Illustration of glowing trees reflected in a lake with visitors watching from a small footbridge (Annual Festival of Lights)
Christmas Lights

Annual Festival of Lights

Downtown Brookings lights up for an annual holiday celebration anchored by an evening parade. Visitors can meet two of Santa's reindeer and write letters to the North Pole at the Children's Museum of South Dakota. While strolling through downtown, guests can also view and vote on their favorite storefronts in the Wondrous Windows competition.

Fri, Dec 4, 2026 All ages

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Neighborhood

Downtown Brookings

Location

See it and nearby events on the map
Downtown Brookings · Brookings, SD 57006 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Tune your car radio to KCountry 102.3 to hear the Christmas music broadcast during the celebration.
  • Visit the Children’s Museum for the free play and letter-writing activity, and bring a letter for the North Pole.
  • Head outside the Children’s Museum to meet Santa’s reindeer during their scheduled appearance.
  • Explore downtown storefronts and vote for your favorite display in the Wondrous Windows competition.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free evening of play and writing letters to the North Pole at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
  • Meet two of Santa’s reindeer outside the Children’s Museum on December 4.
  • Visitors can vote for their favorite holiday window display in the Wondrous Windows competition.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Festival of Lights suitable for families?

The celebration is described as a family event, and the Children’s Museum has an evening of play and letter-writing for children.

What activities are included in the celebration?

Visitors can watch the parade, meet Santa’s reindeer, write letters to the North Pole at the Children’s Museum, and vote for a favorite Wondrous Windows display.

Is the Children’s Museum activity free?

Yes. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota offers a free evening of play and letters to the North Pole.

Where can I hear the Christmas music?

Tune your car radio to KCountry 102.3 for the Christmas music broadcast.

How can I take part in Wondrous Windows?

Explore downtown and vote for your favorite holiday window display in the Wondrous Windows competition.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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