Craving a festive feast without the stress of cooking or cleanup?
South Dakota’s holiday buffets deliver heaping plates of tradition, generous flavors, and plenty of cheer all December long.
From historic Deadwood spreads to steaming hot pot in Sioux Falls, there is a table for every appetite and family tradition.
Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe start a new holiday ritual along the way.
Silverado Grand Buffet – Deadwood
Walk into the Silverado Grand Buffet and you instantly feel like you have stepped into a classic holiday postcard. The historic charm of the Silverado Franklin Hotel wraps around you, from twinkling garlands to the soft hum of conversation and clinking plates.
Carving stations glow under warm lights, sending out the aroma of prime rib, roasted turkey, and ham that brings you right back to family gatherings.
You will find the sides just as comforting, and there is no skimping on portions. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttered corn, sage stuffing, and green bean casserole are lined up beside brown gravy and cranberry sauce. If you are bringing a crew, the flow is easy, the lines move well, and refills come fast, so you can settle in and graze at your own pace.
There is always a festive surprise or two during December. One night it might be candied yams and another night a mac and cheese bar with crunchy toppers.
Save room for dessert because the pastry case shines with pies, cheesecakes, bread pudding, and soft serve ready for sprinkles and peppermint bits, perfect for kids and the kid at heart.
Service here feels genuinely neighborly, which fits Deadwood’s welcoming vibe. You can warm up after strolling the historic Main Street or a day of winter sightseeing, and still feel relaxed in casual clothes.
Prices are fair for the spread, and you will leave with that satisfied, holiday-full feeling that lasts all the way to the casino floor or back to your room. Come early on peak weekends, and you will see why locals return every December.
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Sioux Falls
If your group cannot agree on one cuisine, Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet saves the day during the holidays. You can build a plate that swings from sushi and lo mein to fried chicken and pot roast without judgment. The hibachi station draws a steady line, and it is fun to watch your custom mix get seared hot and fast while the room hums with seasonal music.
Seafood lovers can dig into peel and eat shrimp, baked fish, and occasional crab offerings, depending on the night. The Chinese staples are reliable: General Tso’s chicken, beef and broccoli, hot and sour soup, and fluffy fried rice.
There are plenty of veggies for balance, plus a salad bar that stays stocked and crisp, which helps when you want a lighter counterpoint to the rich holiday plates.
Kids light up at the dessert corner where soft serve, mini pastries, and fruit make easy wins. During December, you will notice small touches like peppermint treats, cranberry sauces, and seasonal cakes that rotate through.
It is easy to pace yourself by taking small servings and returning for your favorites, which is half the fun at a big buffet like this.
What keeps people returning is the value and predictable variety that handles picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. Staff clears plates quickly, and the dining room stays tidy even on busy weekends.
If you are planning a family gathering after shopping or skating downtown, this spot checks every box: casual, affordable, and plenty of choices to keep holiday stress far from the table.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill – Rapid City
Golden Corral in Rapid City becomes a familiar holiday standby when you want comfort classics and space for the whole family. You can head straight for the carving station and load up on turkey, ham, or roast beef with gravy. Then it is all about the sides you grew up with: cornbread stuffing, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, and warm rolls.
There is always something for every appetite level, especially if you are managing a long day of shopping or travel. The salad bar lets you build something fresh and crunchy, while the hot bar keeps rolling with pot roast, fried chicken, and seasonal soups.
You can grab just a spoonful of everything, test, and circle back for the winners without worrying about ordering regrets.
Kids love the dessert setup with brownies, cookies, banana pudding, and the chocolate fountain that feels like a holiday event on its own. During December, look for peppermint bark, pies, and special cakes to sweeten the mood. You can create a plate that feels festive without going overboard, or embrace the full holiday spirit and stack it high.
Service is straightforward and fast, which helps on busy weekends when the line reaches the door. Tables turn quickly, and staff keeps dishes refreshed so nothing sits too long.
If you are aiming for a meal that feels familiar and warm, with plenty of choices and no dress code pressure, this Golden Corral delivers. You will leave warmed up, satisfied, and more relaxed about the rest of your holiday to do list.
