Christmas is getting closer, and the Cullman City Council approved permits for two of the city’s annual holiday events during Monday night’s meeting.

The council approved a special event permit for its annual Christmas Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Nov. 22 in Depot Park from 4:30-10 p.m.

Registration for the parade will be at 4:30 p.m. and the parade will start at 6 p.m., with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony taking place once the parade is over, said Christy Turner, recreational development director for Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism.

She said along with the parade and lighting ceremony, there will also be a few other things planned to get the city in the Christmas spirit.

“There are a couple surprises in the works, so you won’t be disappointed in that event,” she said. 

Turner said the city will also be having a special sneak peek of the lighting on its newest Christmas display.

The city’s new 30-foot tall Christmas pyramid — located next to the Cullman County Museum — will be lit this Friday at 6 p.m. and will stay lit until the end of the Christmas Festival Sunday night.

The council also approved a special event request for Christmas in the Warehouse District, which is set for this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The annual event will feature food trucks, snow, carriage rides, Christmas cookies and Santa Claus.

In other business, the council:

Approved a special event request from Mandy Shae Riggins to hold a wedding at the Festhalle from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on April 5, 2020.

Approved a special event request from Jackie Cook Porter of Finder Keepers to have Family Christmas Caroling at 201 First Avenue SW on Nov. 9 from 3:45 to 8 p.m.

Passed Resolution No. 2020-07 to amend the position control detail for the City of Cullman.

Passed Ordinance No. 2020-05 to establish Reinspection and Plan Review Fees for the Building Department.

Passed Resolution No. 2020-08 to enter into an agreement with UNUM to provide supplemental insurance coverage for employees.

Passed Resolution No. 2020-09 to enter into an agreement with Benetech Administrators to administer employee cafeteria plan.