New Ulm’s 37th Annual Parade of Lights

Events starting Friday November 28 and going on until Saturday November 29.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and New Ulm is ready to celebrate in true “Christmas City” style with the 37th Annual Parade of Lights on Friday, November 28! Organized by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, this beloved tradition begins at 6:00 p.m., illuminating Minnesota Street from 4th South to 4th North. For safety and visibility, there will be no parking on Minnesota Street from 1st South to 4th North during the event.

Downtown New Ulm will sparkle with Christmas trees, wreaths, and thousands of twinkling lights, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening filled with holiday cheer. The parade, which celebrates the start of the season and officially welcomes Santa Claus to town, will feature around 70 entries from area businesses, organizations, and community groups. Each float will be lit up with festive displays, with Santa Claus making his grand entrance atop the historic New Ulm fire truck!

Before the parade begins, visitors are invited to spend the day in New Ulm at the inaugural Weihnachts Markt – New Ulm Holiday Market, taking place in German Park from 12-5pm (food trucks start at 11am). This festive outdoor market features vendors, live entertainment, live reindeer, fire pits and more – offering the perfect way to enjoy the holiday spirit before the parade steps off. The event in German Park concludes at 5pm when Mayor Backer will lead the Official Lighting of New Ulm’s 40’ Upside-Down Christmas Tree, a unique lighted display that will stay on display through New Year’s Day.

Visitors are also encouraged to spend the afternoon exploring downtown shops and restaurants, many of which will be open with special holiday offerings. It’s the perfect opportunity to browse, dine, and enjoy New Ulm’s welcoming holiday atmosphere before making your way to the parade route. While shopping and dining, don’t forget to pick up a #LoyalToLocalNU Holiday Passport, available at participating businesses and online at newulm.com. Shoppers who collect stamps for their purchases will be entered to win Chamber Dollars up to $1,000!

The fun continues the next day with Small Business Saturday on November 29—a community-wide celebration of shopping local and supporting the small businesses that make New Ulm unique. Together, these events make Thanksgiving weekend the perfect time to experience all that downtown New Ulm has to offer!

For more information about the 37th Annual New Ulm Parade of Lights, the Weihnachts Markt, or other holiday events, visit www.newulm.com, contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce at 507-233-4300, or email chamber@newulm.com.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce represents more than 380 local businesses, including many of New Ulm’s largest employers, retailers, and professional service providers. The Chamber’s mission is to encourage economic growth by supporting its members through business development, networking, education, advocacy, and access to resources.