The newly expanded Cullman Christkindlmarkt is on track to outpace last year’s attendance records two weeks after the month long attraction opened.

Attendance numbers peaked last year during the final week before Christmas with around 65,000 people visiting the market in the final three days alone. Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism estimated total attendance numbers to be nearly 200,000.

With its expanded footprint and longer list of attractions, CPRST have said the Christmas market has already attracted around 100,000 visitors within the two weeks since it opened with one of Alabama’s largest, and most elaborate, tree lighting ceremonies Friday, Nov. 21.

City of Cullman councilmember Clint Hollingsworth, said he believed the overwhelming majority of those visitors have been from people visiting from outside Cullman County during the Monday, Dec. 2, city council meeting.

“It’s been well received and exactly what we expected. Obviously the numbers have been incredible and we appreciate everybody’s efforts in setting up and getting everything going. It’s been a well-oiled machine for sure. The times that I’ve been there so far, probably 75 to 80 percent of the people I don’t recognize. It’s been impressive to see a lot of folks seeing our downtown and their experience in Cullman has been positive. It’s good to see families come to a safe, family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy,” Hollingsworth said.

The market’s is open between Thursday and Sunday during its first three weeks of operation. Beginning Thursday, Dec. 12, it will be open every day until Monday, Dec. 23.

The council also recognized three officers with the Cullman Police Department. Daniel Hunt, Intae Suh and John Mahler each received a promotion to Major of their respective divisions.

In other business the council awarded a bid to purchase a crew cab truck from Bill Smith Buick for $46,697.