"Christmas Time in Sturgis" is a collaborative holiday effort shared by the whole community! Businesses and public entities come together to create a Christmas village across town, featuring special holiday events, shopping, dining, giveaways, and more! The Sturgis Chamber & Visitors Bureau contributes the official Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Parade of Lights, a Christmas Market, and the annual Scrooge Night shopping extravaganza. Browse this page as we come closer to the 2026 Christmas season for updates and activities for the whole family to enjoy in Sturgis.
Sturgis Festival of Trees
Organized by: First Interstate Bank
Friday, November 20th 2026
The Festival of Trees is a local favorite holiday event organized by First Interstate Bank and held to raise money for charitable causes in the community! Businesses and individuals decorate Christmas trees in various themes and donate them to a tree auction. Attendees bring their appetites and their pocket books for a delicious spread of holiday fare and to bid on trees for the benefit of the community! $10 Admission at the door to benefit the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry. In recent years, the event has raised over $50,000 for local charities. This event usually takes place the Friday before Thanksgiving. Click below to learn more:
Small Business Saturday
Organized by: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, November 28th 2026 | All Day
Help us support the heart of our town, our amazing local businesses! Small Business Saturday is a national event with towns in all 50 states participating. It's a day to make plans to shop local and show a little hometown love. Click below to learn more about this community favorite event:
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Organized by: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, November 28th 2026 | 6PM
Join us at our community Tree Lighting Ceremony tradition on the first Thursday in December! This family event kicks off a month of festivities with well-wishes from local businesses, a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas on stage with the kids, the traditional lighting of the community Christmas tree, hot cocoa and cider stands, and more! Click below to learn about all of the heartwarming activities at this year's Tree Lighting:
Parade of Lights
Organized by: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
Friday, December 4th 2026 | 6PM
Sturgis's annual Parade of Lights is one of our most popular events of the year! The parade takes place the evening following the Tree Lighting Ceremony, and features over 50 floats from local businesses and clubs each year. Bundle up the kiddos and enjoy the sparkling display! Floats are judged in several categories for award winners, and businesses lining the parade route frequently feature specials, open houses, and other activities for attendees.
Christmas Market
Organized by: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
Friday, December 4th 2026 | 2PM - 9PM
Stop by the brand new Sturgis Christmas Market from 2PM to 9PM on Friday, December 4th before, during, and after the Sturgis Parade of Lights! The Sturgis Armory will be decked out in Christmas spirit all afternoon and evening for holiday shopping and browsing. Take a look a Christmas crafts, handmade gifts, soul-warming treats, and more!
2026 Holiday Mixer
Organized by: The Hotel Sturgis
Thursday, December 10th 2026
Join us for our Holiday Mixer at the Hotel Sturgis on Thursday, December 10th, from 5pm to 7pm! The public is invited to attend free of charge - enjoy hors d'oeuvres, festive drinks, and more!
Sturgis Holiday Shopping
At businesses across town.
Sturgis is home to a surprising variety of "ma and pop" shops with unique finds! Meander around town and find everything you need for your holiday gift-giving list. You'll find quality clothing, antiques, home decor, tools, art, and so much more. Not to mention, most of our local shops feature special deals throughout the holiday season!
Scrooge Night
Organized by: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, December 17th 2026
When the clock is ticking to finish holiday shopping, where do you go? Sturgis! Make plans to wrap up your gift list in Sturgis during Scrooge Night just a few days prior to Christmas. Local shops unveil incredible deals, and the whole town turns out to support our businesses and share the holiday spirit. Click below to learn more about this great annual shopping extravaganza:
