NEW ULM — The upside-down Christmas Tree in German Park will be coming down early in the new year, but will likely return next holiday season along with the Weihnachts Markt.

The tree was initially hung in German Park back in November. The 40‒foot blue spruce, displayed inverted in German Park, continued a tradition launched last year by the Downtown Action Team and the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. 

This year’s tree was donated by Bobbi and Matt Teske, who decided to remove the spruce from their yard after it began blocking sunlight from their garden.

Crews from ARR Construction and Kraus Tree Service removed the tree on Monday, Nov. 24, and guided it out of the Teske yard. Schaefer Crane Service, led by Willis Schaefer, donated the crane used to lift and suspend the spruce in German Park.

The upside-down tree and the smaller trees were all lighted for the first time Nov. 28 as part of the Weihnachts Markt held in German Park the Friday after Thanksgiving.

This was the first time New Ulm held a Weihnachts Markt, but based on public to response to the holiday market and continued enthusiasm for the upside-Christmas tree both will likely return next year.

The Chamber conducted a visitor survey during the Weihnancts Markt and found attendees rated the event high.

Chamber President Sarah Warmka said the day complemented other holiday events in New Ulm, including the Parade of Lights.

“This year the Parade of Lights had 6,800 people, and the year before that it had 7,400,” she said. “The crowds at both events really added to the overall festive atmosphere downtown.”

Warmka said coordinating the market involved a team effort.

“From planning logistics to decorating the trees, it was truly an all-hands-on-deck project for the Chamber,” she said. Volunteers helped with a variety of tasks, including sweeping snow off the steps at German Park and checking in with businesses decorating trees.

She noted that different organizers handled specific aspects of the event.

“Erica Hoffman at Outskirt 507 was in charge of the vendors,” Warmka said. “She shared the vendors’ feedback with us, and they were very pleased. Most of them sold out and said they want to come back next year.”

Warmka also highlighted the partnership with Kraus Tree Service to manage the large Christmas trees.

“There was a lot that went into the trees, from the service to decorating, and it took a lot of planning and coordination,” she said. She added that thanks to the partnership.

“We already have a tree in mind for next year’s upside-down Christmas tree,” Wamka said.

Survey responses reflected enthusiasm for the market and provided constructive ideas for future growth. Attendees suggested more vendors, additional holiday-themed offerings, expanded food and beverage options, improvements to layout and flow, and more family-friendly activities. Several noted the potential for permanent wooden vendor huts to enhance the European-style ambiance.

Chamber Tourism & Member Services Manager Sarah Sveine said the feedback reinforces the event’s appeal.

“Visitors really connected with the atmosphere, the authentic European feel, the vendors, and the experience of gathering downtown in a new way during the holiday season,” Sveine said. “We heard a lot of feedback like ‘This feels special’ and ‘This belongs here.'”

Warmka said the event required flexibility.

“As the first year, there were unexpected challenges,” she said. “We had to pivot quickly when the original plan for the tree had to change last minute. Next year, we’ll be able to refine the layout and add more vendors and lights to enhance the experience.”

Organizers noted that Black Friday itself provided a unique opportunity to attract visitors who might not have otherwise explored downtown New Ulm.

Rick Kamm, who helped oversee the market, praised the turnout and said visitors discovered the event in unexpected ways.

“We had people coming from other towns planning to hit Walmart and Menards for Black Friday deals,” he said. “They came downtown instead, visited a bookstore with a coffee shop, did pottery, shopped for gifts, hung out in a beer hall and played games with their kids. It was not planned, but it made for some memorable family experiences.”

“That family who came just for the big-box store deals ended up spending the day enjoying the market, the reindeer, the s’mores, and discovering downtown shops and experiences,” Warmka said. “That’s exactly the kind of engagement we hope to see continue.”

Volunteers played a critical role in the market, assisting with tasks from sweeping snow from the steps at German Park to guiding businesses on decorating trees, checking in with vendors, and helping coordinate entertainment. Warmka said anyone interested in helping next year can reach out.

“If people want to volunteer or contribute, donations can go to the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, and they can contact the Chamber directly to get involved,” she said.

Warmka said the market was well worth the effort.

“Because of sponsors and donations, we ended up breaking even on the event,” she said. She noted that this does not include staff time, but the funding allowed for attractions such as live reindeer without additional cost to attendees.

Looking ahead, Warmka said the Chamber hopes Weihnachts Markt becomes a recurring tradition.

“We hope it becomes part of holiday traditions for families in town and for visitors,” she said. “New Ulm has a vibrant community, and events like this remind people to explore what we have to offer year-round.”

Sveine confirmed the market and the upside-down tree are planned to return next year, with organizers already evaluating feedback to improve the event. “We learned a lot this year,” she said. “That feedback will guide how the market grows and improves, while keeping the festive charm that people loved.”