
About
Cullman Christkindlmarkt
Attendance:
2024: 360,000+
2025: 415,000+
Dates:
November 19 - December 23, 2026
Location:
Depot Park
309 1st Ave NE, Cullman, AL 35055
Cullman Christkindlmarkt is inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and celebrates Cullman’s deep German heritage during the holiday season. Held over several weeks in downtown Cullman, the market features handcrafted vendors, traditional food and drink, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions set within a walkable winter village. With immersive theming, seasonal programming, and thousands of lights, Cullman Christkindlmarkt has grown into one of the largest Christkindlmarkts in the United States, welcoming visitors from across the Southeast.
A free multi-week holiday market transforming downtown Cullman into a festive winter destination. Cullman Christkindlmarkt features dozens of artisan vendors, themed vendor villages, German-inspired food and beverages, daily entertainment, children’s activities, and nightly light displays. Rooted in Old World tradition and scaled for a modern audience, the market offers a holiday experience unlike any other in the region.
Festival Vendor Categories
Please select the category that best describes the primary products you intend to sell. Festival organizers use these categories to ensure a balanced and diverse vendor mix.
The gauges below show how much space remains in each vendor category. A lower percentage means more availability — once a category reaches 100%, it's full and there are no more placements for that vendor type.
Application Process
1. Submit Application
- All vendors must complete the appropriate application form based on their vendor type. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline to be considered. All application fees are non-refundable.
- Thorough and detailed applications with standout photography that shows your vending in the best way possible is highly favored.
2. Jury Selection
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of jurors. Selection is based on the quality of work and the overall diversity of the show. Past participation in Cullman Christkindlmarkt does not guarantee acceptance.
- Jurors will make selections based entirely on the sample photographs submitted and the description of your work provided in your application.
- Vendors offering high-quality products that align with the Christkindlmarkt theme will be given priority.
3. Notified of Approval or Denial
- Applicants are notified of Acceptance into Cullman Christkindlmarkt by [date coming soon] and have until [date coming soon] to accept and sign agreement.
- Booth placement and selection are final and determined by the festival committee.
- Sales will take place on November 19 - December 23, 2026.
- Vendor check-in and setup will occur on [date coming soon]. Additional details will be provided after vendor selection.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: June 16, 2026
- Application Deadline: July 3, 2026
- Jury Review Begins: July 6, 2026
- Jury Review Ends: July 31, 2026
- Vendor Notification Date: July 31, 2026
- Accept Invitation & Purchase Deadline: August 7th, 2026
- Event Dates: November 19 - December 23, 2026
🟢 Vendor Applications are Open
Applications Open June 16, 2026.
Use the electricity calculator to help get an accurate estimate of total electricity needs/usage.
Fee Structure
All vendor fee structures, payment schedules, and related financial information will be provided to vendors upon acceptance into the 2026 Cullman Christkindlmarkt. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the event. Accepted vendors will receive a detailed Vendor Information Packet outlining all applicable fees, deadlines, and participation requirements.
Craft Vendors (non-food vendors)
- Jury/Application Fee: $25 Non-refundable
- Single Booth Fee: $300 - Includes one 10'x10' white tent (no outside tents allowed)
- Electricity Fee: $25 (limited availabilty)
Food Vendors
- Jury/Application Fee: $50 Non-refundable
- Placeholder Fee: $250
- Revenue Share:
- local vendors (Cullman address): 15% of all sales
- non-local vendors: 20% of all sales
Vendor Guidelines & Policies
Vendor Eligibility
- Informational companies, political organizations, and service-only businesses will not be accepted.
- Vendors must offer fun, unique, and high-quality products that enhance the overall festival experience.
Application & Fees
- Application fees and jury fees are non-refundable.
- No refunds will be issued for vendor cancellations received after October 1, 2025.
Vendor Selection & Booth Placement
- All vendor applications are subject to review and approval by the festival committee.
- Booth placement and selection are determined solely by the festival committee and are final.
- Organizers reserve the right to relocate vendors whose displays are unattractive, oversized, unsafe, or otherwise non-compliant with festival standards.
Festival Dates & Hours
- Sales Dates: November 19 – December 23
Operating Hours:
- Thursday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Closed Thanksgiving Day
- Beginning December 10, vendors will be open 7 days per week.
Attendance Requirements
- Vendors must remain open and staffed during all festival operating hours.
- Vendors who close early, open late, or leave before the event concludes may be disqualified from future festivals.
- All booths must be fully set up before opening day. Late setup and early breakdown are not permitted.
Check-In & Setup
- Vendor check-in and setup information will be communicated once huts are ready for occupancy.
- Additional setup details and instructions will be provided upon acceptance into the festival.
Weather Policy
- This is an outdoor event. Vendors must be prepared to operate in all weather conditions.
- There are no rain dates and no weather-related refunds will be issued.
Security & Liability
- All products, inventory, equipment, and displays are the sole responsibility of the vendor.
- Festival organizers are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
- Overnight security will be provided, and police officers will be present during operating hours; however, vendors assume all risk for their property.
- Vendors are required to carry their own liability insurance.
Sales & Products
- Vendors may only sell products that were submitted and approved during the application and jury process.
- Sales tax information and reporting requirements will be provided upon acceptance.
- Subleasing, sharing, or transferring booth space is strictly prohibited.
Agreement
- By submitting an application, vendors acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with all festival rules, regulations, and policies.
- No informational companies will be accepted. Vendors must offer fun and unique products that enhance the festival experience.
- Only one vendor per multi-level marketing (MLM) company will be accepted. Prior approval is required. Please email specialevents@cullmanrecreation.org.
- Payment of booth fees constitutes an agreement to participate. Booths will not be reserved without full payment.
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after COMING SOON.
- Booth placement and selection are final and determined by the festival committee.
- Sales will take place Thursday October 1, Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2026.
- Vendor check-in and setup will occur Thursday, April 23. Additional details will be provided after selection.
- Vendors must remain open during all festival hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Vendors leaving early will be disqualified from future events.
- A white 10' x 10' tent with sidewalls is provided. Vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, lighting, and equipment.
- This is an outdoor event. Vendors must be prepared for inclement weather. No rain date or weather-related refunds.
- Vendors must park only in designated vendor parking areas.
- All products and displays are at the vendor’s own risk. Festival organizers are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
- Vendors must carry their own liability insurance.
- Sales tax information will be provided upon acceptance or at check-in.
- Organizers reserve the right to relocate vendors whose displays are unattractive, oversized, or non-compliant.
- Vendors may sell only items approved during the jury process.
- Subleasing of booths is strictly prohibited.
- All booths must be fully set up before the festival opens. Late setup or early breakdown is not permitted.
- Application and jury fees are non-refundable.
Vendor Code of Conduct
Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism (CPRST) asks all vendor to help promote a safe, fun, and respectful environment.
- Treat staff, volunteers, fellow vendors, and attendees with respect.
- Follow all event rules and regulations.
- Cooperate with event staff and operations.
- Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
- Promote a safe, fun, and healthy festival environment.
Failure to comply may result in:
- Verbal Warning
- Removal from event

