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- 🐊 A new zoo opens Friday in an old DMV
🐊 A new zoo opens Friday in an old DMV
Poinsettias for pennies, Santa with stories, an attic to explore, and so much more!
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Sioux Falls really shows up for the holidays. Lights on rooftops, carols in cathedrals, even brunches that feel like full-on celebrations. The city’s in a festive groove, and you can feel it from Washington Pavilion to the butterfly aquarium.
This week’s Scoop range from silly to soulful. Take your pick or try a little of everything.
In today’s Scoop:
🦎 Wild Things Weekend Starts Friday
❄️ Winter Glow, Sioux Falls-Style
🌿 Greenhouse Vibes, Attic Energy
✨ Season’s Joys Around Every Corner
🎄 Spicy Bites & Holiday Nights
Walk into The Attic Bar & Grill East and the first thing that hits you is the energy: warm, lively, and already halfway to a celebration.
Plates of jambalaya roll out steaming and bold, chislic crackles with that perfect savory bite, and the fry bread with queso never survives more than a few minutes at the table.
Around the holidays, the whole place transforms, decked top to bottom in twinkling lights and festive flair, turning a simple meal into a seasonal moment worth sharing.
🌱 Greenhouse Goodness in Full Swing
Landscape Garden Centers has a lively rhythm this time of year, with yoga sessions set right in the greenhouse and a big 75% off sale on trees, greens, poinsettias, and holiday cacti.
Shoppers mention how genuinely kind the staff is, from help loading heavy pots to answering planting questions on the fly.
Classes pop up often, making it easy to learn something new while picking out yard or houseplant favorites.
🦎 Reptile Adventure Zoo Opens Friday
The Gist: The new Reptile Adventure Zoo on West Russell Street opens its doors this Friday, Dec 12th, inviting visitors into a winding, cave like space filled with turtles, tortoises, snakes, lizards and even 13 alligators. Owner Andrew Adam has transformed the former DMV into more than 100 exhibits, plus a hands on water feature, a pet shop and space for birthday parties and camps. Admission starts at 8.95 for kids.
Why It Matters: It brings a rare, family friendly reptile experience to Sioux Falls, all under one roof. The zoo opens daily, with memberships and event options available.
❄️ Finding Light in a Sioux Falls Winter
The Gist: Around here, winter settles in early, so folks look for small ways to keep spirits bright. Parks and Rec has lined up free trail hikes, cozy outdoor programs at Jacobson Plaza, and splashy breaks at the Midco Aquatic Center. Crews are icing up the natural rinks at Tuthill and Memorial Park, hoping to have them ready before school lets out. Health experts say even a brisk walk or a few minutes of cold air can lift a tired mood.
Why It Matters: These simple community rituals help Sioux Falls feel connected when the days get short.
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🕯️ St. Lucia Celebration (50 Years!) | St. Mark's Lutheran Church | Sioux Falls | 12/12-12/13 | More
A community festival honoring the legend of Lucia with performances & traditional treats.
🦋 Holiday Cheer at BHA | Butterfly House & Aquarium | Sioux Falls | 12/13 | More
Celebrate the season with Santa, Mrs. Claus, hands-on kids’ crafts, and warm drinks!
🎅 Meet Santa | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 12/13 | More
Kids share wish lists, snap photos, and maybe spot a mischievous green visitor.
📖 Santa & Mrs. Claus Storytime | Old Courthouse Museum | Sioux Falls | 12/14 | More
An afternoon of stories and snapshots with Santa and Mrs. Claus at this family event.
✨ Christmas at the Cathedral – 29th Year | Cathedral of St. Joseph | Sioux Falls | 12/18-12/21 | More
A performance retelling the Nativity through Zechariah’s eyes, set in a sacred space.
🎄 Winter Wonderland PhotoFrenzy | The Event Room by ACCENTS Events | Sioux Falls | until 12/24 | More
An indoor selfie pop-up with backdrops plus an eye-spy scavenger hunt for all ages.
🎹 Christmas With Lorie Line | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 12/12 | More
A beloved holiday piano tradition featuring elegant arrangements and heartfelt stories.
💅🏽 Bad Girl Brunch | Wileys Bar | Sioux Falls | 12/13 | More
Sip, socialize, and celebrate at a bold brunch experience curated for good energy.
🔥 Temptations & Tempranillo Dinner | Harvester Kitchen by Bryan | Sioux Falls | 12/16 | More
A flavor journey featuring creative courses matched with rich, complex Tempranillo pours.
🎶 Matthew Mayer: Holiday & Dreams | Orpheum Theater Center | Sioux Falls | 12/18 | More
A cozy evening of solo piano, storytelling, and holiday favorites from a #1 Billboard artist.
🎄 Who Feast & Roast Beast Dinner | ICON Events + DaDa Gastropub | Sioux Falls | 12/18 | More
A whimsical Whoville-themed multi-course dinner paired with festive holiday cocktails.
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