New Ulm’s 36th Annual Parade of Lights
Coming Friday, November 29, 2024
The holiday season will soon be upon us, and with that comes the 36^th 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 29^th, at 6:00 pm.  It will run through the downtown area along Minnesota Street, from 4^th South to 4^th 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, wreaths, and lights will line the street downtown!
 
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! Immediately following the parade, head to City Hall for the Official Ceremonial Tree Lighting, which will be led by Mayor Kathleen Backer.
 
New this year - several businesses and organizations are planning extra activities, to help make the entire evening even more fun! The streets will be closed from 4^th N to 1^st S. from 4-7pm. KNUJ is planning a “Great Turkey Drop” at 4:30 from the roof of Rush Restaurant at 126 N Minnesota St. Gather in the street and catch plush turkey toys (stuffed animals) and turn them in for prizes, including frozen turkeys from Hy-Vee. Stop into any of the bars and restaurants located along Minnesota for refreshments which can be brought out into the street. Several are planning special cocktails for the evening, including hot chocolate and mulled wine! Please note that alcoholic beverages must stay within the 5 blocks of the closed streets, and no glass is allowed. The shops and restaurants are all open, so come early to shop and eat. Grab your #LoyalToLocalNU Holiday Passport (available at any participating businesses, and online at www.newulm.com) and fill it up with stamps from purchases for a chance to win one of three staycation prizes. The Brown County Historical Society is hosting a Holiday Open House from 10am-8pm, with free admission, apple cider, holiday treats, and live music. Get tickets to ‘A Rockin’ Winter Soiree’ event at Ulm Sweet Ulm/Lykke Books, featuring music by The Ulmer Quartet, drinks, and refreshments. This ticketed event is from 7:30-10:30pm and includes a silent auction benefiting the non-profit organization Lykke Communities.  The Legion Riders at The American Legion will be serving Hot Chocolate starting one hour before the parade and will continue to serve Boozy Hot Chocolate in the bar area through the evening until close.  Black Frost Distilling will be having a Bourbon Release: "Bourbon is here.  Join us after the parade and get a bottle of our long-awaited Black Frost Bourbon.  Complimentary snacks, music, fire pits, and smores kits.  New merchandise and cocktail kits available for purchase."
 
For more information about the 36^th Annual New Ulm Parade of Lights, or other events happening that evening, contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, chamber@newulm.com or 507-233-4300, or online at https://business.newulm.com/events/calendar.  The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce has a membership of 380+ businesses including New Ulm’s largest employers, retailers, professional services, and interested individuals. The Chamber’s mission is encouraging economic growth in our community by supporting our members through business development, networking, education, advocacy, and access to resources.