The Christkindlmarkt under the Festhalle at 2019 Christmas in Cullman.

The wet forecast for this weekend is staving off the start of what could be a new Christmas custom in Cullman — but only by a week.

The area’s first-ever Christkindlmarkt, an open-air shopping event themed after traditional German holiday street markets of the same name, has been delayed from its planned date this weekend at the Cullman Festhalle.

Instead, it’ll take take place one week later, operating as a two-day event on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18.

City parks officials said the delay gives Cullman’s 1st annual Christkindlmarkt a better chance for success, especially with current forecasts calling for rain on both Friday and Saturday this week.

“We have been keeping a very close eye on the forecast and unfortunately the weather is just not cooperating with us,” the department said in a release announcing the date change. “In an effort to keep everyone safe and make this event the best event possible, we have moved the market to December 17th and 18th.”

A new feature on Cullman’s Christmas schedule, Christkindlmarkt connects the area with its German past in a two-day outdoor shopping spree featuring handmade crafts, ornaments, and other unique gifts from local vendors. The parks department also has a slate of family-friendly holiday activities lined up for the event, including live entertainment from local high school bands and church choirs, as well as a ballet performance and a live nativity on both days.

There’ll also be authentic Glühwein mulled wine and hot chocolate to sip as you stroll, plus a chance for kids to make their own ornaments at Santa’s Workshop. Photos with Santa will also be available. Both the workshop and the photo opportunity will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday and run until 9 p.m., followed on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

For more information on Christkindlmarkt and other Christmas in Cullman events, visit www.christmasincullman.com.