The holiday season will soon be upon us, and with that comes the 30th Annual New Ulm Parade of Lights!  The parade, which is organized by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, is always held the Friday after Thanksgiving.  This year it will take place on Friday, November 23rd, at 6:00 pm.  It will run through the downtown area along Minnesota Street, from 4th South to 4th North.  Note: there will be no parking on Minnesota Street from 1st South to 4th North.  This is for safety reasons as well as for guest experience.  The historic downtown will be decked out for the holidays.  Real Christmas trees will line the street and real lighted garland will sway from above. 

The parade, which celebrates the holiday season and welcomes Santa to the community, will feature about 70 units, all lit with lights proclaiming their organization, business, or association.  Christmas music and festive lights, with the grand finale of Santa Claus riding atop the historic New Ulm fire truck, will leave everyone feeling merry and bright!

Come downtown early to shop and eat at the many fantastic New Ulm establishments.  There are many family-friendly activities happening before and after the parade, including free admission to Flandrau State Park, Christmas Tree Open House at A to Zinnia, Holiday Open House at the Brown County History Museum, cider & snacks at Anytime Fitness, performances by the Schell’s Hobo Band and much more!  Click here for more information.

When the parade is over, make your way to city hall for New Ulm’s Official Christmas Tree Lighting.  The huge pine tree in front of city hall has been strung with lights, but it won’t be officially lit until 7 pm on Friday, November 23rd.  Mayor Bob Beussman will lead the lighting ceremony, with New Ulm Royalty and Santa himself playing a part.  The Hobo Christmas Quartet will provide music at the event, and SouthPoint Financial Credit Union will be serving free hot chocolate and hot apple cider to all attendees.  Gather your friends and family and get in the Christmas spirit at this annual event!

For more information about the 30th Annual New Ulm Parade of Lights, contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, chamber@newulm.com or 507-233-4300.