2026 Holiday Guide
Looking for a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit? The Sioux Falls area has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season through live music, Christmas plays, ballet, theatrical performances, and holiday concerts. Whether you’re looking for a special family outing, a night out with friends, or a meaningful Christmas performance, there’s something for everyone!
We’ve rounded up Christmas programs, concerts, plays and other holiday performances in Sioux Falls, Brookings and Sioux City. Check out the options below and plan a little holiday entertainment!
Ticket prices are listed as available and may change. Additional fees may apply. Check each event’s website for current availability, seating, and ticket information.
Sioux Falls Area
November
Sioux Empire Brass: A Journey of Thanksgiving Holiday Concert
November 22 | 3 p.m. | Westminster Presbyterian Church
Enjoy an afternoon of holiday music with the Sioux Empire Brass, a 35-piece brass choir featuring musicians from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. Directed by Rolf Olson, this concert is a festive way to kick off the holiday season.
Steve Payne and Friends: Home for the Holidays
November 28 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Belbas Theater
Enjoy an evening of classic hits, contemporary favorites and timeless holiday tunes with local guitarist Steve Payne and a talented group of Sioux Falls musicians.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by seating.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
Christmas with Lorie Line
November 29 | 3 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Belbas Theater
Enjoy favorite Christmas songs, beautiful arrangements, sentimental stories and audience song requests during this solo piano performance.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and older. Infants and toddlers are not permitted.
December
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
December 2 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
Experience the classic Christmas ballet with world-class international dancers, beautiful costumes, acrobatics and towering puppets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this production brings the familiar holiday story to life.
Cost: Tickets vary by seating.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
Holiday for Fiddlers
December 3 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
Enjoy an evening of holiday music featuring fiddlers Tom Schaefer and Owen DeJong, along with Dr. C.J. Kocher and other familiar local musicians.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR.
December 3-6 | Orpheum Theater Center
Enjoy a show while supporting area youth! Rudolph, Santa and all your favorite characters from the beloved Christmas television special take the stage in this heartwarming musical presented by Spotlight Theatre Company. Follow Rudolph as he discovers that the very thing that makes him different may be exactly what saves Christmas!
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Family-friendly
Blue Violin’s Retro Rock & Roll Christmas
December 4 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Belbas Theater
Get ready for a different kind of Christmas concert! Internationally touring violinist Blue Violin combines the energy of an ’80s rock concert with familiar Christmas music for a high-energy holiday performance.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
An Irish Christmas with Rend Collective
December 4 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
Rend Collective brings an evening of Irish Christmas celebration to Sioux Falls. Enjoy timeless songs of the season, beloved anthems and the joy and warmth this band is known for.
Cost: Sold out at the time of publication. The Washington Pavilion is offering notifications if additional tickets become available.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
A Prairie Christmas Under the Stars
December 6 and 13 | 2 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Sweetman Planetarium
Explore the story of Jesus’ birth through the night sky! Jeff Gould takes audiences on a live journey through the historical heavenly events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The presentation also features live music from pianist Libby Gould and cellist Carolina Rodriguez de Armas.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
Handel’s Messiah
December 4-5 | 7 p.m. | First Lutheran Church
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present Handel’s beloved Messiah, featuring the powerful Hallelujah Chorus. Experience this Christmas-season musical tradition in the beautiful setting of First Lutheran Church.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and older; parental discretion.
Lindsey Stirling: The Snow Waltz Tour
December 8 | 7 p.m. | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Violinist Lindsey Stirling brings her unique combination of music, dance, aerial acrobatics and theatrical performances to Sioux Falls. Her Snow Waltz Tour features holiday music and high-energy performances that put a creative spin on Christmas favorites.
Cost: Check the venue’s ticket page for current pricing.
Ages: Family Friendly, Parental discretion
Elf: The Musical
December 10-13 | Washington Pavilion, Belbas Theater
Buddy the Elf takes the stage in this Broadway musical adaptation of the popular Christmas movie, present by The Goodnight Theater Collective. Follow Buddy as he travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his real family, spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Family-Friendly. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
Christmas at the Cathedral
December 10-13 | Cathedral of St. Joseph
Celebrate the Christmas story through beautiful music, storytelling, an incredible choir and orchestra inside the historic Cathedral of St. Joseph. This annual tradition benefits the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and the ongoing care of the Cathedral.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by seating.
Ages: Family-Friendly; parental discretion.
Holiday Jam with the Hegg Brothers
December 11 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
The Hegg Brothers return for their 18th annual Holiday Jam! This year’s concert features guest vocalists Andrea Ross and Allison Nash, along with the familiar rhythm and horn sections. Enjoy a lively evening of holiday music and creative arrangements.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Family-Friendly, parental discretion.
