The 25th annual Christmas in Cullman open house adorned the City of Cullman with holiday cheer on Saturday as shoppers got a jump on their seasonal shopping.

Following the kick off Christmas Parade early Saturday, several attractions drew crowds to the downtown districts of Cullman. Holiday music filled the air on every city block in Cullman throughout the day. At the Festhalle Market Platz traditional holiday tunes were played from a central stage and several blocks away at Weiss Cottage carolers and children’s performances entertained crowds all day.

Several “Santa” spottings took place throughout the day, 2-year-old Kelsey Shipp was a bit uneasy as he approached her. She quickly changed her mind as he reached into his bag of goodies and presented a grape lollipop.

“She’s been wanting to see old Ho Ho all day,” said her father Jeff Shipp. “Now she’s being shy.”

“Santa” spent the day handing out candy to children around town and said that he really enjoyed Christmas in Cullman.

“This is really a great day in Cullman, and a great day to support local businesses,” said “Santa”. “I have met nothing but great kids today, one little girl was a little cranky— but she just needed a nap,” adding all little boys and girls get a second chance.

Large crowds were present throughout Cullman taking advantage of sales and specials offered by local merchants. There were also opportunities to check out some gift ideas that make a difference.

Maggie’s Haven, a Bethel community based organization specializing in animal adoptions and rescue, was set up at the Festhalle Market Platz with several dogs and puppies who are currently up for adoption.

Most local merchants were optimistic that the crowds on Saturday will be a sign of a healthy holiday shopping season despite trying economic times. Some shoppers agreed that Cullman’s charm is enough to bring them to the area for holiday shopping.

“I love to come to Cullman to hit up all of the wonderful specialty shops,” said Martha Hamley who said she drove from Decatur to visit Christmas in Cullman. “I lived in Cullman years and years ago, and I always make a point to come and visit during Christmas in Cullman.”

Several food vendors were set up throughout town during Christmas in Cullman, selling everything from lemonade to funnel cakes. When asked if she had found any wonderful treasures during her day of shopping, Fairview’s Baylee Johnson, 8, held up a funnel cake covered in powdered sugar.

“I got this,” she said with wide eyes.

Christmas in Cullman will continue throughout the day today at several locations throughout the city.

Sunday schedule of events:

Sunday, November 14th

 * 9 am - 5 pm  Ave Maria Grotto at 1600 St. Bernard Avenue SE

Tours & Merchandise Sales

  * 0 am - 4 pm  The Candle Garden at 1011 2nd Avenue SW

Two Men A Smokin’: Whole Pork Lions & Chicken. Children will receive a Small Surprise & Snapshots with Santa Claus. Refreshments & Door Prizes

  * 12 pm - 4 pm  Cullman Art Guild in Downtown Cullman - Sculptures, Paintings, Art & Pottery

  * 1 pm - 4 pm  FUNZONE at 309 1st Avenue NE (Depot Park) - Train Rides

  * 2 pm - 4 pm  Truffles at 407 2nd Avenue SW

The Heritage Ringers from St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church

 * 1 pm - 5 pm  Bella Faire’ Day Spa & Salon—Chair Massages, Hair Styling with Scalp Massage & Makeup Consult with a Purchase of Bare Essentials Makeup Kit - Storewide Sale

  * Brooks’ Place- The Child Advocacy Center of Cullman, Inc. “Parade of Trees” in the Warehouse District - Silent Auction

  * Bubble Gum & Blue Jeans, Inc. at 320 1st Avenue SE - * “Make & Take” Christmas Ornaments

  * Crossroads Counseling & Consulting at 300 1st Avenue SE, Suite 208 (St. John Building)

Massages - *Rest & Relaxation Station: Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Christmas Music & Drawings for a Massage & Mental Health Consultation

  * Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Cullman

25th Annual T-Shirts

  * Fancy Traveling Carriage Service at 117 2nd Avenue SE (North Alabama Medical Associates PC)—Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

  * Food Vendors in Downtown Cullman

  * The Shops at 3rd Street Promenade at 216A 3rd Street SE—Case Graham “Sounds of the Season” on Acoustic Guitar Performance Door Prizes & Giveaways at 2PM & 4PM Registration: November 6-November 14.

* Sam Rolley can be reached by e-mail at srolley@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 225.