Festive Façade & 40-Foot Upside Down Christmas Tree

Dates

About

New Ulm shines brighter than ever this holiday season with the return of its 3rd Annual Festive Façades storefront decorating contest and 40-foot Upside-Down Christmas Tree, bringing together creativity, tradition, and pure holiday cheer.
Join the celebration on Friday, November 28, during the inaugural Weihnachts Markt (12–5pm), followed by the official tree lighting with Mayor Kathleen Backer at 5pm and the 37th Annual Parade of Lights at 6pm.
The upside-down tree—a nod to centuries-old German customs dating back to Saint Boniface—symbolizes the community’s rich heritage and festive spirit, while downtown businesses transform their storefronts into glowing works of art for all to enjoy.
Public voting for Festive Façades runs November 28–December 31, with winners announced January 2.
Bundle up, take a stroll through our charming downtown, and experience why New Ulm truly is Minnesota’s Christmas City—where the magic of the season shines bright from top to bottom (and even upside down).