11 30 Market 18 — The Cullman Christmas market is growing every year. (Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism)

The buzz around Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt continues to spread across the country.

Travel + Leisure is the latest national outlet to recognize one of Alabama’s biggest holiday markets. The publication listed the event among the 10 Coolest Christmas Markets in the U.S.

This comes just weeks after the town was recognized by Hallmark as a finalist for its Merriest Christmas Town Contest, which will announce the winner soon.

Keep reading to see why Travel + Leisure picked Cullman and what other markets around the country made the cut.

Cullman Christkindlmarkt among ‘coolest’ in the country

Christkindlmarkt Day 2 @Blake Harbison 07 2 3 — (Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism)

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.

So it’s easy to see why the event gets so much national attention. Here’s what Travel + Leisure had to say:

“Cullman Christkindlmarkt began with just eight wooden huts and 5,000 visitors when it first opened in 2019. Now, it’s become a go-to holiday tradition for many, having welcomed over 415,000 people in 2025. Organizers have said it’s home to the world’s largest Schwibbogen—a traditional candlelit German holiday arch—modeled after the one in Dresden, Germany’s Christmas market.”
Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure

The Christkindlmarkt is an authentic German Christmas market honoring the heritage of Cullman’s founding families. Last year, the market included 23 food/drink vendors and 31 gift vendors.

Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit in 2026:

Location: Depot Park | 107 Arnold St NW, Cullman, AL 35055
Hours
- Nov. 19-Dec. 9: Thursday-Saturday, 11AM-9PM | Sunday, 12-8PM
- Dec. 10-23: Monday-Saturday, 11AM-9PM | Sunday, 12-8PM
- Closed on Thanksgiving
Website | Facebook | Instagram

“It’s festive and fun with a southern drawl. From the tallest Weihnachtspyramide in North America, to artisan vendors, to ice skating and, of course, food because it is the South, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Apryl Thomas, travel writer

435 0N3A2917 — (Cullman Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism)

10 Coolest Christmas Markets in the U.S.

“Europe may have more history when it comes to hosting fantastic Christmas markets, but that doesn’t mean the U.S. doesn’t know how to throw a great seasonal bash, too. These domestic festivals might not be set in a medieval square, but a handful of towns across the nation have imported the tradition so well that you may not know the difference.”
Travel + Leisure

Cullman was one of 10 markets around the country to make the list. It was joined by: