The Christmas countdown officially begins this Friday. If you are looking to deck the halls and embrace the holiday cheer, CHS has a lineup of festive activities across all campuses that will put you in the holly jolly spirit.

• Gift Wrap Booth: November 28–December 24
  • Bring your unwrapped gifts—purchased at the mall or elsewhere—to our booth at the Empire Mall. Our volunteer Christmas elves will wrap your gifts while you continue shopping or take a break at the food court! When you return, your gifts are wrapped and your donation helps the Shelter for Family Safety provide safe shelter and services to victims of domestic violence.
• Sioux Falls Parade of Lights: November 28
  • The 33^rd Annual Parade of Lights is coming to downtown Sioux Falls and this year CHS will be represented in the parade! The parade starts at 7:30 p.m. CT and runs down Phillips Ave. Grab your winter jackets and come enjoy festive floats, twinkle lights and holiday fun!
• Rapid City Festival of Lights: November 29
  • Don’t miss Rapid City’s Main Street Square come to life with holiday magic at the annual Winter Market! Stick around for the Festival of Lights parade at 6 p.m. MT for a chance to see our CHS Float. Twinkling floats will illuminate Main Street and St. Joseph Street.
• Rapid City Parade of Trees: December 2–28
  • CHS is entering the Parade of Trees competition at The Box! Community members can vote in person or online for their favorite tree. The sponsor of the tree that has the most votes will receive a $1,000 donation to the non-profit of their choice.
• Sioux Falls Bright Start Christmas Party: December 2
  • The 16^th Annual Bright Start Christmas party will take place at First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls on December 2, from 5–7 p.m. CT. This Christmas party honors the clients and families we serve through our Bright Start Program. Families are provided a delicious meal and treats, can take photos with Santa and participate in a few Christmas crafts.
• Loving School Annual Christmas Program: December 3
  • The Loving School children have been practicing their Christmas carols and invite you to join them at their Annual Christmas program. The show starts at 9:30 a.m. CT in the Loving School Gym and will be followed by a surprise visit from Santa.
• SFCH Georgetown Mall: December 5
  • The holiday season is about giving, and the Georgetown Mall is a chance for our SFCH children to find something meaningful to give to their loved ones. Come to the Admin building and help them pick out gifts, write name tags and wrap their presents. Shifts are from 12:45–3 p.m. CT and 2:45–5 p.m. CT. Please contact Faron Lais if you wish to volunteer.
• Premier Bank Decorates Shelter: December 12
  • Employees from Premier Bank will stop by to transform the Shelter into a Christmas wonderland. After setting up the trees, they will decorate stockings with clients and serve lunch.
• Holiday Dress-up Week at Shelter: December 15–19
  • Shelter staff are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit by participating in a week of Christmas fun. Dress-up days include:
    • Monday: Wear your favorite Christmas socks
    • Tuesday: Don your best Christmas headgear
    • Wednesday: Grinch versus Santa—you decide
    • Thursday: Show off your best ugly sweater
    • Friday: Stay cozy in your festive loungewear
• BHCH Gingerbread House Making: December 16
  • You can’t have Christmas without cookie baking! This time, the cookies are made, but the kiddos at Rockerville need your help making gingerbread houses. Help them assemble and decorate their creations in the Owen School Art Room. Shifts are from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. MT and 12–3:30 p.m. MT.
• BHCH Christmas Giving Store: December 16
  • Help our BHCH children find the perfect gift for their loved ones at the Christmas Giving Store! Go “shopping” with the kiddos, help them write a name tag and wrap their gifts all in the comfort of the Owen School Gym.
• Owen School Annual Christmas Program: December 17
  • Owen School and Lincoln School students have been practicing some festive tunes in music class. Join us in the Owen School gym at 10 a.m. MT for their Annual Christmas Program. Santa will make a surprise visit for the kiddos following the show!
• SFCH North Pole Gift Wrapping: December 17
  • Calling all Christmas elves! Help us wrap the children’s Christmas Eve and Christmas morning presents. The North Pole will be located in the Admin Building. Wrapping shifts are from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. CT and 12:30–3 p.m. CT.
• Santa’s Workshop at Shelter: December 22–23
  • Santa’s workshop is moving from the North Pole to the Shelter! Christmas elves and staff will wrap gifts for clients who will be staying for the holiday.