Top 10 ways to make this holiday season extra memorable at the Washington Pavilion

This paid piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Co.

Get ready for the biggest holiday season ever at the Washington Pavilion.

From new additions to favorite traditions, there are activities inside and out for all ages – starting this weekend.

“We are thrilled to provide a great new set of holiday opportunities and annual traditions to our community this season,” said Darrin Smith, president and CEO.

“From great holiday shows and entertainment, Santa visits, ‘The Polar Express’ movie and a nightly outdoor light show to the largest, most amazing Christmas tree – something I have coined as the ‘Rockefeller tree of Sioux Falls.’ We couldn’t be happier to be enjoying the return of many great activities in our venues again and enhancing the quality of life for our city’s residents and visitors.”

There’s so much to share that we’re making the list for you. Take a look at these top 10 ways you can make the most of this holiday season with a trip to the Washington Pavilion.

Help light the Christmas tree

Here’s the first date to mark on the calendar: Nov. 26, when the Pavilion’s beautifully decorated 45-foot Christmas tree officially will light up for the season.

Head to the corner of 11th Street and Main Avenue at 7 p.m., where free cookies and hot cocoa sponsored by Hy-Vee will be waiting and special guests will help light up Sioux Falls’ largest Christmas tree. Thanks to POET for making it possible!

Can’t make it downtown? Tune in from home, and watch the event live on the Washington Pavilion Facebook page!

Take in outdoor holiday decor, nightly light show

This is a fantastic addition to the Washington Pavilion! Beginning Nov. 26, from dusk until dawn, the Paladino Hohm Sculpture Garden will host a must-see outdoor light show synced to favorite holiday songs.

Tune your radio to 97.7 FM or walk around amid the stunning holiday trees, lights, garland and decorations.

Take care of holiday shopping

The Pavilion has some amazing holiday specials lined up for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. You’ll save on everything from Broadway series show tickets to memberships.

Holiday shopping will start even earlier for Washington Pavilion donors, members and subscribers. Do you want to get early access? Call our box office at 605-367-6000 to become a donor, member or subscriber today. Holiday offers begin Nov. 23 for donors, Nov. 24 for members and subscribers, and Nov. 25 for the public, so sign up today.

Get your tickets to the Thanksgiving Weekend Broadway Tour

Get a taste of Broadway this Thanksgiving weekend without leaving Sioux Falls.

“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical” tells the Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music — she wrote the soundtrack to a generation.

Show dates are:

• Nov. 26 at 4 p.m.
• Nov. 27 at 2 and 7 p.m.
• Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.

Plus, expand your experience and add a delicious pre-show dinner buffet. 

Visit with Santa

The Pavilion is a fantastic place to snag a little one-on-one time with Santa. Bring your wish list, and parents, bring a camera.

Here’s when you can find him:

• Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec.18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Additionally, children can write a letter to Santa and drop it off in one of our mailboxes located on the first-floor lobby or south side of the second-floor lobby. Check the website for additional details. And don’t miss story time Dec. 4 and 11 at 1:30 p.m.

Don’t miss Tidings and Tinsel

Think the outside of the Pavilion looks festive? Wait until you step inside.

The Washington Pavilion will host a stunning display of Christmas trees decorated by local organizations. It will be open to the public during regular facility hours and located on the second-floor lobby from Nov. 26 through Jan. 9.

Enjoy the ultimate holiday movie experience

Think your family is a fan of holiday movies? Wait until you see them in the Wells Fargo CineDome.

“The Polar Express” will be playing every weekend and select weekdays starting Nov. 26 through December. Advance tickets on sale now.

And at 1 p.m. Dec. 11, there’s a special thank-you screening for Pavilion members.

The CineDome will host a free showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski and Taylor Momsen for members only.

Let the kids get crafty

Bring your kids age 6 through 10 to the Washington Pavilion from 10 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11, where they will love this holiday activities class complete with creating paper wreaths, homemade crafts and more. The cost is $5, and you’ll leave with one-of-a-kind handmade decor for your home.

Take in holiday entertainment

The Washington Pavilion and the Orpheum Theater Center have an incredible live entertainment schedule ahead, featuring concerts, musicals and a classic movie.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Nov 21 • 7:30 p.m.

The Premiere Playhouse presents:  “A Christmas Carol”
Dec. 2-4 and 9-11 • 7 p.m. | Dec. 4, 5, 11 and 12 | 2 p.m.

Shaun Johnson + the Big Band Experience “The Nights Before Christmas Tour”
Dec. 3 • 7:30 p.m.

Tonic Sol-fa “Shake Up Christmas Tour”
Dec. 4 • 7:30 p.m.

A Magical Medora Christmas
Dec. 8 • 7:30 p.m.

The Good Night Theatre Collective Presents: “A Yuletide Cabaret”
Dec. 9-10 • 7:30 p.m.

South Dakota Symphony: Christmas with the Symphony: ‘Tis the Season!
Dec. 11 • 7:30 p.m. | Dec. 12 • 2:30 p.m.

South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra Concert
Dec. 12 • 6 p.m.

The Dakota Academy of Performing Arts: “White Christmas””
Dec. 16-18 • 7 p.m.
Dec. 18-19 • 2 p.m.

Christmas with Lorie Line
Dec. 17 • 7 p.m.

A Bluegrass Christmas with Monroe Crossing
Dec. 18 • 7:30 p.m.

Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
Dec. 18 • 7:30 p.m.

For information on times, dates, hours and additional activities, please visit washingtonpavilion.org/happyholidays.

Check off your gift list

Give the gift of a Washington Pavilion experience, and the recipient will make memories for years to come.

Now is a great time to become a member, gift a membership or purchase a Pavilion Bucks gift card.

Membership specials : Become a member at holiday savings.

Pavilion Bucks: Give the gift of a Washington Pavilion experience.