RAPID CITY & BLACK HILLS EVENTS
Rapid City Festival of Lights Parade 2026
November 28, 2026 · 6 p.m.
Find your spot downtown, tuck the kids into their warmest layers, and watch Rapid City light up for the holidays. The Festival of Lights Parade is a lively finish to Thanksgiving weekend, with illuminated floats and decorated vehicles moving through downtown after dark.
From Canyon Lake Resort: Approximately 4.5 driving miles · about 10–15 minutes. Get directions →
Distances start at 4510 Shore Drive. Route, traffic, weather, and event parking can change travel time.
Dates, times & location
Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026.
Start: 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Rapid City along Main Street and St. Joseph Street.
Distance reference: Main Street Square; choose your own viewing spot along the route.
Address: Main Street Square, 512 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Make the most of Festival of Lights Parade
The fun is in the variety: bright floats, decorated vehicles, and community groups putting their own spin on the season. Arrive before the start to get settled together, especially if children need a clear view from the sidewalk.
You can turn the parade into the final stop of a much fuller day. Winter Market takes place at Main Street Square earlier that afternoon, with skating, music, and the tree lighting. Choose a few activities rather than trying to do everything, and leave a comfortable gap for dinner before the floats arrive.
Tickets & admission
Use the parade website for the route map and any event updates. Spectator viewing and entering a float are different plans; groups wishing to participate need to follow the parade registration process. For a family visit, focus on a viewing location, warm clothing, and an easy place to meet afterward.
Getting here from Canyon Lake Resort
The route begins near East Boulevard, follows Main Street, turns south on 7th Street, and returns east on St. Joseph Street. Review the map before driving downtown so you can park outside the moving parade route. Plan for a slower departure once the procession ends.
Make a Black Hills getaway of it
After the lights and crowds, come back to Canyon Lake Resort for a calmer finish to the evening. A room, cabin, or lodge lets you build the parade into a weekend with family rather than making a late drive home the final part of the celebration.
Find the space that fits your trip at Canyon Lake Resort, from a room for two to a cabin or lodge for family and friends. Our Black Hills Vacation Planner has more ideas for the days around your event. Choose your lodging, leave some time to unwind, and enjoy the Black Hills at your own pace.
