Rapid City has a jewel that most locals know about — just check out the reviews — most of them are 4 star or higher. While a fun summer attraction to take the little ones to, it is right after Thanksgiving when Storybook Island transforms into a winter wonderland.

The 15th annual Storybook Christmas is in full swing at Storybook Island. The exhibits are decorated with thousands of lights– it almost becomes another attraction entirely. The best part is watching all the little kids zip in and out among the characters, excited that their favorite summer destination now sparkles and shines.

The train still runs as the “Christmas Express” and rides are only $1.  Hot Cider and Cocoa are available as well as cookies, and the Jolly Elf himself will be there!

Days left to view lights until Christmas….

Days open and Hours:

Dec.. 4-6, 11-13, 18-31, Jan. 1-2

5:30-8:30 pm

ADMISSION: $2.00 per person

Photography of Storybook Island as Storybook Christmas by Johnny Sundby

– visit and view his work at www.johnnysundby.com

I have twin daughters. When they were little we would visit the ultimate Santa at the Rushmore Mall. Did you ever see this Santa? He didn’t wear the traditional red suit, instead he wore pine green pants with suspenders and a holiday shirt. He had a real beard and was a short, round little guy. He seemed more like one of the elves than Santa himself. You could tell he took his job seriously. Even though the twins were infants, he took both of them at once and held them  in the crook of each arm as they snoozed. We have a great picture of this Santa, holding both of the twins pretending to have fallen asleep himself while reading The Night Before Christmas.

We went back every year while my kids were little and had a picture taken with this Santa.

I would love to hear some of your Santa  memories — did your kids scream and cry? Or were they happy to sit by the jolly guy and tell their fondest Christmas wish?

From us here at BlackHillsFun.com to you, we bring you this “Santa Map” with an outline of where you can find Santa in the Black Hills this holiday season. If you know of any place Santa is going to be that we have missed, please leave us a comment and we’ll add it to the map.

Enjoy!

View Black Hills Fun Finds Santa! in a larger map