Annual Festival of Lights
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Annual Festival of Lights

Brookings, South Dakota, invites you to its Annual Festival of Lights, a cherished community celebration marking its 30th anniversary. This event transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with dazzling lights, warm hot chocolate, and cheerful holiday tunes. The highlight is the festive parade, a spectacular procession that winds through the heart of the city, bringing holiday cheer to all.

What to Expect

Annual community festival with a holiday parade and lights.

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE
  • Pets: No pets allowed

Other Christmas Events Near Brookings

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Low to medium

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High (outdoor event)

Special Events & Promotions

  • 30th anniversary celebration

Tags

holiday light displaysparadescommunity celebrationfamily friendlyholiday traditionfestive atmosphereholiday cheerseasonal activities

Location

Downtown Brookings
414 Main Ave
Brookings, SD
57006

Event Details

Duration

Evening event (parade kick-off at 7 p.m.)

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Brookings

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Downtown Brookings

Food & Drink

Hot chocolate and favorite holiday tunes mentioned, implying festive refreshments.

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the parade, especially if you have children, as pre-parade activities begin an hour before the main event.
  • Dress warmly in layers, as December evenings in South Dakota can be quite cold, and bring blankets for added comfort during the parade.
  • Check the Downtown Brookings website or Facebook page closer to the date for any updates on specific pre-parade activities or entertainment.
  • Consider walking or using public transportation if available, as parking in the downtown area can be limited during popular events like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the parade start?

The parade officially kicks off at 7 p.m., with pre-parade activities beginning around 4 or 5 p.m.

Is there a cost to attend the Festival of Lights?

Admission to the Annual Festival of Lights is free, making it an accessible event for the whole community.

What is the parade route?

The parade route begins on Main Avenue, proceeds down to 3rd Street, turns up 5th Avenue, crosses 6th Street, and returns to Main Avenue.

Is this event suitable for families?

Yes, the event is designed for all ages, featuring lights, music, and a community parade, making it a wonderful family-friendly experience.

Where can I find more information about the event?

You can find more details on the official Downtown Brookings website or their Facebook page.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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