The Week Ahead: Nov. 25-Dec. 1

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.

Nov. 25: 2021 Run for Food

The Banquet will host its annual charity Run for Food again this year on Thanksgiving morning. There will be a 5k, a 3k and a 1-mile fun run/walk, all taking place at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Runners can arrive anytime between 8 nd 9 a.m. There also will be an option to run virtually. Donations are accepted via Venmo, or at thebanquetsf.org/donate. If you’re running in person, you also can donate on-site near the Nordstrom Johnson Building.

Nov. 26: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Washington Pavilion

In conjunction with the Parade of Lights, the Washington Pavilion will be holding a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to celebrate the massive 45-foot tree that will sit on the corner of Main and 11th for the second year in a row. The lighting ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. and will feature live music and free hot cocoa and cookies. The event also will be livestreamed on the Washington Pavilion Facebook page.

Nov. 26: Parade of Lights

The beloved Parade of Lights returns this year after its cancellation in 2020, and it’s bound to be bigger and better than ever. The official parade theme this year is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” in celebration of the Washington Pavilion’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony happening just before the parade. The floats will start heading down Phillips Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Join in the free after-party and awards ceremony at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

Nov. 27: 2021 Jingle Bell Run

Run to burn off those extra holiday calories and support the fight against arthritis. The Jingle Bell Run will begin at 9 a.m., with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. The 5K run will start at Fawick Park. Day-of-event registration is $40, with advance registration at $35. 

Nov. 27: Friendsgiving Skate

Skate City and the Transformation Project are hosting a fun way to get your friends together for the holiday weekend and maybe get some exercise in while you’re doing it. The Friendsgiving Skate Party will be from 10 a.m. to noon, and all ages are invited to skate, have snacks and play arcade games. The cost is $8, which includes skate time and skate rentals.

Nov. 28: Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase

The Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase, the largest wedding showcase in the region, will give those thinking about a wedding a chance to meet wedding professionals in the area as well as gather some inspiration for their event. There also will be a bridal fashion runway show to showcase the latest in bridal fashion. Tickets are $10, and the event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Nov. 30: Day of Giving Splash Bark Pool Pawty

From 6 to 8 p.m., bring your dogs to The Splash Bark for a Splash Bark Pool “Pawty.” At The Splash Bark, which is located at Smoken Dakota Kennels in Harrisburg, there are not only water features but also activities like dog toys, bubbles and a tiki bar. A free-will donation is suggested for the event, which will support Almost Home Canine Rescue.