Prince of Peace: The Christmas Story
December 12-20 | Orpheum Theater Center
Travel back to the first century for this musical retelling of the Christmas story. Favorite Christmas songs are woven together with original music and storytelling to share the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Produced by Lights Up Productions, this local production has become an annual holiday tradition.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Family-Friendly
Christmas with the Symphony: ‘Tis the Season!
December 12-13 | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus bring Christmas favorites to the stage in this holiday tradition. Featuring soprano Meredith Lustig, beautiful orchestral arrangements, and a Christmas sing-along, it’s a festive performance for the whole family.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: Children are welcome; recommended for ages 5 and older.
A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL
December 18-20 | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
Based on the beloved holiday movie, this Broadway musical follows young Ralphie Parker as he dreams of finding a Red Ryder BB gun under the Christmas tree. With the infamous leg lamp, pink bunny pajamas and plenty of holiday humor, this production brings the classic movie to the stage.
Cost: Tickets vary by seating.
Ages: Recommended for ages 5 and older.
Matthew Mayer: A Christmas Piano Miracle – Live in Concert!
December 22 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
South Dakota-born pianist Matthew Mayer returns home for a special Christmas concert featuring original piano compositions, holiday favorites and personal stories.
Cost: See ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: All ages
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration LIVE!
December 26 | 7 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
Keep the holiday spirit going with pianist Jim Brickman! His Christmas concert combines traditional holiday favorites, original music and heartfelt stories in an evening of beautiful piano music.
Cost: Tickets vary by seating.
Ages: All ages
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
December 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Mary W. Sommervold Hall
A Christmas tradition for more than 40 years, Mannheim Steamroller brings its signature sound to the stage with 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments. Enjoy familiar Mannheim Christmas classics accompanied by dazzling multimedia effects.
Cost: Tickets vary by seating.
Ages: All ages; parental discretion.
Brookings Area
Riders In The Sky: Christmas the Cowboy Way
December 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Get ready for a little Western holiday fun! Riders In The Sky combine cowboy music, comedy, award-winning harmonies and Christmas favorites in this festive performance.
Cost: Tickets Vary by Seating
Ages: All ages
A Christmas Celebration Dance Concert
December 4-6 | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
SDSU dancers, alumni and community performers come together to share the Christmas story through dance. This special performance celebrates the birth of Jesus and offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of the season.
Cost: See SDSU’s event page for current ticket information.
Ages: All Ages
SDSU Choral Yuletide Concert
December 6 | 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center
Enjoy a festive holiday concert featuring more than 250 SDSU student musicians. The SDSU Concert Choir, Choralia and Statesmen will perform individually and together, with additional faculty and community instrumentalists.
Cost: Adults: $10, K-12 students: $5, Children 5 and younger: Free, but a ticket is still required, SDSU students: Free with a ticket
Ages: All ages.
Sioux City Area
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
November 25 | 7 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Enjoy a holiday performance that combines the excitement of circus arts with live orchestral music. Cirque Musica features incredible acrobatics, aerial performances and holiday favorites for an entertaining seasonal show.
Cost: Check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Ages: Family-friendly
Handel’s Messiah – Sioux City Symphony
December 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Cathedral of the Epiphany
The Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Missouri River Choral Society, and guest soloists present Handel’s Messiah in the beautiful setting of the Cathedral of the Epiphany. Enjoy the timeless music and powerful Hallelujah Chorus during this Christmas-season performance.
Cost: Check the official symphony ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: All ages
Youth Symphony Winter Concert
December 6 | 3 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Enjoy a holiday concert featuring the Sioux City Youth Symphony’s Prelude, Sinfonia and Philharmonic groups. The program includes works by Verdi and Brahms alongside Christmas carols, a sleigh ride and a Christmas jig.
Cost: Contact the symphony for ticket information.
Ages: Family-friendly.
World Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker with a Live Orchestra
December 8 | 7 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Enjoy the classic Christmas ballet with the added experience of a live orchestra. Follow Clara and her Nutcracker Prince through the magical world of the Sugar Plum Fairy, dancing snowflakes and other beloved characters.
Cost: Check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Ages: Family-friendly; no specific age restriction published.
Home Alone in Concert
December 13 | 3 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Watch the holiday favorite Home Alone on the big screen while the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and chorus perform John Williams’ memorable score live. Enjoy the familiar story of Kevin McCallister with a unique musical experience.
Cost: See official symphony ticket link for current pricing.
Ages: The movie is rated PG. Parents should consider whether it is appropriate for their children.
A Christmas Story, The Musical
December 17 | Orpheum Theatre
The beloved Christmas movie comes to life on stage in this musical production. Follow Ralphie Parker as he dreams of receiving the ultimate Christmas gift, with plenty of familiar characters, laughs and holiday nostalgia along the way.
Cost: Check the official ticket page for current pricing.
Ages: Family-friendly; parental discretion.
Event dates, prices and availability are subject to change. Check each event’s website before making plans.
