Merry Moments Ce∂lebrating in SUpearfish º ª Written by Alana Snyder and Photos by John Snyder
It can’t get more South Dakota than snowy Ponderosa Pine sprinkled with holiday lights. “Spearfish feels special during the holidays with its characteristic Black Hills scenery, festive annual events, and local shopping opportunities for the perfect gift,” said director of marketing at Visit Spearfish Phoebe Caldwell . “It’s where smalltown charm meets big, seasonal offerings.” The quaint town is known for clothing boutiques, décor shops, restaurants and eateries, craft breweries, and local coffee shops and bars (including wine bars). Caldwell says it also has great options to pick out a tree for the season at Beck’s Nursery or by chopping one down in the Black Hills National Forest (permits are required and can be picked up at the Northern Hills Ranger District ). A favorite holiday event in Spearfish is the Holidazzle Light Parade happening December 5 at 6 p.m. to kickstart the festivities of the season. “Even as a kid it was a highlight for our family to attend every year, participate in the free community chili feed, and go around town to see the other holiday light displays in the residential areas,” recalled Caldwell. “It’s a great way for the community to come together. Not to mention, Santa Claus happens to stop by this event every year!” The Spearfish Rec Center’s Holiday Market takes place the same day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over 100 vendors and food trucks. Shop handmade crafts, unique gifts, holiday décor, specialty foods, and more. Other events include the Festival of Trees from November 18-21 at The Tretheway Pavilion . This year’s theme is Christmas in Emerald City . The annual Hatchery Holidays celebration takes place at the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives on December 2-5. Visitors can stop by the decorated 1905 Booth House for hot chocolate, festive treats, seasonal music, and holiday shopping. Saturday also includes s’mores and a visit from the man in red. Spearfish Parks and Recreation hosts a drive-through or stroll-through holiday event at the Spearfish City Campground dubbed the Winter Wonderland Light Display held on weekends throughout December from 5-8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring hot cocoa, warm clothes, and family and friends for the cozy drive. “None of the local events is like the other, and all have their fun spin to the holiday season,” said Caldwell.
For those into the arts, catch a holiday performance of The Nuncracker —a humorous play about a group of nuns attempting to put together a rendition of the classic ballet. Purchase tickets for showings on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center . Spearfish is known for nature and outdoor recreation, and adventure enthusiasts can experience what the area has to offer with fat-tire biking or snowshoeing, depending on the weather. Three peaks are around for hiking with Spearfish Mountain , Lookout Mountain , and Crow Peak Mountain . Visitors can stay warm in their car and simply drive around to see the frost on the trees and some wildlife in Spearfish Canyon . “There’s a little bit for everyone to get out and get in the spirit of the winter holiday,” said Caldwell. The town is also home to about 60 restaurants and eateries. “Our town is big on being ‘foodies.’” said Caldwell. “Spearfish has a lot of farm-to-fork options and a wide variety of cuisine options.” Guests have a variety of scenarios for what they’re craving, whether it’s a nice sit-down steakhouse, delicious pasta, Latin cuisine, or Americana style. Spearfish is also home to three breweries spread throughout town. Plus, there are some cocktail bars around the downtown district that create specialty drinks, including holiday specials like a classic Hot Toddy . Twelve local coffee shops boast eclectic drinks as well, along with great pastries and deli-style options. “We have a new bakery in town called Ally’s Eats , which would be a perfect way to get your sweet treat fix for the holiday season—even for those who live the gluten-free life,” said Caldwell. “On that line of sweet treats, Leones’ Creamery has a weekly rotating ice cream menu, which has many festive flavors to try out.” A few other newer shoutouts include the speakeasy, Tucked Tie , which specializes in a wide range of cocktail offerings. Aruma Tacos & Tequilas recently opened, with a patio view of Spearfish Canyon that is “second-to- none.” “Although we seem to be a smaller town, we have the culinary options of a small city,” said Caldwell. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT VISITSPEARFISH.COM+
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