and the Salem Chamber of Commerce, will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 5. Santa Claus comes to town during the Parade of Lights that starts at 7 p.m. Afterward, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Legion Hall for photos, letters and treat bags. Earlier in the day, check out the decorated Christmas trees in the county courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Other activities include the Kids Christmas Store at Christ Lutheran Church, a bingo party, soup supper and a live Nativity. For details, see the chamber’s page on Facebook.

Tea

Update Nov. 28: The parade has been canceled because of an expected snowstorm; other activities will continue. The second annual Parade of Lights will be Saturday, Nov. 29, hosted by the Tea Chamber for Development and Tea American Legion. The parade will start at 6:15 p.m. from the high school parking lot, head east on Brian Street and then south on Main Street, ending at the Legion hall. Afterward, Santa will light the Christmas tree in front of the Legion, and there will be an awards celebration. The festivities will end with a fireworks show. Earlier in the day, the Legion will host crafts, holiday movies and photos with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. and a chili cook-off from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Find all the details at teasdchamber.com.

Santa Claus will be at the Tea Community Library on Saturday, Dec. 6. Take a photo with him from 10 a.m. to noon. There also will be story time, a craft and Christmas goodies.

Valley Springs

The annual Santa Claus Day is Saturday, Dec. 6. Santa will arrive in town at 3 p.m. at the American Legion for this Valley Springs Community Club event. He’ll be there until he hears what’s on everyone’s wish list. Kids can do a craft activity while they’re waiting. People can come early to sign up for a raffle to win one of 12 turkeys. The drawing will be at 2:50 p.m.

Viborg

Viborg Appreciation Day on Saturday, Dec. 6, kicks off the holidays with several events. The Scandinavian Crafters Craft Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the DBS Hall. Free pancakes and sausages will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Center.  The Daneville Heritage Museum will have an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. with community Christmas trees on display, along with  miniature wagons that were donated recently by Robert Black. Coffee, cider and treats will be served, and the Tri-Valley Barbershop Chorus will perform at 1:30 p.m. The Lund Theatre will have a free showing of “Klaus” at 1 p.m. After the movie, have your photo taken with Santa at the Viborg Public Library.

Every Sunday night, The Lund Theatre, with the help of business sponsors, is showing a classic Christmas movie  Showtimes are at 6:30 p.m., and freewill donations for admission will help the Viborg Food Bank, Glood Park Renovation and V-H Backpack Program. Here’s the lineup: Nov. 30, The Nativity Story; Dec. 7, Jack Frost; Dec. 14, Elf; Dec.21, It’s a Wonderful Life; and Dec. 29, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Worthing

Join Santa for doughnuts and photos from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre. The event from the Worthing Masonic Lodge includes prizes for the kids. Freewill donations will be collected. Find updates on Facebook.

Billion Southtown’s Holiday Light Show likely won’t be held again this year. Many of the 10,000-plus lights that were synchronized to holiday songs were damaged in strong winds two years ago. The dealership is planning to put up permanent lights, but they haven’t arrived yet.

Other activities:

• Nov. 27: Friendsgiving, 1 p.m. at The Taco Vault. The restaurant is hosting a potluck and will provide the turkey. “If you plan on coming, let us know what you’ll bring so we don’t end up with a bunch of the same thing,” the owners said. “We’ll watch some football and play some games and enjoy some food.”
• Dec. 6: Ladies Christmas Shopping Day, 2 to 5 p.m. at Kim’s Korner Bar & Grill. Variety of local vendors with unique gifts. Food and drink specials will be available.