By Brittany Woodby

BWOODBY@CULLMANTIMES.COM

Break out the sweaters and gift lists. This weekend is the start of Cullman’s holiday shopping season with the 22nd Annual Christmas in Cullman event.

The event, sponsored by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature live entertainment, prizes and more than 55 local merchants.

“This is a chance to highlight our local businesses and give them the opportunity to promote their items and their stores before everyone runs off for Thanksgiving shopping sprees in Birmingham and Huntsville,” said Matt Kilpatrick, manager of business development and research for the chamber.

Christmas in Cullman will begin Saturday at 10 a.m. and last until 6 p.m. and continue on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We’re going to have entertainment all day, both days,” Kilpatrick said. “We will have stages set up at the Festhalle Farmers Market, one on the corner of U.S. Highway 31 by Wachovia and one at Cullman Shopping Center.”

Even kids will have the chance to get into the Christmas spirit. Santa Claus himself will be on hand to hear Christmas wishes at Festhalle and train rides will be available at Depot Park.

Kilpatrick said there will also be games and prizes for adults.

“We’re also doing bingo cards at the merchants and if you fill up your card get a chance to win $100 shopping spree,” he said. “Everyone can get a card from any merchant and fill it up. Then they will be able to drop that card off for the drawing.”

The stop for a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown will be at the corner of 1st Avenue Northeast and 2nd Street Southeast to complete the Christmas setting.

Kilpatrick said the chamber is encouraging visitors to park at the parking deck behind the chamber of commerce and take the chamber’s complimentary shuttle to their favorite shops.

“This will help us out with parking and congestion downtown,” he said.

For more information, contact the chamber of commerce at 734-0454.