By the time the parade began at 6 p.m. temperatures had dropped to the single digits. Some spectators chose to watch the parade from inside one of the accommodating businesses, but many chose to brave the cold.

Peggy Fields and her granddaughter Hayven Rux were among those who waited outside. It was the first Parade of Lights for Fields and Rux. Fields had recently moved to Minnesota from Texas. She said the parade was the coldest weather she had experienced since the move. Her granddaughter, a Minnesota native and was use to the cold.

This year’s Parade of Lights saw 76 units travel up Minnesota Street. This was an increase from the 66 units in 2023’s parade. The Parade of Lights was caper to a day of festive activities. Several of the downtown businesses hosted special events.

The Brown County Historical Society museum held its annual holiday open house starting in the morning and continuing into the evening.

Grandma and granddaughter Peggy Fields (left) and Hayven Rux (right) prepare to enjoys their first Parade of Lights together despite the cold weather.

At 4:30 p.m. KNUJ’s Great Turkey Drop took place on Minnesota Street below Rush’s rooftop restaurant. Twenty-five stuffed turkeys were tossed off the roof to the crowd below. Individuals who caught a turkey won special prizes from local businesses.

After the turkey drop, the crowds headed to City Hall for the official city tree lighting before turning to Minnesota Street for the Parade of Lights.

The Parade of Lights serves as New Ulm’s official kick off of the Christmas season. Several of the downtown businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday with special promotions.

The 9th Annual Holly Day with Santa will be held at the Best Western. The craft and vendor fair offers the chance for kids to have their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Santa will also be at the Civic Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday for the annual Skate with Santa. Skate with Santa is free with a donation to the food shelf.

The 2024 Parade of Lights was led by a float honoring Becky Bakes and Gag Sheet Metal, the two 2024 Business of the Year winners. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Reindeer, gingerbread men and snowmen all walked through downtown as part of the 2024 Parade of Lights. Photo by Clay Schuldt

The New Ulm Battery displayed all of the colors during the parade. Photo by Travis Rosenau

The ginger bread house float from Ahrens Heating & Air Conditioning was a fan favorite during the parade of lights. Photo by Travis Rosenau

The New Ulm Steel and Recycling float featured special passengers from the Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Christmas Special. Photo by Clay Schuldt

Schaefer Crane: Santa and his reindeer hitch a ride on one of Schaefer Crane’s vehicles during the Parade of Lights. Photo by Clay Schuldt

The Pro Kinship mascot “Kip” rod ahead of Santa in this year’s Parade of Lights. Photo by Clay Schuldt

As is tradition with the Parade of Lights, the last vehicle of the parade always features Santa Claus to wish spectators a Merry Christmas. Photo by Clay Schuldt