Illustration of Santa checking a long list at a desk with an elf while children peek around a door (Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa)
Other Christmas Activities

Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa

Visitors gather at Outlaw Square to celebrate the holiday season with the lighting of the community Christmas tree and a visit from Santa delivering gifts. Guests can take to the rink for free skating, take a spin on the ice bumper cars, and roast marshmallows for s'mores alongside cocoa and holiday treats. The celebration also includes the presentation of the Deadwood Chamber Community Recognition Awards.

Fri, Dec 4, 2026 All ages

Plan Your Visit

Tickets

Free event; skating is free; bumper car rides are half price.

Hours

Bumper car rides 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm; free skating and s’mores, holiday treats and cocoa 5-7 pm; tree lighting at 6 pm; Santa visits right after the tree lighting.

Food & Drink

S’mores, holiday treats, and cocoa are offered from 5–7 p.m.

Location

Outlaw Square · 703 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732 Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and family-friendly

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bring your own skates if you have them; skate rentals are available at Outlaw Square.
  • If you plan to ride an ice bumper car, check that the operator and passenger meet the stated age and height rules.
  • Plan to stay through the tree lighting if you want to see Santa, who visits afterward with gifts.
  • Dress warmly for this outdoor celebration, which includes skating and roasting marshmallows.
  • Take note of the activity schedule: bumper cars, skating and refreshments are offered in separate sessions.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Free entry to the event.
  • Ice bumper car rides are half price on December 4.
  • Free skating is offered on December 4.
  • Santa visits right after the tree lighting and brings gifts.

Links & Contact

Run by Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau

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 contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the celebration suitable for families?

Yes, it is described as a free, family-friendly event.

What can visitors do during the celebration?

Activities include skating, ice bumper car rides, s’mores making, holiday treats and cocoa, followed by the community tree lighting and Santa’s visit.

What food and drinks are offered?

S’mores, holiday treats and cocoa are offered during the event.

Are there age or size rules for riding an ice bumper car?

To operate a car alone, a rider must be at least six years old and at least 42 inches tall. To carry a passenger, the operator must be at least 16 and the passenger must be between three and five.

Does Santa visit the event?

Yes. Santa visits after the tree lighting and brings gifts.

Browse Christmas in Deadwood

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.

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: