Enjoy a glimpse at the decorated South Dakota State Capitol for this holiday season. Pictures and video don’t do it justice. Go ahead. Drive to Pierre, immerse yourself in this beauty! ‘Tis the season!

The Governor’s Mansion in Pierre South Dakota sitting near the Capitol and Capitol Lake were open for tours during the summer months. Now, First Lady Linda Daugaard has announced that mansion will also be open for Christmas Tours. While you’re in the area, don’t miss a tour of the the Christmas at the Capitol where dozens of trees are adnorned in sparkling lights.

First Lady Linda Daugaard announced that public tours to view Christmas finery at the Governor’s Mansion will be offered on two Mondays in December. 

“The Governor’s Mansion is beautiful during the holiday season, and Dennis and I would like to share that with all South Dakotans,” the First Lady said.  “We are so very fortunate to live in this home, but it really belongs to all of us.” 

The holiday tours are scheduled for Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.  Six tours will be conducted each day (9 a.m.; 10 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.; 3 p.m.). 

Those wishing to take the Governor’s Mansion tours must obtain tickets (free) in advance from the Pierre Chamber of Commerce.  There is a limit of 40 people per tour. 

The Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 605-224-7361.

It’s cold and chilly outside, but inside South Dakota’s State Capitol it’s another story. Twinkles of red, yellow, green, purple and blue warm up the Capitol Rotunda at the Christmas at the Capitol in Pierre. This year’s theme is “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.”
 

Walking into the rotunda you are immediately greeted with the fresh scent of pine, light holiday music and hundreds of trees sponsored by South Dakota businesses, organizations, and communities.

The ornaments that adorn the trees are unique in their own way. Sparkling glass ornaments, handmade ornaments, vintage Santas and the faces of South Dakotans all give the perfect finishing touches to the magnificent trees. No matter the size of the tree, amount of decorations or lights, it’s obvious that the people that make up South Dakota are proud of their state, children, businesses and organizations and have memories and moments to share with visitors from across the region.

On the ground floor is a space dedicated to sharing the holiday spirit with children. Kids can sit and color ornaments, and read a story with Santa on special dates. Parents, grandparents and children of all ages can enjoy all the stories of Christmas during these come-and-go story time sessions. On the second floor is where visitors will see dozens and dozens of trees line the hallways. Upstairs on the third floor, take advantage of the awesome views up to the dome and down to the main floor gazing upon the beautiful branches.

The South Dakota Tree is a 40 foot tall Blue Spruce from the South Dakota State University Innovation Campus. Sitting amongst this tree honoring the 100^th Anniversary of the Capitol are 11 corporate trees, 67 community/state agency trees, one tree in the Governor’s Reception Room, and several childrens and specialty trees.

Just for fun, below is a picture of the 40 foot tree being PULLED into the Capitol! It’s hard work to be beautiful!

40 foot tree being pulled inside

Christmas at the Capitol is open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. until December 26. Take this opportunity to not only make a trip to the Capitol of South Dakota, but to see the Christmas Trees beautifully adorned by proud South Dakotans.

Where: South Dakota’s State Capitol
When: Christmas at the Capitol:
            Open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. through December 26
            Story time at the Capitol:
            Monday, December 6 through Saturday, December 11
            Monday, December 13 through Saturday, December 18           �
           Weekdays 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ~ Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Festive lights are beginning to sparkle across South Dakota. The snowy white grounds have us excited and ready to talk about what to do in South Dakota this holiday season.

Here is just a glimpse at a few events that will bring holiday cheer to your family this year. Several communities celebrate the holidays with a parade of lights. Come see all the lighted floats in communities across South Dakota on the following dates; check local listings for more information.

Friday, November 26, 2010
Pierre Parade of Lights
Mobridge Parade of Lights
Sioux Falls Parade of Lights
Watertown Lighted Parade
Huron Parade of Lights
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Festival of Lights Parade – Rapid City
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sturgis Parade of Lights
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Custer Christmas Parade – Lighted evening parade

Christmas at the Capitol in Pierre, SD, is celebrating the 30^th Anniversary this year. Come see more than 100 trees that have been decorated throughout the capitol building and on the grounds for the holiday season. Trees have been decorated by organizations, schools and other groups from across South Dakota. The trees are on display at the capitol building until December 26. The lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday on Tuesday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m.

The 1880 Train Holiday Express takes travelers on a journey to the “North Pole” where Santa waits to board the train. Each child has an opportunity to meet Santa and receive a small gift. This holiday ride is one that the whole family will enjoy! Space is limited at this event, and purchasing tickets before the ride is highly recommended.
Event dates:
Nov 26, 2010
Nov 27, 2010
Dec 11, 2010
Dec 18, 2010
Dec 22, 2010
Dec 23, 2010

Another fun event taking place is Breakfast with Santa at the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History on December 4. Families can visit Santa, his Zoo volunteers, and the animals for breakfast! Enjoy good food, a puppet show, crafts and other fun activities at the Zoo! Keep in mind tickets must be purchased in advance, call the zoo for more info.