The 31st annual New Ulm Parade of Lights will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.

NEW ULM — The holiday season will soon be upon us, and with that comes the 31st 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 at 6 p.m. on Nov. 29.

It will run through the downtown area along Minnesota Street, from 4th South to 4th North. There will be no parking on Minnesota Street from 2nd 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 60-plus 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. Many family-friendly activities will happen before and after the parade, including free admission to Flandrau State Park, A Charlie Brown Christmas at State Street Theater, Christmas Tree Open House at A to Zinnia, Holiday Open House at the Brown County History Museum, performances by the Schell’s Hobo Quartet, free hot chocolate provided by SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, and much more. Visit newulm.com or stop into the Visitor Center for more information.

When the parade is over, make your way to city hall for New Ulm’s official Christmas tree lighting. The pine tree in front of city hall has been strung with lights, but it won’t be officially lit until 7 p.m. City officials will lead the lighting ceremony, with New Ulm royalty and Santa himself playing a part. The Hobo Quartet will provide music at the event, and SouthPoint Financial Credit Union will serve free hot chocolate to all attendees.

For more information about contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, chamber@newulm.com, 507-233-4300, or online at www.newulm.com.