Cullman makes Hallmark’s Top 25 Christmas town finalists

Cullman, Alabama, has advanced to the Top 25 in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest, putting the city in contention for a national holiday title. Public voting runs through Sept. 4, and local leaders are urging residents, businesses and visitors to vote daily.

Why it matters: - Cullman’s Top 25 finish gives the city national visibility and could help draw more holiday travelers to the area. - Local leaders say the contest is also a boost for downtown businesses, hotels, restaurants and shops during the Christmas season. - The contest outcome could reinforce Cullman’s growing reputation as a holiday destination tied to its German heritage and community traditions.

What happened: - Hallmark named Cullman one of 25 finalists in its Merriest Christmas Town Contest. - Public voting is open through Sept. 4. - Supporters can vote once every day during the voting period at Hallmark’s contest website. - Mayor Woody Jacobs and County Chairman Jeff Clemons urged people across Cullman County and Alabama to vote.

The details: - Christmas in Cullman transforms the city’s historic downtown each holiday season with decorated storefronts, glowing rooftops, a large Christmas tree and holiday events. - The Cullman Christkindlmarkt is part of the celebration and honors the heritage of the community’s founding families. - Last Christmas season, more than 415,000 visitors came to experience Christmas in Cullman. - Cullman Area Tourism Director Harmony Heard said the event now puts Cullman in front of a national audience. - CPRST Executive Director Nathan Anderson said the Top 25 spot is an honor and a chance to tell Cullman’s story to the country.

Between the lines: - The contest is about more than decorations. Local officials are framing it as proof that the community can rally around a shared identity and turn that into economic activity. - The event has grown from a local holiday tradition into a regional draw with measurable tourism impact. - Hallmark recognition can amplify that momentum if Cullman converts online attention into votes and future visits.

What’s next: - Cullman’s campaign now depends on daily public voting through Sept. 4. - City and county leaders are asking residents, former residents, businesses, schools, churches and visitors to share the contest and vote. - If Cullman advances, the city will keep competing for Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town title.

The bottom line: - Cullman is one of 25 towns still in the running, and the next step is simple: vote every day until Sept. 4.