One of the biggest holiday traditions in Sioux Falls took place last Friday evening. Thousands of lights lit up downtown for the 30th Annual Parade of Lights. The evening was nothing but merry and bright!

Taking place the day after Thanksgiving, the 30th Annual Parade of Lights sets the tone for the holiday season in the Sioux Empire. We all get excited about Christmas and Santa Claus. However, Sioux Falls gets especially jazzed about the Annual Parade of Lights. This year's crowd is proof!

KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls logo
Get our free mobile app

Based on multiple social media posts, the amount of people that watched the 30th Annual Parade of Lights is astonishing. Over 54,000 people lined the Downtown Sioux Falls streets to catch a glimpse at this year's lights.

Historically, the Annual Parade of Lights has been pretty chilly. Luckily, the weather was just perfect in the downtown area to watch the parade!

So how do we know that over 50,000 attended the 30th Annual Parade of Lights? Our very own Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken confirmed this thrilling news. He expresses his apologies to anyone who did not receive a candy cane. They simply ran out!  He even included some great pictures of the festive evening!

This Sioux Falls holiday tradition is one of many ways to welcome the Christmas season. Our friends at Pigeon605 have an entire list of ways to get into the holiday spirit. This includes visiting the 605 Made Holiday Market or even taking the time to volunteer at local charities or organizations this holiday.  Personally, I love to drive through the different neighborhoods to see everyone's festive light displays. I also enjoy volunteering throughout the Sioux Empire.

Amazing job showing up to the 30th Annual Parade of Lights, Sioux Falls!

The Coldest Temperatures in Sioux Falls History

When a polar vortex rolls through Sioux Falls, it can get even the heartiest dreaming of indoor fires, baking, and hot chocolate.

Mr. Bendo is tough enough but for the love of Pete, someone put a scarf on the Statue of David!

All this icy chatter had us wondering about the coldest days ever recorded in Sioux Falls. Here is the historical data from the National Weather Service with the coldest temps ever recorded in Sioux Falls since record-keeping began in 1893.

Four Places to get a Fresh-Cut Christmas Tree Around Sioux Falls

When the decorations come out for the holidays are you faced with the task of hunting for that perfect fresh Christmas tree? Shouldn't be that difficult. There are plenty of tree farms in the area. But are there?

If you won't be the family to pull out the Christmas tree from a box, then let's go hunting for one. I've got just the place for you. Actually, four locations in the Sioux Falls area.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls