The week ahead: Dec. 12-18

The Week Ahead is our hand-picked event guide to the next seven days in Sioux Falls and slightly beyond. For guaranteed placement or to promote your event ahead of time, email [email protected] about a featured event listing.

Dec. 14: Bird count

The Sioux Falls Christmas Bird Count is part of international population monitoring efforts for the National Audubon Society, and this will be the 85th year local residents have participated. Field observers will meet at the Scooter’s Coffee at 57th Street and Western Avenue at 8 a.m. Saturday to receive zone assignments, maps, checklists and participant forms. Participants will reconvene at 5 p.m. to recap the day and do a species tally. Email [email protected] if you are interested in participating either as a field observer or a feeder watcher.

Dec. 14: A dog ‘pawty’

For an afternoon of holiday fun with your canine friends, bring your pup out for a fun photo-op and a canine ugly sweater contest. You can prepare your dog’s holiday stocking at the present station staffed by local dog vendors. It will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Kirby Dog Park at Fort Sod. Register here.

Dec. 15: Santa storytime

In the mood for a story told by an expert? Then bring the kids to the Old Courthouse Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday for Storytime with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and hear a story from Mrs. Claus. Stories begin every half-hour. Admission is free.

Dec. 17: Lights and cocoa

Have you ever wondered what goes into the Falls Park Winter Wonderland lighting every year? For an hour Tuesday night, learn about the best photo-ops and the details behind the holiday light show while sipping hot cocoa from the hot cocoa bar! Tours will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Registration is required.

Dec. 18: Lights on Lotta

The Lights on Lotta Light Show will offer lights, music and holiday cheer, welcoming local veterans and first responders who will join the festivities to spread joy and safety throughout the season. Big Paws Canine Foundation will be joining Lotta residents as the featured charity. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at 311 W. Lotta St.

Coming up: Dec. 30

The Christmas cookie decorating classes at Severance Brewing sold out, but you still have one more opportunity to do a little frosting. An evening of decorating New Year’s Eve-themed cookies with HEB Bakes will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 30 at the brewery, 701 N. Phillips Ave. Cost is $60. You can reserve your tickets here.