More than a century after Germans settled this town of 14,000, the community above the Minnesota River northwest of Mankato holds fast to its heritage. Greenery and colorful lights trim Minnesota Street, as festivals launch the holiday season.

Forty floats and choirs fill downtown during Santa's Parade of Lights. The following weekend, children gather at Marktplatz Mall to sing carols and listen to stories. Of course, all the kids love to meet regal St. Nicholas and his helper, Krumpas.

At the north end of downtown, a German clock tower called the Glockenspiel chimes the hours in silvery tones. German imports, including every decoration you can imagine, fill 2 dozen shops. Ticking cuckoo clocks set the pace for shoppers in the Guten Tag Haus, where delicate blown-glass ornaments adorn trees. At The Christmas Haus down the street, an army of Nutcrackers stands at attention.

Once a neighborhood grocery, Domeier's German Store along a residential street south of downtown resembles a cottage in the Black Forest. More than 500 glass ornaments, Nutcrackers of every description and German delicacies such as lebkuchen (ginger cake) crowd every corner. For some different presents, browse the gift shop at Schell's Brewing Company, which sells steins and other glassware and gifts.

Reviewed April 2004.

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