South Dakota’s Christmas at the Capitol display opens today; Last day to view is Dec. 26

NOVEMBER 22, 2023:

And with that, the Harris family from Winner turned on South Dakota’s Christmas at the Capitol display for the 2023 holiday season.

The tree was donated by the Isaac LaLonde family of Onida. The 40 foot Black Hills Spruce now stands at 27 feet high inside the Capitol Rotunda.

Governor Kristi Noem says there’s a special story behind this particular tree.

Decorations on this year’s featured tree are a salute to the 60th anniversary of the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House in Sioux Falls.

Beginning today (Nov. 22), the Christmas at the Capitol display is open from 8am-10pm daily, including holidays and weekends. The last day to view the display is Dec. 26. The display includes approximately 90 trees decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and state government offices. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.”

Additionally, Santa has set out his North Pole Mailbox for the year. Children can write letters to Santa at home, bring them to the Capitol and drop them into the mailbox. It’s located on first floor by the South Dakota First Ladies and First Gentlemen Exhibit.

You can follow the Christmas at the Capitol events on Facebook and Instagram.

NOVEMBER 21, 2023, UPDATE:

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.

Harris family from Winner, SD.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, First Gentleman Bryon Noem, Pierre Mayor Steve Harding and Santa Claus.
Nov. 21, 2023.

NOVEMBER 21, 2023:

South Dakota’s Christmas at the Capitol Grand Tree Lighting Ceremony is tonight (Nov. 21, 2023) at 7pm CT in the Capitol Rotunda in Pierre. It’ll be hosted by Governor Kristi Noem, First Gentleman Bryon Noem and Pierre Mayor Steve Harding.

Decorations on this year’s featured tree are a salute to the 60th anniversary of the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House in Sioux Falls. The tree was donated by Isaac Lalonde of Onida. The 40 foot Black Hills Spruce now stands at 27 feet high inside the Capitol Rotunda.

The Christmas tree display will be lit by the Harris family from Winner. Governor Noem says the Harris family felt the call to foster and have since been called to adopt as well. She says they are an “incredible success story of foster and adoption, and they represent the great work our Department of Social Services is doing to build stronger families. They embody the spirit of the holidays, and we are excited to welcome them to light our very special Christmas trees.”

Santa will be here to say hello to the kids and set out his North Pole Mailbox for the year. Children can write letters to Santa at home and bring them along to the Capitol and drop them into the mailbox, which will be located on first floor by the South Dakota First Ladies and First Gentlemen Exhibit.

Music during the lighting ceremony will be provided by Surprise Package from the Pierre-Fort Pierre area.

Beginning tomorrow (Nov. 22), the Christmas at the Capitol display will be open from 8am-10pm daily, including holidays and weekends. The last day to view the display is Dec. 26.

The Capitol Christmas display includes 90 trees decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and state government offices. This year’s theme is “Winter Wonderland.”

You can follow the Christmas at the Capitol events on Facebook and Instagram.