The holiday traditions begin this week with the 32nd New Ulm Community Friends Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 28. The community dinner runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Church at 417 S. Minnesota Street.

The Thanksgiving Dinner is free to all. Anyone who does not want to cook or be alone on Thanksgiving is invited. The meal will include all the traditional Thanksgiving foods made from scratch. The meal is free, but donations are accepted to offset the cost.

On Friday, Nov. 29, Black Friday shopping begins. A to Zinnia Gifts and Floral will hold the Tree Open House for those in the market for a Christmas tree.

From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Brown County Museum hosts a free holiday open house. The Menzel Village Display will be open. The open house will include live music, holiday treats from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Journal file photo Josh Luneburg of New Ulm makes mashed potatoes at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner held last year at St. Mary’s Church Thursday. The dinner will be held again this year to celebrate community.

State Street Theater will hold a 2 p.m. performance of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” The play is based on the classic animated television special.

At 6 p.m. the 31st Parade of Lights will travel downtown Minnesota Street from 4th South to 4th North. About 60 units take part in the annual parade.

Saturday, Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday in New Ulm.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the New Ulm Event Center will host Holly Days with Santa featuring crafters and vendors, kids activities, elf corners, free treats, door prizes and pictures with Santa.

State Street Theater will hold additional performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Submitted photo The Peppermint Pages are part of the Mankato Ballet Company’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which is coming to State Street Theater on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Sunday, Dec. 1 Santa Clause will be at A to Zinnia from noon to 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 5 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Santa will visit the Nuvera lobby to meet with kids.

Friday, December 6 at 3;30 p.m. St. Nikolaus and Krampus will visit the New Ulm Public Library. The visit will include storytime and crafts.

Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Morgan Creek Vineyard will hold a holiday open house.

State Street Theater will host the Mankato Ballet Company for “The Nutcracker” at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Dec. 7

Martin Luther College will hold a performance of the Christmas Concert “Joy Has Dawned” at 7:30 p.m. that day.

Sunday, Dec. 8, the Morgan Creek open house will continue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The New Ulm Civic Center will hold a Skate with Santa and the New Ulm Steel at the Civic Center from 1 p.m to 4 p.m.

MLC’s “Joy has Dawned” will host a second concert performance at 4 p.m.