Cullman Christkindlmarkt Named a 2025 Signature Event of the Southeast

Jordan Meggs • September 15, 2025

CULLMAN, Ala. — Cullman Christkindlmarkt has been recognized as a 2025 Signature Event of the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, a regional tourism organization representing the travel and tourism industry across the southeastern United States.


The recognition highlights Cullman Christkindlmarkt as a notable visitor experience in the region and underscores the event’s growing role in attracting guests to downtown Cullman during the holiday season.


Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and Cullman’s enduring German heritage, Christkindlmarkt transforms the heart of downtown into a festive holiday destination. The event brings together artisan vendors, seasonal food and beverages, family activities, live entertainment, holiday décor and experiences designed to create lasting Christmas memories for residents and visitors alike.


“Cullman Christkindlmarkt was created to offer something truly special—a holiday tradition that honors our community’s heritage while giving families a reason to gather, celebrate and make memories together,” said Jordan Meggs, Director of Marketing & PR for Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism (CPRST). “Being named a 2025 Signature Event of the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society is an exciting affirmation of the work of our staff, volunteers, vendors, community partners and everyone who helps bring this experience to life.”


The Southeast Tourism Society’s Signature Events of the Southeast program recognizes events that help distinguish communities as travel destinations and generate meaningful interest among regional visitors. The designation provides Cullman Christkindlmarkt with additional regional visibility as the market continues to welcome guests from across Alabama and beyond. The Southeast Tourism Society serves tourism professionals across 13 southeastern states and Washington, D.C.


“Cullman Christkindlmarkt has become a point of pride for our community and an important part of our tourism economy,” said Daniel Wyatt, Director of Festival and Special Events for CPRST. “This recognition helps tell the story of Cullman as a place where visitors can experience authentic heritage, hospitality and a one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration.”


Cullman Christkindlmarkt is held annually in downtown Cullman and is presented by Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism. Event details, dates, vendor information and travel-planning resources are available at cullmanchristkindlmarkt.com.


About Cullman Christkindlmarkt


Cullman Christkindlmarkt is a German-inspired Christmas market held annually in downtown Cullman, Alabama. Rooted in the community’s German heritage, the event features holiday shopping, artisan vendors, festive food and beverages, family-friendly activities, entertainment and seasonal traditions that draw visitors from throughout Alabama and the Southeast.


About Southeast Tourism Society


The Southeast Tourism Society is a membership organization that supports and advocates for the tourism industry across 13 southeastern states and Washington, D.C. Through education, recognition, networking and advocacy, STS works to strengthen the economic vitality of tourism throughout the region.

Open-air market aisle with people walking between wooden stalls under striped awnings, at sunset
By Jordan Meggs September 15, 2026
Travel + Leisure named Cullman Christkindlmarkt one of the top 10 Christmas markets in the U.S. for 2026, the only Southern market to earn a spot on the list.
Santa in a red convertible at a festive nighttime street parade with people and lights all around in
By Jordan Meggs August 17, 2026
Cullman is a Top 25 finalist in Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town Contest. Vote daily through Sept. 4 to help bring the title home to Alabama.
Culman Christmasland at night, lit market stalls, glowing tower, Ferris wheel, and fireworks over a crowd
By Jordan Meggs May 19, 2026
Cullman Christkindlmarkt named Alabama's 2026 Event of the Year, drawing 415,000 guests and visitors from all 50 states to downtown Cullman.
Cullman Christkindlmarkt lit up at night, with glowing orange arches and reflections on wet pavement
By Jordan Meggs December 11, 2025
Cullman unveils the world's largest walk-on Christmas arch, a 20'4" tall Schwibbogen surpassing Dresden's, at the Cullman Christkindlmarkt.
A full night at Cullman Christkindlmarkt with a lit Christmas tree, fireworks, and red stage lights
By Jordan Meggs November 18, 2025
Small Alabama town of 20,000 hosts one of America's largest German Christmas markets, drawing 370,000+ visitors to its 9-acre wonderland.