Rapid City events
& Black Hills traditions.

Deadwood
Bring your best costume for a weekend of live music, dancing, and Halloween fun. Choose a night out at the Monster Ball or Historic Franklin, or take the kids trick-or-treating at the family celebrations.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 40–43 driving miles · about 55–65 minutes. Directions →

The Monument · Rapid City
Gather your friends for a Saturday afternoon of beer tasting, food trucks, and games at Rushmore Hall. This adults-only festival is a great reason to turn a November visit into a weekend away.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.7 driving miles · about 12–15 minutes. Directions →

Old Storybook Island · Rapid City
Start Thanksgiving with a run or walk before sitting down to the holiday meal. Join the timed 9 a.m. 5K or take a more relaxed morning outing with family and friends.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 2.2 driving miles · about 5–10 minutes. Directions →

Storybook Island · Rapid City
Bundle up for a walk through Storybook Island’s holiday lights. Make it a family evening with dinner in Rapid City and a glowing outdoor stroll to welcome the Christmas season.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 2.2 driving miles · about 5–10 minutes. Directions →

Main Street Square · Rapid City
Find a locally made gift, enjoy live music, and soak up the holiday atmosphere downtown. Pair the Winter Market with some time around the skating rink for a festive afternoon in Rapid City.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.5 driving miles · about 10–15 minutes. Directions →

Downtown Rapid City
Make downtown your destination for an evening of illuminated floats and holiday cheer. Arrive early for dinner, then find a spot along the parade route for the 6 p.m. start.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.5 driving miles · about 10–15 minutes. Directions →

The Monument · Rapid City
Make the Nutcracker part of your holiday tradition with an evening of ballet, elaborate costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s familiar music. Add dinner before the show for a special night out.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.7 driving miles · about 12–15 minutes. Directions →

Outlaw Square · Deadwood
Warm up with cocoa, enjoy a holiday treat, and gather for Deadwood’s community Christmas tree lighting. Santa’s visit adds a little extra magic for the kids.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 40–43 driving miles · about 55–65 minutes. Directions →

Performing Arts Center · Rapid City
Fill an evening with live orchestral music. Choose A Night Before Christmas on December 5 or celebrate New Year’s Eve with Disco Inferno on December 31, both at 7:30 p.m.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.6 driving miles · about 10–15 minutes. Directions →

The Monument · Rapid City
Spend an evening with Scrooge and the Christmas spirits in Dickens’ holiday classic. A Christmas Carol brings a theater outing to your December getaway—perfect to pair with dinner downtown.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.7 driving miles · about 12–15 minutes. Directions →

The Monument · Rapid City
Come for a multi-day gathering of competition and culture at the Lakota Nation Invitational. Make Rapid City your home base while you cheer on participants and take in the activities.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 4.7 driving miles · about 12–15 minutes. Directions →

Historic Deadwood
Plan a year-end getaway with an evening in Deadwood and a stay at Canyon Lake Resort. The 2026–27 celebration schedule is still to be confirmed; check back for party details as they are announced.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 40–43 driving miles · about 55–65 minutes. Directions →

Historic Deadwood
Put a winter tasting getaway on your calendar. Explore whiskey styles at participating downtown Deadwood locations, then make time for the rest of the Black Hills during your stay.

From Canyon Lake Resort: Approx. 40–43 driving miles · about 55–65 minutes. Directions →