Bundle up and enjoy some Christmas cheer Saturday when the annual Christmas Market and Festival returns to downtown Cullman. 

It’s one of a handful of Christmas-themed events this weekend for those in the Yuletide spirit, with Christmas parades in Good Hope and Holly Pond and two pancake breakfasts benefiting local charities.

Cullman Christian School is taking over the Christmas Market and Festival for its fourth year which was first established by St John’s Evangelical Protestant Church. Those interested in going can head over to the campus located at 708 Seventh St. S.W. from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will make a special stop to meet and take photos with boys and girls, and photo discs can be purchased for $5 each. Horse carriage rides will also be available. 

Children can head down “Candy Cane Lane” to play on free bounce houses, slides, obstacle course and other games or visit the “Elves Workshop” to get a snack, send a letter to Santa, make keepsake crafts, decorate a cookie and get some festive face art. Christmas characters will also be on hand to greet attendees.

The Dinckelberg Market will feature more than 50 local vendors for holiday shoppers to find that perfect gift or taste delicious treats. Live entertainment will be provided by the Cullman High Jazz Band, Wallace State Singers, Shannon McNeal and Avenue G.

Relay for Life Pancake breakfast

Relay for Life of Cullman County will hold a pancake breakfast from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Applebee’s, 2106 Cherokee Ave. in Cullman.

The $5 plates include two pancakes, sausage and drink (coffee, tea, water, Coke products, hot chocolate). Dine in or carry out. Visits and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will also be available. The suggested donation for photos is $5. Proceeds will go to Relay For Life of Cullman County.

For more information, contact Helen Allen at 256-709-4019.

Good Hope Christmas Parade

The City of Good Hope will hold their annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m.

Spectators should set up near city hall at the Jet Pep through to the churchyard near Good Hope schools. A Santa House, bouncy house and cookie house will be at city hall park with hayrides for all and a train ride for children. Hotdogs and soda will be served at the park for free.

Holly Pond Christmas Parade

The Holly Pond Civilian Club will host its annual Christmas parade at 4 p.m. Saturday.

It will begin at the Lion’s Club Park and continue by the school and on to Governor’s Park. Following the procession, the Town of Holly Pond and the Civilian Club will sponsor Christmas Cards in the Park at 5 p.m. at Governor’s Park.

Refreshments will be provided along with entertainment throughout the event. Luminaries will also be set up. Bring your camera because Santa may make an appearance.

Contact Councilwoman Gladys Wisener at 256-796-6782 for more information.

Pancake breakfast for hungry children

The Red Door Cafe, 324 4th Ave. SE, Cullman, will hold a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday.

The $5 plate includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea or Coke products, and portion of every sale will go to ALAbundant to feed hungry children in Cullman County. Kevin Webster, ALAbundant’s Artist of the Year and noted Birmingham Wildlife Artist will donate the painting you watch him create Saturday morning. 

Local artist, Kim Sellers Still, has donated “Christmas Angel” for the fundraiser. Both paintings will be sold in silent auction with 100 percent of the money raised to buy food for Cullman’s children in need. Claire Johnson, Premier Designs Jewelry will also offer the latest in fashion jewelry at the breakfast, donating all proceeds to ALAbundant.

Baileyton Christmas party

The Town of Baileyton will celebrate the holiday with a free community Christmas party from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Baileyton Senior Center. Everyone may come to enjoy hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks and sodas.