New Ulm — New Ulm is receiving national recognition once again! The city’s 40-foot Upside-Down Christmas Tree, displayed annually in German Park, has been nominated for Best Holiday Tree Display in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

The nomination places New Ulm among holiday displays across the country competing for a spot in the top 10. Voting is now open, and the public can cast one vote per day through Monday, November 30, at 10:59 a.m. Central Time. The winners will be announced Thursday, December 3.

Now entering its third year, New Ulm’s Upside-Down Christmas Tree has quickly become one of the city’s most recognizable holiday attractions. First introduced in 2024, the unique installation drew thousands of visitors from across the region and even as far away as Japan. The display also attracted widespread media attention, including a feature in Forbes.

Inspired by an old European tradition of hanging Christmas trees upside down, the display celebrates New Ulm’s rich German heritage while adding a whimsical twist to the holiday season. The towering tree is displayed in German Park, complemented by illuminated wreaths hanging from light poles and festive lighting throughout the park, creating a magical holiday destination in the heart of New Ulm’s “Christmas City.”

“We are thrilled to see New Ulm’s Upside-Down Christmas Tree receive national recognition,” said Sarah Warmka, President and CEO of the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce. “What started as a creative idea has become a holiday tradition that brings people together and draws visitors from near and far. This nomination is a wonderful reflection of the community spirit and collaboration that make New Ulm so special!”

The display is made possible through the generous contributions of Schaefer Companies, Kraus Tree Service, Hunt Electric, and the New Ulm Public Utilities Commission. These community partners donate their time, equipment, and expertise to bring the attraction to life each year at no cost.

The tree will officially be illuminated on Friday, November 27, at 5 p.m., during a ceremony with New Ulm Mayor Kathleen Backer. The lighting concludes the 2nd Annual Weihnachts Markt: New Ulm Holiday Market, taking place in German Park from noon to 5 p.m., and precedes the 38th Annual Parade of Lights, which begins downtown at 6 p.m. The tree will remain on display through December 31, and admission is free.

This latest nomination follows another recent USA TODAY 10BEST recognition for New Ulm, with New Ulm Oktoberfest ranking No. 5 in the nation for Best Oktoberfest in 2026.

Community members, visitors, and supporters everywhere are encouraged to vote daily for New Ulm’s Upside-Down Christmas Tree at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/upside-down-christmas-tree-new-ulm-minnesota/.

The New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce serves nearly 400 members and works to support local businesses, promote tourism, and strengthen the New Ulm community.