HuHot Mongolian Grill – Rapid City
When the holiday schedule gets hectic, HuHot in Rapid City makes dinner feel interactive and fun. You build your own bowl with noodles, proteins, veggies, and sauces, then watch it sear on the huge griddle. The sizzle, aroma, and quick service keep groups happy, especially when everyone wants something a little different.
Because it is all you can eat, you can experiment without risk. Start mild with teriyaki and garlic, then kick things up with Mongol hot sauce or curry.
Loading in mushrooms, broccoli, onions, and cabbage adds color and balance, while chicken, beef, pork, tofu, and seafood round out the options. The chefs keep the line moving, so you are back at the table faster than most sit down spots.
During December, you will often see limited time sauces or toppings that lean into winter flavors. Pair your bowl with crab rangoons, egg rolls, or a simple salad if you want something crunchy on the side. Kids love watching the grill show, and it is easy to tailor spice levels so everyone is comfortable while still feeling adventurous.
It is a solid pick for office outings, family gatherings, or a friends night between events. The vibe is casual, and you never feel rushed, which is a relief during the busy season.
If you like control over your meal and want warm, steamy comfort without heavy holiday staples, HuHot delivers. You leave full, satisfied, and maybe already planning your next sauce combo before you hit the door.
HuHot Mongolian Grill – Sioux Falls (West)
At HuHot’s Sioux Falls West location, the build your own buffet format makes holiday group dining simple. You pick your base, add proteins, heap on vegetables, and finish with sauces that range from sweet to fiery. The massive grill turns your choices into a steaming bowl in minutes, which keeps the energy high and the wait short.
If you are juggling dietary needs, this place shines. You control everything that goes into your bowl, from gluten conscious picks to extra veggie mixes.
Try mixing zesty sauces for a signature flavor, and do not be shy about a second or third round since it is all you can eat. Sides like fried potstickers or crab rangoons add crunch and fun.
December brings a festive mood, with small seasonal sauce features and upbeat playlists that keep your spirits lifted. It is ideal before or after shopping runs or a holiday movie. You can eat light with veggie forward bowls or go hearty with noodles, beef, and spicy mixes that warm you through a chilly night.
The space is casual and kid friendly, and staff keeps tables tidy as the grill line moves along. Prices are fair for the unlimited format, especially when you need predictable value for a group.
Walk in hungry, design your perfect bowl, and enjoy a holiday meal that feels completely yours. You will leave energized and satisfied without the post feast slowdown.
Lao Szechuan Hot Pot Buffet – Sioux Falls
Lao Szechuan Hot Pot Buffet turns dinner into an experience, which fits perfectly with holiday gatherings. You choose a broth, from mild herbal to spicy Sichuan, then pick plates of thin sliced meats, seafood, and fresh vegetables to cook tableside. The bubbling pot makes the table feel lively, and everyone gets to eat at their own pace.
The sauce bar is where you can personalize every bite. Mix sesame, garlic, cilantro, chili oil, soy, and vinegar to build your signature dip, then taste and tweak as you go.
There are noodles, tofu, mushrooms, greens, corn, and more to keep the pot balanced and colorful. It is all you can eat, so you can experiment freely and discover favorite combos.
During December, the warmth of hot pot feels especially comforting after a cold day out. Sharing platters makes conversation flow, and it is easy to linger over a long meal. You can pair your hot pot with sushi and buffet items if someone wants a little variety beyond the pot, which is great for mixed groups.
Service is friendly and quick with refills on broths and extra plates arriving fast. The casual vibe makes it perfect for families, date nights, or small celebrations that want something interactive.
If your holiday plans call for cozy comfort and hands on fun, this spot delivers. You leave warmed from the inside out, full, and smiling about how many flavors you tried.
Holiday Inn Sioux Falls – City Centre – Sioux Falls
At Holiday Inn Sioux Falls City Centre, the seasonal buffet leans into classic comfort with a downtown convenience that makes planning easy. You can expect carved turkey, ham, and roast beef paired with homestyle sides that feel like a family table. The dining room dresses up with holiday touches, making it feel special without being stuffy.
