Cullman named finalist for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest

Cullman’s Christmas celebrations has gained plenty of national attention in recent years and now, it’s been recognized among the best in the country.

The city has been selected as one of 25 finalists for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest.

“This is something our entire community should be incredibly proud of. Christmas in Cullman has become special because so many people believe in it and work together to make it happen. To now have Hallmark recognize Cullman among the top Christmas towns in America is a tremendous honor.”

Woody Jacobs, Cullman mayor

Now, the town needs your help as the contest’s next cut is decided by public vote.

How to vote for Christmas in Cullman

Making the top 25 is already an accomplishment in itself but now it’s time for the community to help get the celebration to the top spot.

You can vote once per day on the Hallmark website until Sept. 4. You must submit an email address to vote.

“Making the Top 25 is already something worth celebrating. But if there is one thing I know about our Cullman, it’s that when this community gets behind something, incredible things can happen. We’re in the Top 25. Now let’s finish the job together.”

Nathan Anderson, CPRST Executive Director

Each location in the top 25 will receive a designation as an “Official Hallmark Christmas Town”, and a promotional toolkit which includes:

• Official 2026 Hallmark Christmas Town Digital Seal: A custom graphic badge towns can use across websites, tourism materials, and social media to promote free events only
• Social & Marketing Templates: Ready-to-use graphics, captions, and story templates designed to help communities promote their recognition and holiday programming
• Countdown To Christmas Promotional Assets: Approved Hallmark Channel imagery, logos, and messaging that towns can use in local promotions tied to the Countdown to Christmas season

The grand prize winner will receive the designation of “Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town” and get the opportunity for the city to be the filming location for a new Hallmark movie.

Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt highlights busy holiday season

Each year, the city transforms its historic downtown to what feels like a Hallmark holiday movie. The city said more than 415,000 visitors came from across the country to experience Christmas in Cullman last year.

Walking the streets of Cullman, you’ll find:

• Glowing rooftops
• Decorated storefronts
• Giant Christmas tree
• Cullman Christkindlmarkt

The Christkindlmarkt is an authentic German Christmas market honoring the heritage of Cullman’s founding families.

“Christmas in Cullman is the reason people are putting us on their holiday travel list. We welcome visitors from nearly every state who fill our hotels, restaurants and shops during a season that was once quiet downtown. Being named a Top 25 finalist puts Cullman in front of a national audience, and every vote helps keep us there.”

Cullman Area Tourism Director Harmony Heard