Cullman hit it out of the park with its first Christkindlmarkt, aka German Christmas Market. I recently had the absolute pleasure of experiencing this festive extravaganza and believe me, it deserves a solid five-star rating.
This is not just your average holiday event. It’s a must-attend experience that will put you in the Christmas spirit. And guess what? It’s not only for humans. Yes, you heard me right. Even your adorable furry friends are welcome because this festival is pet friendly.
There’s lots to savor and experience for the entire family so prepare to have your senses dazzled by the mouthwatering aromas of sizzling German delicacies, cooked up right before your eyes over open flames. The live music will have you tapping your feet and moving with the beat, while the twinkling lights and majestic trees create a magical atmosphere that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a European winter wonderland.
You can’t miss the entrance. It’s adorned with gigantic nutcrackers and a towering German Christmas Pyramid that steal the show. It’s like stepping into a fairytale.
As you wander through the market, quaint wooden huts are occupied by a myriad of vendors nestled in Depot Park. And they offer handcrafted items straight from Germany. I perused some 40 vendors along the perimeter with treasure troves of keepsakes from Cuckoo clocks and handmade ornaments to holiday fashion, candy, and toys. There’s even a booth dedicated to spoiling your furry friends with treats and toys. Talk about pawsome!
Now, let’s talk about the food. There’s an array of mouthwatering treats waiting to tempt your taste buds. Yummy offerings include savory dishes and European baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can gulp down German beer including a seasonal blend brewed for the 2023 Christkindlmarkt, or sip on a cup of piping hot apple cider or rich hot chocolate. Personally, I couldn’t resist trying the wheat beer with coriander and orange peel brewed by Goat Island Brewing. Oh, and did I mention how incredibly cool the can design is? I had to take one home as a souvenir. A six pack would make an awesome Christmas gift for any beer lover.
Back to my experience … I sipped on a cup of apple cider as I walked along the festival taking in the sights and sounds while breathing in the intoxicating smells of schnitzels, brats, waffles, pretzels, potato pancakes and chimney cakes. This was my first taste of a chimney cake—a twisted layer of cinnamon pastry filled with strawberries or apples, caramel, and whipped cream. I’ve heard that chimney cakes date back to the 15th century in Europe. If you start feeling a chill, they’ve got you covered … literally. There are cozy fire pits at the entrance, a warming tent, and picnic tables nestled in wooden booths with heaters to keep you toasty.
The fun continued as I heard lively oompah music and a band on stage gearing up for the evening lineup of music including Alabama’s American Idol Taylor Hicks. The festival offers live music most evenings with a selection from Choirs to a Dickens Christmas Concert, oompah bands, and the Cullman Brass Quintet.
While the adults soak up the merry ambiance at the Christmas Pyramid with a beer or a special beer and Baileys concoction, the little ones can sip on their own hot chocolate or apple cider and get creative in the kids tent. The kids tent also doubles as a warming tent. And Santa is there too, ready for those unforgettably adorable photo ops. You can also get pictures with the Grinch and Buddy the Elf. Check out the website for dates and times.
And there’s more. A picturesque carousel, an ice-skating rink, and a delightful little train ride around town will keep the whole family grinning from ear to ear. Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt is waiting to put you in the Christmas spirit and enchant you with an experience you won’t soon forget. So, grab your lederhosen, get ready to satisfy those taste buds and shop for authentic German treasures. The market runs Thursdays through Sundays through December 23.
Note: Christkindlmarkt is a free entry event located at Depot Park in Cullman on First Avenue Northeast.
Everyday Edith 