Insider's Guide
Apply here to be a holiday vendor at the Downtown Christmas Market on December 5th!
European-style Christmas Market coming to downtown Sioux Falls on Dec. 5
The Christmas season will get a little merrier in Sioux Falls thanks to a $15,000 AARP Livable Communities Grant awarded to Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. for its inaugural Downtown Christmas Market.
The organization announced Thursday, Oct. 8, that it received the grant for the outdoor event, scheduled for 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Cherapa Place Plaza.
“To receive this grant is very humbling,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. “It’s a lot of money, and it’s amazing to know that Downtown Sioux Falls is a trusted resource and partner in matching up our mission with that of AARP.”
The event aims to bring the charm and tradition of classic European Christmas markets to downtown Sioux Falls, creating a festive gathering place for the community.
Hanson said people have talked for more than a decade about bringing a European-style Christmas market to Sioux Falls.
“This is exactly what our organization is built to do — bring the community together within our downtown district, and this grant allows us to try something new while encouraging people to come downtown when it’s colder.”
The market will feature vendors, holiday activities and live entertainment. Participating businesses and attractions include The Spice & Tea Exchange, offering winter teas and seasonal favorites; Terra Shepherd Boutique, featuring eco-friendly holiday clothing and decorations; Plum’s Cooking Company, with holiday treats; and Landscape Garden Centers, which will offer a custom greenery workshop.
The Whittier Carolers will provide live holiday music, and visitors can take photos with Santa Claus and write letters to him.
Hanson said he has visited Christmas markets in Italy and seen firsthand the atmosphere they create.
“I’ve had the opportunity to go over to Italy and personally see these Christmas markets in action and they are quite amazing and magical, so it’s hard to not want to bring it to your community,” he said.
Jonah Snyder, president of Pomegranate Market and a sponsor of the inaugural event, said he is excited to help bring the concept to Sioux Falls after visiting Christmas markets in other parts of the world.
“Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of visiting several Christmas markets in different parts of the world and think they’re nothing short of magical,” Snyder said. “We couldn’t be more excited to support bringing the concept to downtown Sioux Falls. It’s events like these that bring a community to life.”
The Downtown Christmas Market will follow another holiday tradition: the 34th annual First Bank & Trust Parade of Lights, scheduled for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
The parade features illuminated floats, holiday music and seasonal festivities. Hanson said the market offers another opportunity to draw people downtown during the holiday season.
“The Parade of Lights is Downtown Sioux Falls’ first event and longest event, and the community absolutely loves it,” he said. “This will give us a chance to capitalize on it and hopefully encourage the 15,000 to 20,000 parade attendees to come back downtown the following weekend and do more Christmas with us.”
Snyder said organizers hope the market will appeal to people looking for gifts, a winter date night or holiday treats.
“Whether you’re looking for Christmas gifts, a wintery date night, or just some tasty holiday-themed treats, we hope the Downtown Sioux Falls Christmas Market will become a wonderful community tradition for many years to come,” he said.
Businesses interested in becoming vendors can apply through the Downtown Sioux Falls website at dtsf.com .
Hanson said the grant will help the organization test the European-style market concept while creating another reason for residents to visit downtown during the winter.
“We are incredibly grateful to AARP and the Livable Communities Grant program for helping make this event possible,” he said. “This grant allows us to pilot a European-style Christmas Market right here in downtown Sioux Falls, creating a unique holiday experience that encourages people to get outside, gather together, and enjoy our beautiful, walkable downtown during the winter season. We look forward to building a new holiday tradition that brings energy, warmth, and community to downtown.”
