The Sioux Falls Parade of Lights Returns This Holiday Season

Well, Halloween has come and gone, and we'll be packing away the orange and black decorations and replacing them with the red and green ones.

It's the holiday season in Sioux Falls, a time of fellowship and traditions. One of the biggest Christmastime traditions in Sioux Falls is the downtown Parade of Lights, and it's on the books again for the day after Thanksgiving.

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When and Where to Watch the Parade

The 33rd Annual Parade of Lights presented by First Bank & Trust will take place Friday, November 28, 2025, in downtown Sioux Falls. The bright, festive floats covered in Christmas lights will again make their way down Phillips Avenue to welcome Christmas.

No matter how cold it gets, the thousands of people who pack into downtown keep things plenty warm. Plus, the hot air balloon’s flame helps.

A Sioux Falls Tradition Since 1992

The first downtown Sioux Falls Parade of Lights took place on November 27, 1992. For the inaugural parade, there were only 23 floats and about 10,000 people. The idea for the parade came from prominent Sioux Falls civic leader and businessperson Irene Batchelder. She had seen a holiday parade of lights in another city and brought the idea home.

The tradition has grown steadily over the last three decades. The parade brings an average of 50,000-60,000 people downtown. The 2024 parade drew one of the biggest crowds in its history downtown to watch the 80-plus floats and entries.

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The 33rd Annual Parade of Lights presented by First Bank & Trust is on Friday, November 28, 2025. The parade begins at 7:30 PM. The parade route is along Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street.

Tips for Enjoying the Parade

Organizers say that the show will go on no matter the weather, so it's a good idea to dress warmly.