CULLMAN, Ala. – The grand opening of the 23rd annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20, with the Run, Run, Rudolph Fun Run to follow at 5.
Cullman County Parks and Recreation Marketing Coordinator Sara Morgan said more than 11,000 vehicles came through last year’s light display. This year, she said, there will be around 2 million lights, plus a few extra surprises.
“We add a few things every year to make it bigger and better and we expect to see more cars visiting this year,” she said.
The cost will be $10 per car or $20 per bus.
There will also be a Christmas train, horse and carriage rides, a snow machine, a photo booth with Santa, hot chocolate and more. More details can be found at www.facebook.com/SportsmanLakePark.
“After venturing through the lights, jump in line to see Santa and grab a picture,” Morgan said. “Also be sure to check out the Holiday Concession Stand for hot chocolate, cookies and milk, and even warm blankets for those cold nights on the Christmas train and horse and carriage ride. We love seeing the joy our event brings to everyone in and around the community. Also, we want to say a huge thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors. We truly couldn’t do this without your help. Your donation makes our event bigger and brighter every year.”
This year, attendees will be also able to enjoy an all-in-one experience at Christmas at the Grotto, Cullman Christkindlmarkt and the 23rd annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park. Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism; Cullman County Parks and Recreation; and the Ave Maria Grotto have joined forces to offer a free shuttle service attendees can use to move among these amazing Christmas destinations. Dates and times will be the same and shuttles will connect all three events. The free shuttle service will be available from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
23rd Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park
Nov. 20-23, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 3-7, Dec. 10-23, Dec. 26-28 (Christmas lights only) | 5-9 p.m. | Last day for train rides is Dec. 23
2nd Annual Run Run Rudolph Fun Run/Walk
Thursday, Nov. 20, at 5 p.m. at Sportsman Lake Park. https://tinyurl.com/RRRtickets. This is the one and only night to run or walk through the Winter Wonderland Christmas lights! There will be an ugly Christmas sweater/Christmas costume contest and hot chocolate and shirts for sale at the finish line. This event is fun for all ages, and stroller and dog friendly.
Said Morgan, “We can’t wait to see everyone in the holiday spirit!”
Kids 6 and younger are not required to register.
“This is not a measured distance course,” Morgan said. “The trail is on the ‘driving road’ that you take to see the lights. We hope everyone enjoys this Santa stroll through our Winter Wonderland.”
Registration starts at 4 p.m. and the race will start at 5. Walkers will start shortly after the runners begin.
Sportsman Lake Park is located at 1544 Sportsman Lake Road NW in Cullman. For more information, call 256-734-3052.
