Kick Off Winter Wonderland With These 5 Experiences At The Steel District

Falls Park will light up for the holiday season starting this Friday – and if you’re headed downtown for Winter Wonderland, you’ll definitely want to stop by The Steel District.

The lights will be illuminated at 5 pm. on Nov. 21 with fireworks following at 6 p.m.

Winter Wonderland has become a beloved community tradition for 21 years, starting with a few strands of lights and a lighted reindeer at Falls Park.

It’s grown to more than 29 miles of lights and holiday décor – including 260 decorated trees, 215 beautifully adorned light poles and more than one mile of garland.

But this is the first year the full Steel District experience is open along with Winter Wonderland’s kickoff, and we’ve got your guide to the festive fun. Here’s what you’ll want to check out:

Parking & Directions

Parking is free in the Steel District public parking ramp after 5:00 PM.

Enter the public ramp from the west entering the Steel District from either W. 6^th Street or W. 4^th Street, then turn on N. Metli Pl.

Exit the parking ramp through the second-floor skywalk and follow the signs to level one which will bring you right into the heart of the Steel District and your front row view of Winter Wonderland.

 Exceptional views

There’s no hotel in Sioux Falls with a setting like the Canopy by Hilton – and it’s on full display with Winter Wonderland.

Experience the full effect of the lighting with a special event on the hotel’s second-floor terrace. This premium ticketed event includes:

• Cozy firepits to keep you warm

• Signature warm cocktails and hot drinks

• The best seat in the city for the fireworks finale

• Full bar menu and festive snacks available for purchase

Tickets are limited, so reserve yours here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonderland-fireworks-tickets-1925940924149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Savor a warm beverage

Cold-weather beverage season arrives with Winter Wonderland, and you’ll find delicious options throughout The Steel District.

During the Friday kickoff, Brioux Falls will be offering special pricing on hot chocolate and hot apple cider. From the parking ramp you’ll find it just off the second-floor skywalk.

Inside the Canopy lobby on level one, Torrent Coffee Bar also will be ready with a variety of hot beverages.

 Dining destinations

No matter what your favorite cuisine, it will be waiting as you visit Winter Wonderland.

Bring the family for smashburgers at Big Sioux Burger, toast to the season at Jack Rose Social Club, add a little festive flair with a trip to Dahlia or savor some of the best views of Falls Park while indulging at Ironwood.

Heading to watch from the Canopy? Enjoy dinner without leaving the hotel with an Italian-inspired menu at Cascata and views right out to the Falls.

Reservations are suggested but not required.

Evening shopping

Take care of some holiday shopping or treat yourself by stopping by Steel District retailers Alcove and Pasque Boutique, which both will be open until at least 7 p.m.

Alcove will offer a special gift with all purchases over $100 as well as a drawing for a gift basket.

Find them in the building that includes the Steel District’s parking ramp and Jack Rose Social Club.

Head outdoors

While the views from inside are cozy, get up close with the lights by venturing outside.

 Propane heaters will be set up in the alley at The Steel District and along the riverfront patio, so you can enjoy just enough chill in the air while appreciating the lights around you.

The first 150 guests at The Steel District will receive a blanket to add some comfort to the night. One blanket per family.

Entertainment

Live holiday music will fill the Steel District with Alexis McGee playing from 4:30 to 7:00 PM.

Return and enjoy

If you can’t make it Friday, you still can enjoy Winter Wonderland at Falls Park until Jan. 5.

Keep watching for more holiday experiences waiting at The Steel District this holiday season!