Partnership on New Holiday Experience in Downtown
Published on November 17, 2023
Today, the City of Sioux Falls, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., and the Washington Pavilion announced Winter Weekends presented by MarketBeat. The three organizations are coming together to activate the space in front of the new mural along East Tenth Street in downtown Sioux Falls to create a unique holiday experience for four consecutive weekends.
Winter Weekends, presented by MarketBeat, will be every Friday through Sunday, November 24 through December 17. Activities will be available from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday, from 1 to 8 p.m. every Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. every Sunday. Each weekend has a theme with planned entertainment, various family-friendly activities, and holiday programming. There will also be plenty of places for a photo op in the plaza area with various lit-up holiday décor.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Winter Wonderland at Falls Park, Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation is looking forward to building upon that holiday tradition for many families with Winter Weekends,” said Jackie Nelson, Recreation Manager at Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. “We hope people will embrace winter, explore the outdoors, and connect with others as they enjoy the holiday season.”
Several community businesses and organizations have stepped forward to help Winter Weekends come to life. MarketBeat is the presenting sponsor for all four weekends. Several sponsors, including Experience Sioux Falls, First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, AARP, and the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation, are supporting special, unique programming and themes for each of the four weekends.
“The Washington Pavilion is proud to partner with the City, Downtown Sioux Falls, and some generous sponsors to build excitement and energy in our city’s epicenter this holiday season,” said Darrin Smith, president and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, Inc. “These outdoor events are the perfect complement to our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Black Friday and all of the fun holiday performances and activities that will take place inside the Pavilion and Orpheum during this holiday season as well.”
“Winter Weekends, along with the MarketBeat Holiday Plaza, and the mural along East Tenth Street, highlight MarketBeat’s commitment to making downtown a vibrant and prosperous part of our community,” said Matt Paulson, founder and CEO of MarketBeat. “We hope Winter Weekends will help bring life to the core of our city during the winter months and, in turn, be a big win for downtown retailers.”
Winter Weekends will kick off the same night as the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Washington Pavilion and the Downtown Sioux Falls Parade of Lights. The planned programming throughout the four weekends focuses on activities for all ages. The first weekend’s theme is “Celebrate Downtown,” recognizing the local business owners and highlighting how important it is to support downtown during the holiday season and throughout winter.
“Shopping downtown will be especially fun this holiday season! Each weekend, there will be something for everyone—holiday activities, entertainment, food, and hot drinks,” said Joe Batcheller, president of DTSF, Inc. “Winter Weekends will add a whole new experience for people visiting downtown!”
The following schedule has several more details of what visitors can expect during Winter Weekends presented by MarketBeat. For a complete programming list and more information, visit www.siouxfalls.gov/winter-weekends.
November 24–26
Celebrate Downtown
Supported by Experience Sioux Falls
Throughout the weekend, people can try the new Ice Bumper Cars at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire/First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard-sponsored Glice Rink. Ice Bumper Cars are limited and require a purchased ticket to ride. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children for one 12-minute session. When shoppers need a break on November 25 from Small Business Saturday, yard games—such as bean bags, giant Jenga, and bocce ball—will be available to play at the plaza area. They will also be available on Sunday. Festive holiday music will be provided by Dakota Entertainment from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
December 1–3
North Pole Jingle & Mingle
Supported by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard
Kick off North Pole Jingle & Mingle with First Friday fun and Carole-oke with Dakota Entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit from the North Pole on December 2 and 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. Families can join the candy cane hunt on December 2 or 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. Candy canes and riddles will be scattered throughout downtown businesses, so once the riddle is solved, participants score candy cane points and visit Santa to collect a prize. Throughout the weekend, people can try the new Ice Bumper Cars at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire/First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard-sponsored Glice Rink. Ice Bumper Cars will be free from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for an “extended” First Friday weekend, thanks to the generous support of First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. Ice Bumper Cars are limited and require a purchased ticket to ride from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children for one 12-minute session.
December 8–10
Happy Grinchmas!
Supported by AARP
At various times throughout Happy Grinchmas, visitors can enjoy light displays and entertainment featuring the Good Night Theatre Collective Caroling Choir, South Dakota Aerial & Arts, Jordan Jaacks musician, and The Premiere Playhouse Christmas Carol Carolers. Families will also be able to take part in various Grinch-themed activities throughout the weekend. Beware, the Grinch himself may make an appearance. On all three days, visitors can try the new Ice Bumper Cars at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire/First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard-sponsored Glice Rink. Ice Bumper Cars are limited and require a purchased ticket to ride. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children for one 12-minute session.
December 15–17
Winter Wonderland—20th Anniversary
Supported by the Sioux Falls Parks Foundation
Throughout the weekend, attendees can try the new Ice Bumper Cars at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire/First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard-sponsored Glice Rink. Ice Bumper Cars are limited and require a purchased ticket to ride. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children for one 12-minute session. On December 16 and 17, from 1 to 5 p.m., a tree ring toss game, snowman bean bag toss, snowman darts, and holiday bowling will all be available for free. Visitors can also test their knowledge on the Winter Wonderland facts game for the chance to win special prizes.
Various food and beverage items will be available throughout Winter Weekends presented by MarketBeat. A special Chick-fil-A® Empire Place pop-up location will sell boxed lunches with the option of a Chick-fil-A® sandwich or spicy chicken sandwich from 1 to 5 p.m. on December 2, 9, and 16. Black Iris Coffee Truck will park at the plaza every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., every Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m., and every Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Sioux Falls Golf will sell adult beverages on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring some warm holiday drinks to keep you comfortable as you enjoy this special holiday event.
