🧊 Ice Fest, DJ parties, tree strolls: what’s happening now

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Just like that, we’re feeling all the winter vibes: twinkle lights in the trees, fresh-baked cookie news, and a downtown restaurant that feels like a mini vacation. It’s the kind of week that makes staying local way more fun than traveling.

Thanks for reading and sharing the Scoop each week. You keep us inspired to keep finding the best of what’s happening right here at home.

🍹 A Little Brazil in the Blizzard

Roots of Brasil brings sun-soaked charm downtown with bold, soulful dishes that feel like a mini escape. Think mariscos, pork-belly grits, and share-worthy plates that turn a simple night out into a little adventure.

The vibe is vibrant and welcoming, and with their new Oak & Olive event space, there’s even more room for gathering, celebrating, and enjoying flavors that stay with you. Learn more here.

🎁 Little Surprises Around Every Corner

Alcove in the Steel District is the place you pop into on a crisp afternoon and instantly spot a few gifts you didn’t even know you were looking for. Their holiday shelves are full of puzzles, candles, beanies, and playful stocking stuffers.

The staff keep things welcoming and even offer a drink while you shop. It’s easy to linger here, especially when you’re easing into the season. Learn more here.

🎄 70 Years of Christmas Trees in Sioux Falls

The Gist: Baumgartner Family Christmas Trees is marking 70 years of helping Sioux Falls families find their holiday centerpiece. The stand is open every day, with second and third generation Baumgartners keeping things humming as they head into their busiest stretch. They have already sold around 500 trees, and they expect traffic to climb once the snow settles and roads clear.

Why It Matters: It is a long running local tradition that continues to add warmth and charm to the season. Read more here.

✨ Christmas at the Cathedral Returns This Month

The Gist: Sioux Falls’ beloved Christmas at the Cathedral is back December 18 to 21, bringing music, storytelling, and a little holiday awe to the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Each year offers a fresh take on the Nativity, blending choir, orchestra, and narration in a setting that already feels peaceful the moment you walk in. Tickets are on sale at Hy-Vee and online, and they tend to disappear fast.

Why It Matters: Proceeds support the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and the care of the historic cathedral. Read more here.

Mama Husky is a lovely 4 year old brown tabby with a sandy ticked coat.

This gives her a unique, desert inspired charm. She starts out a bit reserved, but once she feels safe her gentle sweetness shines and she happily seeks out quiet affection.

This short haired girl is good with other cats and would make a calm, steady companion in a peaceful home. Her adoption fee is 90 dollars.

To learn more about this beautiful girl, click HERE.

✨ O Come Let Us Adore Him – Vespers 2025 | Gloria Dei Lutheran Church | Sioux Falls | 12/05–12/06 | More
A heartfelt evening of choral beauty and warm fellowship with cookies and cocoa.

🦌 Santa at the Zoo | Great Plains Zoo | Sioux Falls | 12/06 | More
Kids meet Santa, enjoy crafts, and spot ambassador animals during a festive winter day!

🎄 Holiday Trees Event | Good Earth State Park | Sioux Falls | 12/06 | More
A cozy evening stroll among decorated trees with Santa and live holiday music.

🍪 Santa, Cocoa & Cookies Night | Great Shots | Sioux Falls | 12/08 | More
Enjoy a free, festive night of treats, crafts, and holiday fun with Santa.

❄️ Holiday Evening | Pettigrew Home & Museum | Sioux Falls | 12/11 | More
Step into a historic holiday evening filled with music, snacks, and horse-drawn wagons!.

🎅 Santa Photo Experience | The Empire Mall | Sioux Falls | until 12/24 | More
Capture a classic holiday moment with professional photos and a magical visit with Santa.

🎆 Winter Wonderland Lights | Falls Park | Sioux Falls | until 01/05 | More
Stroll/drive through thousands of lights synchronized to music across the iconic park.

🖼️ Cumulate Exhibit Opening | Rehfeld's Art & Framing | Sioux Falls | 12/05 | More
An evening reception unveiling a visual chronicle of growth from two featured artists.

🎭 HUMBUG | Corson Playhouse | Sioux Falls | 12/05–12/07 | More
A modern, upbeat twist on A Christmas Carol featuring Eleanor Scrooge’s journey.

🎣 Weekend Ice Fest | Scheels | Sioux Falls | 12/05–12/07 | More
The biggest ice-fishing sale of the season with giveaways, deals, and prizes.

🎶 Light the Night: Xmas Edition | PAve | Sioux Falls | 12/06 | More
A high-energy holiday party with live DJs, a video wall, and LED wristbands.

🎪 The Black Market | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Expo | Sioux Falls | 12/06–12/07 | More
Indoor market packed with antiques, collectibles, and crafts from Midwest vendors.

✨ Shadow & Light – Aerial Arts Event | SD Aerial & Arts | Sioux Falls | 12/07 | More
An immersive winter showcase of aerial storytelling, contrasting light vs. dark.

🏐 NCAA DII Volleyball Finals | Sanford Pentagon | Sioux Falls | 12/11–12/13 | More
Catch the best in DII volleyball as teams clash in a thrilling three-set match format.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.