If you want predictability, this buffet hits the mark. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted vegetables, salads, and dinner rolls round out the spread, with kids in mind.
Desserts rotate through pies, cakes, and puddings, with a few festive nods like peppermint or gingerbread when December rolls in. It works beautifully for multi generation gatherings where everyone wants something familiar.
Parking is simple, seating is ample, and service is attentive in the calm, hotel style way. You can settle in without fighting a long line, which is a gift during the busiest month of the year. After your meal, you can stroll downtown lights or head right up to your room if you are staying for a winter weekend.
The value comes from convenience and comfort, not culinary fireworks, and that is what many folks need during holiday crunch time. You will leave well fed and relaxed, with leftovers of goodwill that last through the evening.
It is the dependable choice you lean on when hosting at home feels like too much. Come hungry, bring the family, and enjoy a stress free holiday spread.
Holiday Inn Spearfish Convention Center – Spearfish
The Holiday Inn Spearfish Convention Center handles holiday crowds with ease, thanks to wide aisles, large tables, and a buffet designed for gatherings. You will find the familiar comfort foods you expect for December brunches and dinners, from carved meats to buttery potatoes and roasted vegetables. It is the kind of spread that invites seconds without any pressure.
Brunch service often includes eggs, bacon, pastries, and fruit alongside savory carving options, which keeps everyone happy.
For dinner, think turkey, ham, and roast beef with gravy, plus salads and warm rolls. Dessert displays rotate pies, cakes, and seasonal sweets that feel festive without going over the top. You can dress up a bit for photos or keep it casual and cozy.
Families appreciate the relaxed pace and roomy layout that makes it easy to navigate with kids or grandparents. Staff keeps the flow smooth, clearing plates and refreshing trays so you never feel like you arrived late. The bright, cheerful atmosphere pairs well with local holiday events, so it is easy to make a full day of it.
Value and convenience are the stars here, especially if you are hosting relatives and need a dependable option. You will leave satisfied and set for an afternoon of board games, a drive to see lights, or a cozy movie night.
When the goal is togetherness with minimal stress, this buffet delivers exactly what you are looking for. It is a December staple for a reason.
Twin Dragon Buffet-Aberdeen
Twin Dragon Buffet in Aberdeen is the kind of spot where you can grab a little of everything and still feel like you barely scratched the surface. The selection runs deep with sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, lo mein, fried rice, dumplings, and soups that hit just right on a cold day.
Sushi rolls and a simple salad bar round out the edges if you want to mix it up.
During December, small seasonal desserts and warm soups feel especially welcome between shopping runs and school concerts. The kitchen keeps trays refreshed, so dishes taste hot and consistent even at peak times.
If you have picky eaters, there are approachable options like fried chicken, noodles, and fresh fruit to keep everyone content.
The vibe is casual and friendly, which makes it easy to relax and linger. You can build a balanced plate with veggies and lean proteins, or dive into crispy favorites and sweet sauces for comfort. It is the kind of buffet that lets you experiment in small bites, then return for the winners without wasting a full order.
Service is quick, prices are wallet friendly, and the dining room stays tidy even when it is busy. For holiday gatherings, it is a dependable choice that suits families, work groups, and anyone who wants a full plate fast.
You will leave warm, satisfied, and ready to keep the December momentum going. Come hungry and bring a flexible appetite.
Dakota Sioux Casino Buffet – Watertown
Dakota Sioux Casino’s buffet in Watertown hits the sweet spot for casual holiday dining with a little excitement on the side. You can dive into classics like roast turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and gravy, then branch out to rotating specials that keep things interesting. The carving station and salads help you build a balanced plate without overthinking it.
What makes it a December favorite is the friendly, unhurried vibe that invites second helpings and conversation. You will find desserts like pies, cakes, and soft serve ready to top with syrup or sprinkles.
On special holiday dates, expect a few extra touches that add festive spirit without changing the relaxed atmosphere you came for.
