What's Happening in the Black Hills: Winter 2026
Late fall/early winter in the Black Hills is a good time to visit. Summer is over, the first snow is never far off, and town after town gets ready for the holidays. We put this list together so you can see what's coming up and pick a weekend that works for you.
Every date below comes from the event organizers or the local tourism offices, and plans can change, so we link to each one for the latest details. If we missed something you love, let us know and we'll add it.
November in the Black Hills
Nov. 10: The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree stops in Custer.
The national Christmas tree is traveling from Idaho to Washington, D.C., and it's making a stop at Way Park in downtown Custer from 4 to 6 p.m. Expect a mini parade, Santa, and Smokey Bear. You'll find details on the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce events page. While you're in town, our Custer State Park guide covers what to see in the park, which stays open year-round.
Starting Nov. 15: Cut your own Christmas tree.
Permits for the Black Hills National Forest go on sale mid-November and run through Dec. 31. They cost $10 each, with a limit of five per household. You can pick one up at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center in Rapid City or at a Forest Service office. Read the Forest Service's permit page for the rules and cutting areas, and bring a saw and some rope. Travel South Dakota has a quick summary too.
Nov. 25 to late December: 1880 Train Holiday Express, Hill City.
This is a one-hour round trip from Hill City to the "North Pole," where Santa climbs aboard. Riders get hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a candy cane, and every child gets a bell to ring for Santa. November departures are Nov. 25, 27 and 28, with more in December. Check the schedule and book at 1880train.com. The train also has First Class and 21+ rides. Hill City is a short drive from us, and our post on five things to do in Hill City will help you fill the rest of the day.
Nov. 27: Hill City's Christmas season begins.
Hill City starts its Olde Tyme Christmas the day after Thanksgiving with a lighted parade on Main Street, so look for Friday, Nov. 27. In past years the evening has also included roasted chestnuts, hot cider and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Hill City Chamber of Commerce will post this year's details.
Nov. 27: Christmas Nights of Lights opens at Storybook Island, Rapid City.
The children's park covers its grounds in holiday lights, more than 20 miles of them according to the park. Tickets are $5 per person, and kids 12 months and under are free. The event has run through the end of December in past seasons, so check Storybook Island's events page for this year's hours.
Nov. 27 and 28: Candlelight Christmas Tours at the Historic Adams House, Deadwood.
Deadwood History offers holiday tours of the Adams House on Nov. 27 and 28, and again on Dec. 4 and 5, 11 and 12, and 18 and 19. See the Deadwood History events calendar for times and tickets. If you're making a day of it, our Deadwood guide has more to see.
Nov. 28: Winter Market and the Festival of Lights Parade, downtown Rapid City.
The free Winter Market runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at Main Street Square. Around 4:50 p.m., the mayor lights the holiday tree, and the outdoor ice rink opens for the season. Skating costs $10 for a day pass plus $5 to rent skates. Then the Festival of Lights Parade rolls down Main Street at 6 p.m. This is the parade's 28th year, and the organizers say it draws more than 30,000 people. Our Rapid City museums post has indoor ideas for the afternoon, and our dining guide can help you pick a place for dinner.
December in the Black Hills
Dec. 4: Community Christmas and tree lighting, Deadwood.
Outlaw Square hosts a free evening with free ice skating, s'mores and cocoa from 5 to 7 p.m., the tree lighting at 6 p.m., and a visit from Santa right after. It's also the last event in Deadwood's year-long 150th anniversary celebration, and the plans include a telegraph message from the governor. Details are on the Deadwood Chamber's event page and the 150th celebration page.
Dec. 5: A busy Saturday.
Three towns have holiday events on the same day, so pick the one that fits you best.
- Spearfish Holidazzle Parade, 6 p.m. The lighted parade runs down Main Street in downtown Spearfish, and the community tree lighting happens as Santa arrives. Earlier in the day, the Spearfish Rec Center holds its Holiday Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the town hosts Julefest, a Scandinavian Christmas festival and bazaar. Visit Spearfish has the full list. If you want to add a scenic drive, our Spearfish Canyon guide shows you where to go.
- Custer Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m. The parade of lights travels along Mt. Rushmore Road from 8th Street to 4th Street. Santa's Village, a craft fair, runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1645 Wildcat Lane. Find both on the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce events page. The chamber's Custer Christmas Cash program also runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 18 at businesses around town.
- Holiday Open House at the Days of '76 Museum, Deadwood, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deadwood History holds its yearly open house at the museum. See the events calendar.
Dec. 11 and 12: Kringle Crawl, Deadwood.
This is Deadwood's second annual Kringle Crawl, a weekend of holiday events around town. Check the Deadwood events page for what's planned. The Adams House candlelight tours are also running that weekend.
All month long
- 1880 Train Holiday Express. December departures are Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26 and 27, according to Travel South Dakota. Book through the 1880 Train.
- Christmas Nights of Lights at Storybook Island. The light display continues after opening night on Nov. 27. Check the park's events page for hours.
- Spearfish holiday lights map. From Dec. 1 to 31, the Spearfish Rec Center shares a map of decorated homes you can drive past. Grab hot chocolate first. It's listed on the Visit Spearfish holiday page.
- Ice skating. Main Street Square in Rapid City opens its outdoor rink on Nov. 28, and Deadwood's Outlaw Square has a rink too.
- Christmas tree permits. You can cut your own tree in the Black Hills National Forest through Dec. 31. See the Forest Service permit page.
Tips for planning your trip
- Check the roads before you drive. Winter weather can change quickly in the Hills. SD511 shows road conditions, closures and cameras, and you can dial 511 from inside South Dakota.
- Pick your weekend. Nov. 27 and 28 bring the Hill City kickoff, the Holiday Express, Storybook Island's opening night and the Rapid City parade. Dec. 4 and 5 pair Deadwood's tree lighting with the parades in Spearfish and Custer.
- Dress for the outdoors. Parades and tree lightings happen after dark. Bring layers, a hat, and something warm to drink.
- Give yourself extra time downtown. In past years, Rapid City has posted parking limits along the parade route in the afternoon, according to the Rapid City Journal.
- Know your drive times. From Summer Creek Inn, Hill City is about 16 minutes away, Custer State Park is about 25 minutes, and Deadwood is about 35 minutes. Our FAQ lists the distances to other attractions.
More to do between events
There's plenty to fill the days in between. Start with our Winter Activities and Things to Do pages. If you like being outside when there's snow, read our guide to cross-country skiing in the Black Hills. For a slower afternoon, visit one of the Black Hills wineries or head to a Rapid City museum.
Considering a trip to the Black Hills?
If you're thinking about a trip, now is a good time to plan it. We only have 10 suites, and event weekends fill up fast. Book early for the best rates: the earlier you reserve, the better your rate.
Many of our suites have a fireplace and a whirlpool tub or private hot tub, so you'll have a warm place to land after a night of parades and lights. You can also add a scratch-made breakfast to your stay, or a Morning Starter delivered to your suite door. Have a question first? Our FAQ covers check-in, breakfast, and drive times, and you can browse the suites to pick your favorite.
