Downtown stores to stay open later with holiday themes the next three Thursdays

This paid event listing is sponsored by Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

Get ready to tackle what’s left of your holiday shopping while snacking, sipping and likely saving throughout downtown Sioux Falls.

Downtown retailers will be staying open until 8 p.m. the next three Thursdays beginning Dec. 5 and with special themes each week.

For instance, on Dec. 5 the theme is peppermint, so you’ll find everything from special offers on all things red and white — including wine! — candy cane giveaways and a hot cocoa bar. Click here for details. 

On Dec. 12, it’s gingerbread, so look for scavenger hunts, crafts and cookies, of course. Click here for details.

And on Dec. 19, it’s stocking stuffers, so you’ll find plenty of creative ways to find those smaller, unique gifts and fill up your stockings. Click here for details.

About 20 downtown retailers are signed up to participate, and each is taking a different approach to the themes.

At Sticks and Steel, for instance, shop from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 and you can win a $100 gift certificate by guessing the number of peppermints in a dish.

For the gingerbread Thursday, you can “frost” your own ornament or magnet — with step-by-step instructions available — and take it home for free. Extras are $5.

“We did it a few years ago, and people loved it,” owner Terri Schuver said. “I hope people have a fun time in addition to finding great gifts. That’s really what it’s all about — being downtown where you’re going to have a unique experience and support local businesses when you shop.”

Her store will celebrate stocking stuffer Thursday with adult beverages and snacks designed especially for the guys in need of a little late-season shopping.

“There’s still a lot of shopping to be done after Black Friday and Small Business Saturday,” Schuver added.

“Retailers throughout downtown are stocked up and looking forward to offering a little something extra when you stop and shop with us the next few Thursdays.”

For a full guide to the fun, keep checking the DTSF event page: dtsf.com/events.