CULLMAN — The city of Cullman unveiled a record-breaking architectural landmark last month as part of the rapidly expanding Cullman Christkindlmarkt.
Standing 20 feet, 4 inches tall and spanning 47 feet, 5 inches wide, the new walk-on Christmas arch surpasses the scale of Dresden’s famed Schwibbogen — a marquee attraction in a city internationally recognized as the birthplace of Germany’s Christmas-market traditions.
“This arch is more than a structure — it’s a symbol of who we are,” Mayor Woody Jacobs said. “It honors our founding heritage, strengthens our downtown, and creates a sense of wonder for every family who visits the Christkindlmarkt.
“I’m grateful for the extraordinary work of our (Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism) team and the shared vision that made this possible.”
Commissioned by Jacobs and the Cullman City Council, the arch was constructed by CPRST under the project leadership of John Caples, David Caples, and Kyle Clark, with engineering led by Erica York.
The structural steel — which also forms the elevated walkway allowing guests panoramic views of the market — was fabricated by Apel Machine, while CPRST craftsmen built the wooden façade. The handcrafted figurines and candles adorning the arch were crafted and imported from Erzgebirgische Holzkunst Gahlenz, the same German artisans who produced Cullman’s iconic Christmas pyramid.
As a city founded by German settlers, Cullman has long embraced the traditions and symbols that define European Christmas markets. Leaders said this new structure honors those traditions while creating a uniquely American expression of them.
“Dresden’s Schwibbogen is a beloved symbol of German Christmas culture,” said Nathan Anderson, executive director of CPRST. “Creating an arch that pays tribute to that history while giving families here an experience that once required international travel is something our entire team is incredibly proud of.
“This piece reflects Cullman’s ingenuity, pride, hard work, and creativity, and it will serve our community for generations.”
At the south entrance of Depot Park, the arch serves as the signature feature of the market’s newest expansion. Visitor growth continues to accelerate at historic levels, with projections topping 400,000 attendees this season and an anticipated $35 million in direct economic impact.
“It has been incredible to watch Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt grow and evolve over the past few years,” said City Council member and Tourism Chair David Moss Jr. “What began as a small event celebrating our German heritage has quickly become a major attraction for our community. With the addition of the new Christmas Arch, we are seeing that excitement reach a whole new level. Families want their friends and relatives from out of town to experience it with them, and many are already planning their holiday visits around the market’s schedule.
“I truly believe this will become an annual tradition for our community as families gather in Cullman each year to celebrate Christmas together, with the arch becoming a landmark they look forward to sharing.”
Emphasizing the national significance of Cullman’s achievement, Anderson said, “Across the country, communities are rediscovering the joy of European-style Christmas markets. Cullman is not only participating in that movement — we’re helping define what it can look like in the United States.”
Schwibbogen arches have been central to German Christmas celebrations since the 1700s, representing light, hope, and community during winter months. By creating the world’s largest walk-on interpretation of this tradition, Cullman offers American audiences a rare cultural experience previously available only in Europe.
The arch will return annually as a permanent feature of the Christkindlmarkt, joining the 40-foot Christmas pyramid, life-sized advent calendar, ice rink, and a robust marketplace of international vendors.
The market is open throughout the holiday season, offering authentic food, artisan goods, live entertainment, and cultural experiences for visitors of all ages.
For schedules, vendor lists, and travel information, visit CullmanChristkindlmarkt.com.
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