RAPID CITY & BLACK HILLS EVENTS
Rapid City Winter Market & Ice Skating 2026
November 28, 2026
Make downtown Rapid City your destination for a full afternoon of holiday shopping, music, skating, and Christmas cheer. Winter Market brings local vendors to Main Street Square on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, with the tree lighting and Festival of Lights Parade giving you reasons to stay into the evening.
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.
Market: 1–5 p.m.
Skating: Noon–8 p.m.
Tree celebration: Begins at 4:50 p.m., with the countdown at 4:57 p.m.
Festival of Lights Parade: 6 p.m.
Address: Main Street Square, 512 Main Street, Rapid City, SD 57701
Make the most of Winter Market & Ice Skating
Browse locally made gifts, stop for live music by Tanner Johns, and watch Black Hills Figure Skating performances at 2 and 4 p.m. Santa visits the Christmas tree from 1–5 p.m., giving families a chance to work a photo stop into the afternoon.
The warm-up station makes a useful pause between shopping and outdoor activities. Rather than rushing from booth to booth, choose a few gifts, enjoy the performances, and leave time for a meal before the parade. This is one of the easiest days to combine several Rapid City holiday traditions in one downtown visit.
Tickets & admission
Plan shopping and skating as separate parts of the day. Check current skate admission, rentals, and session details before taking everyone to the rink. Bring a little flexibility for busy periods; watching a performance can be just as enjoyable while you wait for your turn on the ice.
Getting here from Canyon Lake Resort
Allow extra time for downtown parking and the evening parade traffic. Choose a parking spot that works for the whole outing, carry warm gloves, and wear shoes that are comfortable for walking between the Square, shops, and a parade viewing spot. Keep purchases manageable if you plan to stay out all afternoon.
Make a Black Hills getaway of it
A stay at Canyon Lake Resort gives you somewhere quiet to recharge after a busy downtown day. Make Thanksgiving weekend a longer getaway, with the market on Saturday and time for a slower Sunday before heading home.
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.
