Insider's Guide
An outdoor European-style holiday market will be offered in downtown Sioux Falls this December as Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. was awarded a national grant from AARP to launch the effort.
It’s one of nine 2026 Community Challenge grants awarded in South Dakota by AARP, totaling $125,800 to support local projects.
The goal is “to use public infrastructure that created a divide between humans to get people face-to-face and to produce community,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
The winter market will run for one weekend in December at a location to be determined, adjacent to the MarketBeat Holiday Plaza.
“We’ll pick a public space to rent tents and buy heaters and invite vendors out,” Hanson said. “The inspiration are the European Christmas markets. A lot of people have wanted to see our own Christmas market take place. My mind goes to hot pretzels and mulled wine and string lights and heaters to finally embrace winter.”
The $15,000 AARP grant is “100 percent funding it,” he added. “We wouldn’t be doing it otherwise.”
Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. has a history of funding from AARP in recent years. The AARP South Dakota office sponsored the first Open Streets event in the fall of 2024, while the national AARP organization awarded a Community Challenge grant last year to go from one small pilot to a full summer of events.
AARP South Dakota sponsored one of this year’s Open Streets events, and other organizations sponsored additional dates, which is the goal of the Community Challenge grants, Hanson said.
“They’re hoping these turn into something permanent without them,” he said.
Sioux Area Metro in Sioux Falls also received a grant to upgrade a frequently used city bus with digital route displays, improved lighting and more comfortable seating to make public transit easier and safer, especially for older adults.
“America is aging, and most older adults want to stay in the communities they know and love. There are a lot of things that localities can do to support residents of all ages,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer.
“AARP Community Challenge grants help transform local ideas into real improvements — from safer sidewalks and improved transportation options to public spaces that bring neighbors together and enhance community connections. As we celebrate the program’s 10th year, we’re proud to double our investment so even more communities can become great places to live for people at all stages of life.”
