Something new is coming.
We have something brand new planned for Christmas in the Dells this year. Stay tuned for the big reveal.
December 4 to 6, 2026
Christmas in the Dells.
Three days of lights, shopping and small-town Christmas in Dell Rapids. Always the first weekend in December.
See every Christmas in the Dells event, save your favorites and add them to your calendar in the free Dell Rapids Chamber app. Get the app
This year
Here is what is coming.
This yearâs theme is Silver Rails and Holiday Trails. We are still lining up the details, so check back, because this page fills in as each piece is confirmed.
Street closure
Fourth Street will be closed to traffic from Clark Avenue to Orleans Avenue starting at 4 PM on Saturday, December 5, for the tree lighting and Parade of Lights. It reopens after the parade. Please donât park on Fourth Street between Clark and Orleans that evening, and allow extra time to get around downtown. This closure is approved by the Dell Rapids City Council.
Parade of Lights
A night parade through downtown Dell Rapids at 6:30 PM, right after the tree lighting. This yearâs theme is Silver Rails and Holiday Trails, so think trains, tracks and anything that glows. Sign up your float, and we will email you line-up details four days before the parade.
Parade sponsor
Homes That Shine
Our self-guided holiday light tour and home decorating contest is back. The tour runs December 4 to December 27. Register your home now so it lands on the map.
Santa Sightings
Want Santa to stop by your business? Send a request and Santa will call you to set a time. Every stop gets posted here.
Santa at The Party Place
Santa Sightings stop: Santa is visiting The Party Place at 405 E Fourth St on parade night.
Biggest Scrooge
The Biggest Scrooge contest is on for 2026. Who is in it, and how to vote, will be announced soon.
Tree Lighting
Our Citizen of the Year lights the Christmas tree at 6:25 PM, just before the Parade of Lights.
Free Holiday Movie
A free showing of A Christmas Story at the Dells Theatre. Date and showtime coming soon.
Christmas Trains at the Museum
See a large, detailed miniature train display at the Dell Rapids Museum, 407 E 4th St. Free, with free-will donations welcome. Hosted by the Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation.
Christmas Trains Holiday Cocktail Party
A fundraiser for the Dell Rapids Museum with live music and hors d’oeuvres. Admission is $20. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine are available to purchase.
Music in the Dells
Visit the Dell Rapids Museum, 407 E 4th St, during the miniature train display and enjoy music by local Dell Rapids musicians throughout the day. Free. Hosted by the Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation.
Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Museum
Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit the Dell Rapids Museum, 407 E 4th St, during the Christmas Trains display. Hosted by the Dell Rapids Society for Historic Preservation.
More Christmas Trains Days
The museum’s train display is open again December 11-13, 18-20 and 26-27 from noon to 8 PM, December 22-23 from 4 to 8 PM, and January 1-3 from noon to 8 PM. Free, and kids can try the Christmas scavenger hunt.
Christmas services in Dell Rapids
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day service times are coming soon. Call for details: Heritage Lutheran, 605-582-7777; Dell Rapids United Methodist, 605-428-3185; River Community Church, 605-428-4111; St. Mary’s Catholic, 605-428-3990.
Staying in town for the holidays?
Family coming home for Christmas? Bilmar Inn & Suites on Highway 77 has rooms right in Dell Rapids. Call the front desk at 605-428-4288.
Holiday Photo Sessions
Holiday photo sessions are taking a break this year and will be returning in 2027. Watch for details next fall.
Christmas gift idea
Give Chamber Bucks this Christmas.
The Dell Rapids gift card, now as an eGift emailed in minutes. Spend it at Chamber member businesses all over town.
Stay in the loop
Be the first to know.
Parade entries, Homes That Shine registration and everything new get announced on Facebook and by email first.
Hosting something in Dell Rapids?
Get your event listed with the other events going on in Dell Rapids.
Tell us about it. The Chamber reviews every submission and will follow up before it goes on the calendar.