These Two Traditions Kick off the Holiday Season in Sioux Falls

Sure there might already be a light dusting of snow on the ground, the Falls park Winter Wonderland is underway and Christmas songs are playing in stores, wait, didn't that start just after Labor Day? It sure seems like it anyway. But, the official start of the holiday season here in Sioux Falls doesn't get underway until the gigantic Christmas tree at the Washington Pavilion lights up.

And that Sioux Falls tradition kicks off this Friday night (November 25) right before the Parade of Lights gets underway in downtown Sioux Falls.

The Washington Pavilion is inviting residents to come on down this Friday night for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

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MORE: Spectacular Winter Wonderland At Falls Park In Sioux Falls

Starting around 5:30 that evening, people from all over the Sioux Empire will begin to gather around the massive 45 feet tall evergreen tree that sits outside the Washington Pavilion at the corner of 11th Street at Main Avenue.

According to Dakota News Now, the band, The 1270's will start playing holiday music around 5:45. The Hy-vee stores will be offering free cookies and hot cocoa for everyone to enjoy. And a group of special guests from Whittier Middle School will help flick the switch on Sioux Falls' largest Christmas tree sponsored by POET right around 6:25 that night.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, and Washington Pavilion CEO Darrin Smith are also both expected to speak.

The holiday tree will be on display from dusk to dawn through the end of December.

And make sure to stick around that night for another Sioux Empire holiday tradition, the 30th Annual Parade of Lights. Beautiful holiday floats decked out in lights and festive decorations will line Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street starting at 7:30 in downtown Sioux Falls.

MORE: 2022 Sioux Falls Parade Of Lights, Everything You Need To Know

Source: Dakota News Now