Kick off the holiday season in true German style at the 2nd annual Weihnachts Markt: New Ulm Holiday Market! This event is again being planned by the Downtown Action Team, a committee of the Heart of New Ulm, the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, and the City of New Ulm.

Taking place in German Park on the same day as New Ulm’s 38th Annual Parade of Lights, this outdoor event will feature live reindeer, shopping, music, food, and family fun all afternoon – concluding with the Official Lighting of New Ulm’s 40-foot Upside-Down Christmas Tree at 5:00 PM.

Make a day of it! Spend the afternoon exploring New Ulm's beautifully decorated downtown - our locally owned shops will be open and ready to welcome Black Friday shoppers! Several restaurants are located just blocks from German Park, perfect for warming up between activities.

Click here for the Event Map!  This is the 2025 event map, stay tuned for the updated version.

Event Highlights

🎄 Vendor Market (12–5 PM)
Browse a festive outdoor market featuring local vendors, handmade gifts, and holiday cheer.

🍴 Food Trucks & Tasty Treats (11 AM–5 PM)
Treat yourself to something delicious from our food vendors along German Street.

✨ Holiday Fun All Afternoon

• Christmas trees decorated by local businesses & organizations (trees will stay on display through the holiday season - see below for more information)
• Photo opportunities throughout the park
• Live entertainment, TBA

 

🌲 Upside-Down Christmas Tree Lighting (5 PM)
Don’t miss the official lighting of New Ulm’s famous 40-foot Upside-Down Christmas Tree with Mayor Kathleen Backer and the New Ulm Royalty. The Upside-Down Tree, a German tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages, made its debut in New Ulm last year, hanging from a crane near the Hermann Monument. The tree drew national attention, with features in Forbes Magazine, Fox 9 News, and more. This year, it will shine in German Park throughout the holiday season! Click here to read more about the 40' Upside-Down Tree.

🎆 Parade of Lights (6 PM)
Head just a block away to experience New Ulm’s annual lighted parade, which draws thousands of spectators each year.


Contacts -
New Ulm Chamber, chamber@newulm.com, 507-233-4300

Donations of any amount are also welcome and are tax-deductible! Click here to make your donation online through PayPal. Checks payable to the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (a registered 501c3) can be dropped off at the Chamber or mailed to: PO Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073.

Contact the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce to sponsor, or with any questions: chamber@newulm.com or 507-233-4300.