CULLMAN, Ala. – This year, attendees will be able to enjoy an all-in-one experience at the seventh annual Christmas at the Grotto, Cullman Christkindlmarkt and 23rd annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park, beginning Nov. 20.
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.
CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson said the Christkindlmarkt has quickly grown into one of the most visited Christmas destinations in the South, and with that growth, parking has become a challenge during peak times.
“This partnership shows what can happen when our community works together to find creative solutions,” he said. “By linking the Christkindlmarkt with two major Christmas attractions, Winter Wonderland and the Grotto, visitors can experience more of what makes Cullman special while helping reduce congestion downtown.”
Cullman County Parks and Recreation Director Kenneth Cornelius said Sportsman Lake’s Winter Wonderland has grown into one of north Alabama’s favorite Christmas traditions, drawing thousands of families each year.
“Guests can drive through over 2 million Christmas lights and displays and then park and be shuttled to enjoy the Christkindlmarkt and the Grotto, all in one trip,” he said. “This partnership builds on our success by connecting three major holiday attractions and giving visitors more ways to experience Christmas in Cullman. It’s a community effort that makes the season better for everyone.”
Roger Steele, director of the Ave Maria Grotto, said when they launched Christmas at the Grotto a few years ago, the goal was to give visitors a chance to experience the world-famous art of Brother Joseph Zoettl in a special way during the Christmas season.
“It has become one of our most popular annual events and continues to grow each year,” he said. “Working together with the Christkindlmarkt and Winter Wonderland makes it easier for guests to visit all three attractions and see the full range of what Cullman offers during the holidays.”
Cullman County Tourism Bureau Director of Tourism Harmony Heard said Cullman has truly become a destination for holiday travel, and this partnership builds on that momentum.
“By helping fund the shuttle service and promoting these attractions together, we’re creating a unified Christmas experience that benefits visitors, businesses and our community,” Heard shared. “This is another example of the dedication of our community to provide exemplary experiences for our visitors and guests, and it shows what’s possible when everyone works together to make the season special.”
The free shuttle service will be available from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Get more details on each event below.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com
7th Annual Christmas at the Grotto
23rd Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park
www.facebook.com/SportsmanLakePark
