The bakery’s exterior was decorated with strands of multicolored lights draped across the brick facade, around the entryway and windows. Greenery and seasonal accents framed the storefront, reinforcing an old-fashioned Christmas theme that reflected the bakery’s identity.

“There’s just something special about old-fashioned Christmas, which we both love,” said Becky Waibel of Becky Bakes. “Decorating the shop for the holidays in a historic building adds a little extra magic to a place with so much character.”

The display was designed and installed by Waibel and her daughter, Emily Atnip, who runs the bakery with her.

Second place went to The Coffee Keller, which received $150 in Chamber Dollars. The Coffee Keller’s storefront featured a coordinated holiday palette inspired by coffee tones, with gold ornaments, evergreen garland and neutral seasonal accents arranged along the windows and exterior trim, complementing the shop’s cozy atmosphere.

The Coffee Keller took second in New Ulm's 2025 Festive Facade contest behind Becky's Bakes. “Jordyn Larson, our supervisor, did all the decorating, with some assistance from me,” said Chay Henle, owner of The Coffee Keller. “We wanted to make sure the exterior of our building matched the holiday spirit of our community. We teamed up with local businesses on social media to bring some fun banter, especially with our business partnership, Becky Bakes.”

“Jordyn Larson, our supervisor, did all the decorating, with some assistance from me,” said Chay Henle, owner of The Coffee Keller. “We wanted to make sure the exterior of our building matched the holiday spirit of our community. We teamed up with local businesses on social media to bring some fun banter, especially with our business partnership, Becky Bakes.”

Mabel’s Merkantil earned third place and $100 in Chamber Dollars with a Grinch-themed window display featuring handmade décor and merchandise arranged on wooden crates and risers.

“We decided on the Grinch because he’s a popular character that everyone recognizes,” said Kelly Munce of Mabel’s Merkantil. “We asked our in-store artists to make Grinch items to add to the window. Our display is unique because almost everything is handmade and available for sale.”

Munce said the business enjoyed participating in the contest and appreciated the community support.

“The contest was great. We had a lot of fun with it and are so grateful for the votes from the community,” she said.

Mabel's Merkantil took 3rd in New Ulm's annual Festive Facade contest. “We decided on the Grinch because he’s a popular character that everyone recognizes,” said Kelly Munce of Mabel’s Merkantil. “We asked our in-store artists to make Grinch items to add to the window. Our display is unique because almost everything is handmade and available for sale.”

Organizers said the Festive Facades contest continues to showcase local creativity while encouraging residents to shop local and enjoy downtown New Ulm during the holiday season.