The annual Cullman City Christmas Parade will light up downtown this evening in a procession that opens a night of shopping and family activities.

Thousands of residents and visitors typically turnout for the parade, which starts at 6 p.m. at the Busy Bee Cafe and heads to Depot Park up First Avenue.

After the parade, attendees will find a variety of games and activities, live music, a live nativity scene, petting zoo, pictures with Santa Claus and a movie in the park. Many businesses will stay open late with special offers and sales for those seeking Christmas presents.

On Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Christmas sounds and sights will take over downtown, from a car show, live Christmas music, games and activities, pictures with Santa and carriage rides.

Shops will again offer sales and discounts for Christmas shoppers. Activities will take place at the Festhalle, the parking lot across from Moe’s Original BBQ and throughout downtown. For more information, go online to www.christmasincullman.org

Here some other upcoming events:

Winter Wonderland

Also beginning today is the 14th Annual Winter Wonderland Christmas Light Display at Sportsman Lake Park.

The animated Christmas light drive-thru display will be open 5-9 p.m. on weekdays and 5-10 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting, through Dec. 23. The attraction will be closed Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13.

Admission is $5 per vehicle. Victorian horse carriage rides are $4 per person. Santa Claus will also stop by to serve hot cocoa and candy canes.

For more information, call 256-734-3052, go online to www.cullmancountyparks.com or e-mail sportsman@co.cullman.al.us.

Cullman County Christmas Parade

The annual Civitan/Cullman County Christmas Parade will be at noon Saturday. The theme this year is “Honoring God, country and hometown heroes.” 

Holly Market at Cullman Civic Center

Cullman City Parks and Recreation will present the annual holiday-themed Holly Market, Friday and Saturday, at the Cullman Civic Center, 510 5th St. SW, Cullman. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Many vendors with various items, baked goods, etc.; also, kids’ activities on both days. Santa will make a special appearance from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, with free kids’ crafts and other festive activities. The Wallace State Singers will perform at 10:30 a.m.

For more information on this event or its vendors, contact the civic center office at 256-734-9157.

Christmas bazaar

Addington Chapel will hold a Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with arts and crafts booths and antiques for sale.

The church is located at 185 County Road 59, Bremen. Soups, bread, dessert and baked goods will be sold, and proceeds will go to the church’s building fund.

Christmas Tour of Homes

The Share Club of Cullman will present their annual Christmas Tour of Homes (six houses), from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are a $15 donation and are available at From the Heart, Hagan Realty, White Willow, Three Pears, The Added Touch, The Added Touch Too, Bill Smith Buick GMC, and any Share Club member. Proceeds to benefit Hospice of Cullman County and the Good Samaritan Health Clinic.