Rapid City Festival of Lights Parade
Crowds gather along downtown streets to watch a dazzling nighttime procession of brightly illuminated floats, ranging from horse-drawn carriages to displays on flatbed trucks strung with thousands of lights. At the finale of the procession, Santa Claus makes his appearance on his own float. Downtown also features holiday skaters and hot cocoa at Main Street Square.
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Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
6 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Rapid City
Food & Drink
Hot cocoa is featured at Main Street Square; no other event food or drink options are specified.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Dress warmly in layers and bring blankets, since this is a nighttime winter parade and spectators may be outside for an extended period.
- Arrive early to choose a viewing spot, as the parade draws crowds of more than 30,000 spectators.
- Visit Main Street Square for holiday skating and hot cocoa, which are part of the event’s downtown atmosphere.
- Keep children close along the dark route, and don’t expect candy or giveaways because handing out items is prohibited for safety.
- Stay out of the staging area, which is restricted to floats; participants must meet their float before entering.
Special Events & Promotions
- Santa arrives on his own float at the end of the parade.
Links & Contact
Run by Festival of Lights Parade
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
What will the parade feature?
Illuminated floats include horse-drawn carriages and displays on flatbed trucks, decorated with thousands of lights. Santa arrives on his own float at the end.
Can I get something to eat or drink nearby?
Main Street Square features steaming cups of cocoa during the event.
Can I enter a float in the parade?
The festival has an entry process for floats. Entries must follow the parade rules, including being fully lit and keeping pace with the procession.
Can I volunteer at the event?
Yes. Volunteers help secure the parade route and assist with crowd control.
What should parade participants wear or bring?
Participants should dress for an extended time in cold weather; the rules suggest considering hot beverages and extra blankets.
Browse Christmas in Rapid City
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.