I Road Trip To This Small Alabama Town Every Holiday Season And It’s Always Worth The Drive

I love to travel, but the one time of year I’m not a big fan is around the holidays. I’d much rather plan a cozy night in to enjoy my Christmas decorations and sip hot chocolate than battle crowds in airports or attempt to stuff a trillion layers and a winter coat into a carry-on. Once December is over, the spell lifts and I’m magically ready to hit the road (or the airways) again, but before then, you can find me enjoying home sweet home.

The one place I am willing, and am in fact excited, to travel each year is a tiny town by the name of Cullman, Alabama. The historic train town is home to just 20,000, but each holiday season it welcomes 20 times that number of visitors to its annual Christkindlmarkt. The German-style Christmas market honors the town’s German heritage and is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.

Cullman Christkindlmarkt

Running from the week before Thanksgiving through the day before Christmas Eve, the festival has taken place in Depot Park in the heart of downtown Cullman since 2019. Back then, there were just a few vendor booths and lots of good cheer. Today, the event draws visitors from across the South (and beyond) with 60 wooden vendor stalls selling artisan crafts and decor, authentic German cuisine, kids’ activities, a giant Ferris wheel, double-decker carousel, traditional music, an ice-skating ring, train, and the country’s tallest Christmas pyramid—a 40-foot-tall Weihnachtspyramide presiding over the whole thing.

I love wandering the stalls with a cup of hot mulled wine in hand, looking for the next hand-carved ornament to add to our tree. Maybe this year will be the year I’ll finally pull the trigger on a Christmas pyramid of my own. Last year, I stood in line to ride the Ferris wheel for the first time, and the views of all the lights and merriment from above was 100% worth the wait. Of course, I never leave the festival without trying as many German foods as possible. There’s everything from bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel to crepes, flammkuchen (German pizza), and cinnamon-sugar-coated chimney cakes.

What To Do In Cullman

I love to visit the festival in the late afternoon, so I can see it both during the daytime and in the dark for peak twinkling-light, magical appeal. After a long evening of merrymaking, I never want to ruin the mood with the hour drive back to Birmingham, so an overnight stay is in order. Luckily, Cullman is the perfect place for a weekend away.

My ideal weekend itinerary always includes a visit to Ava Maria Grotto, a one-of-a-kind art display made up of 125 small stone and cement structures created by a former monk at St. Bernard Abbey. It’s always fascinating to discover new details on the buildings along the two-block pathway. During the holidays, the place gets extra festive with dozens of twinkling lights illuminating the path and the structures.

It’s also worth doing some shopping at downtown boutiques, as well some at Southern Architectural Antiques, a treasure trove for decorators that’s both the state’s oldest and largest architectural store.

Don’t leave town without grabbing a pint at Goat Island Brewing. Head to the original production brewery for frequent live music and huge selection of beers, or enjoy their newer downtown spot with a dog-friendly patio and frequent small-batch pours.

Where To Eat In Cullman

I never leave Cullman without a stop at The Duchess Bakery, a family-run bakery that’s been a staple since 1939. If you spot someone with one of their iconic blue-and-white-striped bags, you know they’ve got something delicious inside. The spot whips up all kinds of goodies from cakes to cookies to pastries, but they’re best known for their classic yeast doughnuts. Order a dozen and save a few for the car ride home.

Another major reason I’m always eager to make a trip to Cullman is so I have an excuse to make a reservation at All Steak. Another longtime favorite, All Steak started as a Tennessee burger joint in 1934 before moving to Cullman four years later and transitioning into a steakhouse. Generations of locals have made this their special occasion spot thanks to the high-quality cuisine and the legendary orange rolls.

Where To Stay In Cullman

Small towns aren’t always lucky enough to have great accommodation options, but that’s not the case in Cullman. Book a room in the Flying Fifty, a downtown boutique hotel that’s named for 47 men who helped build Cullman’s community in its early days. With seven luxury suites, you won’t find a more comfortable place to rest your head. Another great option is to check Vrbo for a list of full home rentals perfect for larger groups or even just some extra room to stretch out.

Read the original article on Southern Living