Bring Your Group to Cullman Christkindlmarkt

Built for Groups

Church groups, senior clubs, school trips, and motorcoach tours all find their way to Depot Park in downtown Cullman. Named the 2026 Alabama Tourism Department Event of the Year and an Official Hallmark Christmas Town, the market draws on Cullman's real German roots, founded by Johann Cullmann in 1873.

November 19 to December 23, 2026

• Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM

• Sunday: 12 PM to 8 PM

• Open daily starting Thursday, December 10 (Monday to Wednesday, 11 AM to 9 PM)

• Closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26

• Planning tip for groups: Weekdays and early-season visits are the most relaxed time to bring a group. Shorter lines, easier walking, and more room to enjoy the market together. Saturdays are the busiest.
  

What Your Group Will Experience

The Market

Rows of market stalls with German food, seasonal treats, and handcrafted gifts. Groups can explore at their own pace with no admission fee.

Signature Sights

• The Schwibbogen: the world's largest walk-through candle arch, 50 feet wide and 22 feet tall, inspired by the famous arch at Dresden's Striezelmarkt
• The Weihnachtspyramide: North America's tallest Christmas pyramid, standing over 40 feet tall

Rides and Experiences

Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, Winterbahn, Blitzen Swing, Christkindl Express, horse carriage rides, and ice skating. Tickets are sold per ride. Attractions Details & Prices

Kinderplatz Santa's Village

Character meet-and-greets, toy making with Santa, cookie decorating, and ornament crafting with Mrs. Claus. A great fit for school groups and family tours.

Season of Giving

The market's charity program. Learn more about Christkindlmarkt's Season of Giving.

Group Dining

Das Winterhaus tents are perfect for group gathering spaces. Groups can rent a furnished luxury tent inside the festival grounds for a private catered meal. Rentals are $200 or $350 depending on time of day for a two-hour block, plus the cost of catering, which is optional. Two tents can be reserved at the same time for twice the capcity. Our Winterhaus tents sit beside each other with a gathering space between the two, which means combining into one large space is effortless. Booking is open now and completely online. Outside catering and beverages are strictly prohibited.

Catering options and prices are available on the Winterhaus page. Catering and drink services are available to see and price before you book. Winterhaus also has add-on options for certain attractions, but not all. Go to the Winterhaus page to learn more.

Arranging Group Experiences

Most rides are first come, first served, and guests can buy tickets onsite and ride whenever they like. For larger groups, horse carriage rides can be arranged in advance so the operator can plan extra carriages. Contact us before your visit. Currently there are no group ticket packages for rides outside of those offered as an add-on for Winterhaus Tent Rentals.

Motorcoach and Parking

• Drop-off and pick-up: Bus dropoff and pickup happen at the corner of 2nd Ave NE and Arnold St NE, beside Depot Park in the south-bound lane.
• Coach parking: no designated coach lot, but several nearby lots may work. Early coach arrivals typically are able to park in the parking lot across from the market off of Young St. NE. Once this lot fills, most drivers prefer to park at the Cullman Shopping Center off of US Hwy 31, where Publix, Dick's, and Belk are located.
• Car parking: free and paid lots and street parking exist around the market footprint. Our Parking page gives more insight into parking options.
  

Make It a Getaway

Where to Stay

Check out Cullman Lodging and Hotels options.

Nearby Holiday Stops

• Ave Maria Grotto: about 3 miles from the market, a beautiful stop during the Christmas season.
• Sportsman's Lake Park: drive-through holiday light display, also within about 3 miles.
  

Plan Your Group Visit

Where to Stay

Check out Cullman Lodging and Hotels options.

Nearby Holiday Stops

• Ave Maria Grotto: about 3 miles from the market, a beautiful stop during the Christmas season.
• Sportsman's Lake Park: drive-through holiday light display, also within about 3 miles.
  

Group Travel FAQ

Is there an admission fee for groups?

No. Cullman Christkindlmarkt is free to enter for everyone, including groups of any size. Rides and some experiences are ticketed separately.

When is Cullman Christkindlmarkt open?

November 19 to December 23, 2026. Thursday to Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM and Sunday 12 PM to 8 PM. Starting Thursday, December 10, the market is open daily, with Monday to Wednesday hours of 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26.

What is the best day to bring a group?

Weekdays and early-season dates. Thursdays and Fridays in November, and Monday to Wednesday once the market opens daily on December 10, are typically less crowded than Saturdays.

Where does the motorcoach drop off and pick up?

Directly across the street from the market in downtown Cullman. Bus drop off is at the corner of 2nd Ave NE & Arnold St NE in the Southbound lane and through the intersection. This is the corner of Depot Park, Cullman County Museum, City Hall, and Desperation Church.

Is there motorcoach parking?

There is no designated coach lot, but several nearby lots may work. Share your coach size and arrival time with us and we'll help find a spot.

Do you offer group discounts or packages?

Ride and experience prices are the same for every guest, and there are no group packages at this time. There are group discounts available for groups who rent our Winterhaus tents. You can learn more here. Our team is happy to help you plan your visit and arrange group experiences.

Can our group reserve a private space for a meal?

Yes. Groups can rent a tent inside the festival grounds for a catered meal. Rentals are $200-$350 (depending on daytime or night time) for a two-hour minimum, plus catering. Get more Winterhaus details here.

Can we schedule horse carriage rides for a large group?

Yes. Let us know your group size and preferred time in advance so the operator can plan for extra carriages. Rides last about 10 to 15 minutes.

Can we buy ride tickets in advance?

Yes, new this year are the ability to purchase ride tickets online. You will have the option to purchase anytime use tickets or a specific date and time reservation that will you allow you skip the general admission line during your chosen reservation time. Some attractions are not available for reservations. Once the system for reservations or pre-purchased general admission tickets are live, this section will be updated to include a link and relevant details.

Is the market accessible?

Public and ADA-accessible restrooms are located throughout the market, mostly on the train tracks side of Depot Park, and are marked on the map in the Cullman Christkindlmarkt app. ADA parking is marked on nearby streets and available at Cullman City Hall after 5 PM on weekdays, plus other lots on 2nd Avenue. Mobility scooters are not available to rent onsite. More details: cullmanal.gov/ada

Where can our group stay overnight?

See our lodging page for hotels in and around Cullman. Lodging page.

What else should our group see in Cullman at Christmas?

Ave Maria Grotto and the Sportsman's Lake Park drive-through light display are both within about 3 miles of the market.

How far ahead should we plan?

Winterhaus tent dates are limited, so reach out as early as possible to hold yours if that's a must have. Otherwise, the market can accommodate groups of any size, pretty much anytime.

Who do I contact to plan a group visit? Use the group inquiry form on this page and our team will follow up. [Add shared group email.]

Tell us a little about your group and we'll follow up to help you plan.