Rapid City Area Winter Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Winter in Rapid City creates an excuse for locals and visitors to slow things down. Whether that be from snow on the roads or the urge to linger a little longer in a cozy atmosphere – it gives everyone the opportunity to pause, reset, and fully experience the beauty of this destination. 

While fall is known as the big event season for our area – a Rapid City winter has gems you won’t want to miss out on. Come for the cozy vibes and stunning winter views, but stay for the unique winter event experience you can’t recreate anywhere else. 

Winter Market

The holiday season in Rapid City is kicked-off with the celebration of Winter Market. Hosted at Main Street Square, since it first opened in 2011, Winter Market is when the Rapid City Mayor lights the Holiday Tree, vendors set up around a charming ice rink that’s twinkling with lights to sell locally made goods and artwork. The whole event looks like the set of a holiday movie, and it makes for a magical way to spend an evening in Rapid City. 

Bonus: This event always coincides with the Festival of Lights Parade in Rapid City which marches decorated floats up and down Main Street and Saint Joseph Street. Be sure not to park on either street leading up to this event. 

Mountain West Beer Fest

^{© The Homeslice Group}

Pack your pretzel necklace if you’re in town during the Mountain West Beer Festival. Hosted inside The Monument, this event brings the best brews of the region under one roof for hours of craft beer sipping fun. Find a new favorite among the ciders, sours, IPAs, and more as you enjoy good company, beer themed games and even Human Foosball. 

Storybook Island Christmas Nights of Light

Locals line up night after night during the holiday season to enjoy the miles of Christmas lights strung throughout the eight acres of Storybook Island. Purchase cookies, hot chocolate or cider to sip on as you stroll the walkways and take in this winter wonderland. Additional tickets can be purchased for kids to ride the train through the park or take a magical spin around on the indoor carousel. It’s a romantic date night during the holiday season or a fun family outing that will quickly become tradition. 

Tip: The entrance line is typically shorter on weekdays than weekends. 

Rush Hockey

Root for the home team at a winter Rapid City Rush hockey game. Throughout the winter season the Ice Arena at The Monument comes alive with the hoot and hollers of fans cheering on our local ECHL hockey team! Check out their 19-game schedule ahead of time to see what fun themed game nights, like Veterans Appreciation, Teddy Bear Toss, or even Star Wars Night, and come partake in this electrifying audience.

1880 Train Holiday Express

Take a magical ride through the Black Hills to the North Pole to meet Santa himself! The 1880 Train Holiday Express only happens in the holiday season, starting at the very end of November and continuing through December, and offers a memorable experience for all riders. The train ride lasts for one hour and passengers can enjoy a hot cocoa, sugar cookie, chat with Santa, and a special story on the way to the North Pole. 

Tip: For an adult only experience check out the Holiday Express Spiked version. 

Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® and Rodeo Rapid City

The second largest event in South Dakota brings a western flare to Rapid City for nine days of fun. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over come to compete in the cattle shows, ranch rodeos, and different horse events of the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® hosted at the Central States Fair Grounds. While Rodeo Rapid City over at The Monument brings to life the events that have claimed the PRCA Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year award five times. These two events take place simultaneously at two different venues. 

Rapid City Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week is the best tasting week in Rapid City. Every year in January restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and bars run a special 11-day discount or introduce something new to their menu for this event. An added bonus- when you download the app and check in at participating locations you are entered in to win outstanding daily prizes, just for eating or drinking! 

While winter provides the perfect excuse to slow down and explore – that doesn’t mean the Rapid City region offers less things to do. Head to our events calendar to find more winter fun or holiday festivities to make your time in Rapid City that much more special. 

Find other winter activities we recommend in the related content below!