Minnesota Power Began Search for Annual Christmas Tree
The utility is sourcing a 25-to-30-foot spruce or pine to stand at its downtown Duluth headquarters this winter.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Botany
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Minnesota Power has opened nominations for its 41st annual Christmas tree installation at the corner of Lake and Superior Street. The company is currently accepting submissions for spruce or pine trees located within a 10-mile radius of Duluth.
Why it matters
The annual selection process initiates a local tradition that precedes the 68th Christmas City of the North Parade. The tree serves as a central fixture for the downtown plaza, requiring specific height and proximity criteria for structural feasibility.
The utility requires spruce or pine specimens measuring between 25 and 30 feet tall. Eligible candidates must reside within a 10-mile radius of downtown Duluth to ensure logistics remain feasible for local crews.
The players
Minnesota Power
An electric utility provider that manages energy distribution and seasonal public displays in Duluth.
The details
To participate, residents must submit a photo and location data through an online portal. Minnesota Power crews then perform an on-site evaluation of the nominated trees to verify height requirements and physical accessibility for removal and transportation equipment.
Timeline
October 31, 2026: The final deadline to submit a tree nomination.
November 20, 2026: The broadcast of the tree lighting event at 6 p.m.
The Tech Race
The installation marks the 41st instance of this utility-led tradition in Duluth. It directly precedes the 68th Christmas City of the North Parade, anchoring the company's holiday infrastructure within the broader regional municipal schedule.
Residents within a 10-mile radius of Duluth can submit their spruce or pine trees for consideration until October 31. Selected owners will be contacted by Minnesota Power crews to coordinate the removal and placement of the tree at the downtown plaza.
The takeaway
This procurement effort highlights the logistical coordination required for large-scale urban holiday displays. Residents should monitor for contact from Minnesota Power crews following the October 31 submission deadline.
What happens next
The tree lighting broadcast and the subsequent Christmas City of the North Parade are scheduled for November 20, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local forestry and vegetation management in our Botany section.
More information
Submit your tree for evaluation using the official tree nomination form.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Northernnewsnow.
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