Winter Wonderland Grows with Jacobson Plaza Debut
Published on November 19, 2025
The City of Sioux Falls continues to celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Falls Park as Winter Wonderland returns for its 22nd year. Winter Wonderland, which is extending to Jacobson Plaza for the first time this year, will host its grand opening on Friday, November 21, 2025. Festivities kick off with lighting up The Falls at 5 p.m., followed by fireworks at 6 p.m. The lights at Winder Wonderland will be on daily through January 5, 2026, from 5 p.m. to midnight.
“Winter Wonderland has become a cherished tradition in Sioux Falls, and each year we look for ways to make it even more special,” said Josh Johnson, Park Operations Manager for the City of Sioux Falls. “We’re especially excited to light up the Jacobson Plaza Skate Ribbon for the first time as part of Winter Wonderland. It’s a beautiful addition to display and a great way to showcase this new space as a year-round destination for the community.”
A tradition that continues to grow, Winter Wonderland features more than 29 miles of twinkling light strands, 260 decorated trees, 215 adorned light poles, over a mile of garland, and numerous holiday decorations.
For the ultimate Winter Wonderland experience, ascend the five-story viewing tower at the Visitor Information Center for spectacular views, or tune your radio dials to FM 97.7 for a custom corresponding soundtrack as you tour the lights.
“Whether it’s your first visit or a yearly tradition, Winter Wonderland offers something magical for everyone,” Johnson said. “It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the lights, and make lasting memories with family and friends.”
Falls Overlook Café will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. during the grand opening of Winter Wonderland, offering free ice cream (while supplies last) and a chili bar with cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate available for purchase. The Lodge at Jacobson Plaza will also be open until 10 p.m. with food and beverage options. For more information, visit siouxfalls.gov/winter-wonderland.
This will be the first winter season for Jacobson Plaza, which was built to be a year-round destination within the City’s Parks and Recreation system. The Lodge restaurant will be open throughout the winter season and has space available to rent for holiday gatherings. Crews are currently working to transform the14,000-foot skate ribbon into ice. While it is refrigerated, making ice on the ribbon for the first time is dependent on cool and dry weather. The City will announce when the ribbon is officially open for ice skating.
During ice skating season, the public can purchase skate times and rent skates at the warming house at Jacobson Plaza. Online reservations will open later this year. Admission is $5, and youth and adult skate rentals are available for $3 each. Details on skate ribbon hours, rentals, and programming can be found at exporethefalls.org.
Parks and Recreation Winter Programming
Winter Wonderland also marks the beginning of a full season of winter programming hosted by Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. Winter is a part of South Dakota living, and the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation team works hard to create experiences that make the most of the weather and help residents embrace the colder months. For a full list of winter programming, visit recreation.siouxfalls.gov.