Value is strong, especially if you are pairing dinner with a little gaming or a show. Lines move steadily, and staff works hard to keep trays hot and fresh, which is the key to any good buffet. If your group wants comfort foods with no fuss, this is an easy win that suits a variety of tastes.
Come early on peak weekends and you can settle in for a leisurely meal before exploring the casino floor. The layout is spacious, so even bigger family groups can find a comfortable spot.
You leave full and content, with the simple joy that comes from a good plate and a friendly room. It is a holiday habit that is easy to keep.
Deadwood Mountain Grand – Deadwood
Deadwood Mountain Grand blends a festive buffet with the buzz of a resort and entertainment venue, which makes it feel like a full night out. On select holiday dates, you can expect hearty comfort foods, carved meats, and classic sides presented banquet style. It pairs well with live music or gaming, so dinner can roll into an evening plan without extra logistics.
The food lineup favors crowd pleasers: roasted turkey, ham, potatoes, vegetables, salads, and rolls that hit the right nostalgic notes.
Desserts lean classic too, with pies and cakes that capture the season’s sweetest moments. When the room fills up, you can feel the holiday energy rise, and it is easy to settle in with family or friends and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you like a little show with your supper, this venue fits the bill. Service keeps the buffet moving and the room tidy, even when events draw big crowds. The setting feels celebratory without being formal, which lowers the stress of planning and dressing for a holiday meal.
Prices match the event feel, but the convenience and entertainment value make it worthwhile. You will leave satisfied and ready to take in a performance, stroll the gaming floor, or walk the decorated streets of Deadwood.
It is a flexible, festive option that makes December dinners feel special. Book early for popular dates to lock in your plans.
Golden Fortune Chinese Restaurant- Rapid City
Golden Fortune in Rapid City is a crowd pleaser with a deep selection that makes buffet dining feel like a tasting tour. Over 60 options mean you can sample a little of everything, from Chinese staples to sushi, salads, and desserts. Plates move fast, trays stay hot, and you never feel stuck waiting for a favorite item.
Start with sesame chicken, shrimp with vegetables, and beef and broccoli, then branch into lo mein, fried rice, and spicy tofu.
Sushi rolls add variety, while the salad bar lets you build something crisp to balance the warm dishes. Kids gravitate toward the dessert and ice cream station, which delivers easy smiles and quick wins for families.
December brings a cozy rhythm, with small holiday touches and a steady crowd of regulars who know where to find the best bites. You can keep things light or go full comfort mode, depending on your mood and plans. Portions are entirely in your hands, so it is easy to taste widely and return for what truly hits.
Service is efficient and friendly, with quick clearing and constant refills on hot items. Prices are reasonable for the selection, and the room stays welcoming even when it is busy.
If your group wants variety without fuss, this buffet checks all the boxes. You will leave satisfied, warm, and ready for the rest of your holiday agenda.
Minervas – Sioux Falls Holiday Buffet Events
Minervas hosts select holiday buffet events that bring an upscale touch to classic seasonal dining. Expect chef carved meats, refined sides like roasted root vegetables and herb stuffing, and salads that feel fresh and crisp. The desserts shine with tarts, cheesecakes, and chocolate treats that look as good as they taste.
The room sets a warm, polished tone with white tablecloths, candlelight, and tasteful decorations that signal a special night out.
Service is attentive without hovering, so conversation flows while plates and beverages appear just when you need them. It is a great fit for date nights, small celebrations, or a refined family gathering that still feels welcoming.
December menus may rotate, but the quality remains steady and thoughtful. You can craft a plate that feels celebratory without overloading on heavy items, then circle back for a favorite carving or dessert. Reservations help, because these events are popular and tend to sell out quickly once the season begins.
Prices reflect the elevated experience, yet the value is there in the atmosphere and care behind every dish. You will leave feeling festive, relaxed, and pleasantly full instead of weighed down.
If you want a holiday buffet with restaurant polish, Minervas delivers. It is the kind of memory making meal that caps off a wintry downtown evening perfectly.