Christmas is rapidly approaching… which means Christmas break will also be here before you know it. If you’re looking for a festive family-friendly day trip, grab the kids and hit the road to the Cullman Christkindlmarkt, hosted at the Depot Park in Cullman, AL. This German Christmas market is free and full of all kinds of holiday activities that you and your kids will love, just an hour’s drive from Birmingham. The market truly lives up to its motto “Where German Tradition Meets Southern Charm.” Plus, there’s plenty of free public parking nearby.
Open Thus–Sat 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays noon–8 p.m. Starting December 12th, it will be open 7 days a week!
Is It Really Worth the Drive?
In short, yes. Here’s why:
You really feel as if you’ve stepped into another world—or rather, another continent. The signs are in German, the food is German, and the German Christmas pyramid (or “Weihnachtspyramide”) proudly stands near the center of it all at 40 feet tall, making it North America’s tallest Christmas pyramid. Not to mention the Christmas booths look like they’re out of a TikTok reel titled “Why You Need to Go to a German Christmas Market this Winter.”
The whole thing feels like something out of a Hallmark movie. And by that, I mean the whole town—the Christmas market covers several blocks, but Cullman itself is charming, and the beautiful Roman Catholic church just down the street adds to the European feel. If you’re wanting to put an Alabama spin on your adventure, visit the Cullman County Museum, located at the edge of the market.
Is It Really Kid-Friendly?
Again, the answer is yes. Here’s a list of the festive activities the Cullman Christkindlmarkt offers:
– Ice skating
– The Largest Ferris Wheel in Alabama
– Kinderplatz
Also known as Santa’s Village, this area is full of kids’ activities!
– Artisan Workshops
Watch and admire, or get hands-on with glass, iron, and copper craftsmen. (Yes, your kids can participate, too, if they want!)
– Double Decker Carousel
If you look closely, you’ll notice the German “Cinderella” castle on one of its panels.
– Christkindl Express
– Think “Polar Express” but it’s a ride around town instead of to the North Pole—your little ones will love it!
– Winterbahn
– Alpine tubing at its finest… Race ya down the hill!
– Music & Street Performers
– Can’t get much better than live music while you eat, shop, and play!
There are all kinds of special events happening throughout the month too, so be sure to check their schedule to see what’s on the docket for the day. Build toys with Santa, listen to a Christmas story from Mrs. Claus, make your own snowglobe, build a stuffed animal, decorate cookies, and more.
Note: Many of these activities do require a paid ticket, which can be purchased on-site.
Try the Authentic Food & Drinks
I’ve been to Germany, along with several other European countries, so I can testify: There is an excellent variety of German food, from traditional sausages and Doner sandwiches to soft pretzels and Schnitzel. Other European specialities include sweet chimney cakes, mulled wine (and apple cider), crepes, and more. Not to worry, they also offer American dishes with a German spin, like the barbecue sandwich served on a pretzel bun, fried chicken, coffee, and ice cream. My biggest suggestion: Order a drink in one of the mugs! Not only is it very German Christmas market-esque, it also serves as the perfect souvenir.
Shop Til You Drop
There are over 60 vendors throughout the market, with everything from baby gifts and puzzles to unique jewelry and goat cheese spreads. Use this as your opportunity to shop for those you love while your kids play. The Alpaca scarves are warm, and the handcrafted dog treats are fun. And if you end up buying gifts for yourself… we won’t judge!
You can also rent and reserve heated nooks (called Der Schlupfwinkel) for those moments you need a break from the cold.
Needless to say, it’s a super fun experience that is perfect for the whole family… so bundle up and hit the road for this merry little Christmas getaway!
