CULLMAN, Ala. – Each year from the end of fall and start of winter, Cullman transforms into a living reflection of its German heritage. From the lighting of the Weihnachtspyramide, to the festive Christkindlmarkt Parade and Tree Lighting to the Christkindlmarkt itself, the season is more than decoration; it’s a communitywide celebration rooted in tradition. And it starts Thursday, Nov. 20! The ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m., with the lighting of the Christmas Pyramid at 6 p.m.
Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said authenticity is the foundation for every festival, including the Cullman Christkindlmarkt. He said the department has invested a great deal of time and research to ensure it.
“We lean on a committee with extensive experience visiting and studying German Christmas markets,” Anderson said. “By curating the market at the vendor level, every booth and experience enhances the overall atmosphere and stays true to our German heritage.”
That sense of tradition doesn’t mean the festival stands still. As the Christkindlmarkt has grown, CPRST has worked carefully to introduce new attractions that feel at home alongside long-standing customs.
“The heart of the market is honoring long-standing German traditions,” he said. “Any new attraction we introduce is carefully chosen because it deepens the authentic experience found in European markets. While something may be ‘new’ for Cullman, it’s usually rooted in traditions that have been celebrated in Germany for decades, if not centuries.”
Part of that growth has been about creating experiences for families. Anderson said the additions of the ice rink, carousel, tubing slide and Ferris wheel have been especially meaningful.
“In an age when technology consumes so much of our family time, the Christkindlmarkt provides a much-needed break,” he said. “Attractions like the ice rink, carousel, tubing slide and Ferris wheel reengage families with one another. They give parents and children the chance to slow down, share experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
The festival also carries an impact that stretches well beyond the season’s fun. Businesses across Cullman feel its effect each year.
“Each year, we hear from local businesses that they’ve set record sales thanks to the hundreds of thousands of visitors drawn downtown by the market,” he said. “It’s a communitywide celebration. In fact, we estimate the economic impact at more than $30 million. When you hear the success stories from business owners across the city, it’s easy to see how transformative this event has been for Cullman County.”
That success, Anderson said, comes from a simple philosophy.
“Our guiding values are authenticity, inclusivity and hospitality,” he said. “We want every guest, whether they’re from across town or across the country, to feel welcomed, valued and part of something special.”
Looking ahead, families can expect even more to explore this holiday season. The market is expanding by 2 acres into the Warehouse District, allowing CPRST to bring in even more authentic vendors and experiences.
“Families will still find all their favorite attractions, but this year we’re adding an exceptionally rare Venetian double-decker carousel, one of only about a dozen in the U.S., identical to the carousel at the Frankfurt Christkindlmarkt,” he said. “We’ll also debut a new life-sized Schwibbogen gate, modeled after the iconic Dresden Striezelmarkt arch. And under the Festhalle, we’re proud to introduce Käthe Wohlfahrt, the legendary German Christmas store.”
For Anderson and those representing the City of Cullman, the most rewarding part is seeing the way the festival brings people together.
“This event brings out the very best in Cullman,” he said. “Our community is special — full of people who value family, friendship and tradition — and I believe that spirit is a big reason the Christkindlmarkt has become so successful.”
Anderson added that the festival’s success depends on a wide circle of people and organizations.
“We are deeply thankful for everyone who makes it possible: our fabrication and programming teams, food and merchant vendors, entertainers, sponsors, volunteers and the unwavering support of our City leadership,” he said. “Together, they’ve helped us create the best Christkindlmarkt in the United States.”
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The Cullman Christkindlmarkt will take place Nov. 20-Dec. 23 downtown.
Nov. 20-Dec. 23 | Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. | Sundays, noon- 8 p.m. | Open seven days a week beginning Dec. 11 | Admission: Free | www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com
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.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday, Nov. 21, at 6:30 p.m. Downtown Cullman, Warehouse District and Depot Park. Free. Join us for a magical evening in downtown Cullman at our annual Christkindlmarkt Parade and Tree Lighting! Watch as local marching bands, community organizations and festive floats fill the streets with holiday cheer. Then follow the parade into Christkindlmarkt where ABC 33/40’s James Spann and a special musical guest will lead our spectacular tree lighting ceremony. Experience the wonder as we illuminate the night with both a show-stopping drone show that will light up the sky with Christmas magic!
