The Ave Maria Grotto has long been one of the Cullman area’s top stopping-off spots for tourists and residents alike, but the Christmas season offers a rare chance to tour the Grotto in a whole new way — and with a cup of hot cider on the side.

This year’s fifth annual Christmas at the Grotto is in full swing from now until Dec. 27, putting the detailed miniature works of Brother Joseph Zoettl under holiday lights that showcase the beauty of his creations on the grounds of Cullman’s St. Bernard Abbey.

Made and curated through a painstaking 50-year span, the Grotto replicates in miniature iconic religious structures (such as St. Peter’s basilica in Rome) from around the world, but its charms take on a different dimension at night. Conceived five years ago as a new way to celebrate the season, Christmas at the Grotto adds music and light to set the scene for a holiday experience that, for the first time this year, will feature train rides for kids.

Alongside the event’s customary refreshments (including that complimentary cider), the weekend of Dec. 15 and 16 also will feature even more to see and do, from food trucks to horse-drawn wagon rides around the St. Bernard campus to even a visit from Old St. Nick himself.

Admission to the Christmastime experience is $10 per person for adults and free for children under the age of 4, with discounted rates for teens, children, military veterans, and seniors. Check the list of dates below to plan your visit, and visit the Grotto’s website at avemariagrotto.com for more information.

Christmas at the Grotto dates and times begin this week:

• Nov. 30: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)

• Dec. 1 & 2: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)
• Dec. 8, 9, & 10: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)
• Dec. 14: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)
• Dec. 15 & 16: 5-9 p.m. (food trucks, kids’ rides, wagon rides, Santa Claus)
• Dec. 21, 22, & 23: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)
• Dec. 26 & 27: 5-9 p.m. (kids’ rides)
• Wagon rides on Dec 15 & 16 — $5 per rider
• Kids’ rides every night — $3 per child