While some head out for deer season, others know where the real hunt happens – right here in New Ulm! The annual Shopping Opener is back November 7-9, 2025, and it’s one of our favorite hometown traditions.
New Ulm is the OG when it comes to Shopping Openers! We’ve been celebrating the start of the holiday shopping season long before boutique hopping was cool. Every November, locals and visitors alike make it a tradition to eat, stay, shop, and play in our charming downtown and throughout the community.
What to Expect
Get ready for a weekend full of open houses, tasty treats, in-store specials, and festive fun as New Ulm’s specialty shops roll out the red carpet for shoppers. Discover new boutiques, find unique gifts, and soak in the holiday spirit that fills every storefront.
And that’s just the beginning!
- New Ulm Women’s Expo & Craft Fair – With over 90 vendor booths featuring crafts, wellness products, home businesses, and more, this community favorite (sponsored by the Early Childhood Family Education Program) grows every year.
- GnomeMade Market – explore open houses across the city showcasing handmade art, gifts, and local creations – the perfect place to find something truly special.
- Shopper Hunts & Activities – Some stores are adding their own fun twists, games, and prizes to make you shopping adventure even more exciting! See above for the full list of participating businesses!
Shopping Opener Food Drive
This year, the New Ulm Shopping Opener is adding a special community twist – a Food Drive to support the New Ulm Area Food Shelf! While you shop your favorite local stores November 7-9th, bring along a non-perishable food item (or a few!) to donate. Participating businesses will be collecting throughout the weekend, making it easy to give back while you shop local. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our neighbors and celebrate the spirit of community that makes New Ulm so special!
Drop off donations at these participating businesses:
- A to Zinnia Floral & Gifts
- The Backerei & Coffee Shop
- Gallery 512 Boutique
- Mabel’s Merkantil
- State Street Theater Co.
- Ulm Sweet Ulm
- Wunderberg Collective
Make it a Weekend
Plan a full weekend in New Ulm! Stroll the beautifully decorated streets, grab a bite at one of our cozy cafes or restaurants, and unwind after a full day of treasure hunting at one of our inviting local lodgings. Click here for a downloadable pdf of participating businesses!
Plan Your Holiday Season in New Ulm
The New Ulm Shopping Opener is just one of many ways to celebrate the season here in New Ulm. Don’t miss other upcoming favorites like the Loyal to Local Passport, Parade of Lights, Small Business Saturday, #ShopNewUlm at Night, Festive Facades, and our inaugural Weihnachts Markt – New Ulm Holiday Market.
Each event highlights what makes this community so special — our people, our small businesses, and our shared spirit of celebration.
👉 Keep an eye on newulm.com for updates on all things holiday in New Ulm!