FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Cullman Christkindlmarkt: Where German Tradition Meets Southern Charm
Decatur, Ala. (October 31, 2025) – The holiday spirit is set to arrive in Cullman beginning November 20, as the Cullman Christkindlmarkt returns, bringing seasonal cheer, old-world charm and delightful holiday traditions for everyone to enjoy. Inspired by the centuries-old German Christmas markets, the five-week long event blends traditional German-style holiday festivities with Southern hospitality to create a family-friendly celebration.
Where German tradition meets southern charm, the Cullman Christkindlmarkt features an assortment of German-themed events and attractions including the tallest Weihnachtspyramide on display, carousel rides, German food and popular holiday traditions such as ice skating, a Christmas parade and ceremonial lighting of a massive tree, plus so much more. Last year, the Cullman Christkindlmarkt welcomed 370,000 guests, making it one of the largest festivals in the state of Alabama.
This year, festival organizers are excited to announce the Market will unveil a 50-foot-wide, 22-foot-tall Schwibbogen, inspired by Dresden’s famed Striezelmarkt arch, making Cullman home to the largest walk-through candle arch in the world. Additional highlights of the Cullman Christkindlmarkt include:
- Christkindlmarkt Parade (Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m.)
- South's largest tree lighting show and fireworks with Host James Spann, special musical guest (TBA), Santa Claus, The Grinch and Buddy the Elf (Nov. 21, 8:00 p.m.)
- Ice skating in the largest outdoor ice rink in Alabama
- Christkindl Express (enchanting little train ride)
- Kinderplatz (Santa’s Village full of activities for children)
- Largest Ferris wheel in Alabama
- Artisan workshops
- Double decker carousel
- Winterbahn (alpine tubing)
- Old-fashioned, German-style, pop-up Christmas street market with artists, craftspersons and other makers of gift-type goods
- Authentic German flavors, from traditional sausages to sweet chimney cakes
The Cullman Christkindlmarkt takes place from November 20 to December 23, 2025, every Thursday through Sunday at Depot Park located at 304 1st Ave NE in downtown Cullman. Hours are Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Beginning December 11, 2025, the festival is open seven days a week. Admission and parking are free.
For more information on the Cullman Christkindlmarkt including a schedule of events, visit https://www.cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com/ or call 256.734.9157.
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