Cullman Power Board and Cullman Electric Cooperative Join Forces to Light Up Cullman County for Christmas
2026 Hometown Lights Contest offers $4,000 in cash prizes and a countywide holiday lights trail.
CULLMAN, Ala. — Cullman County is preparing to shine brighter this Christmas as Cullman Power Board and Cullman Electric Cooperative join forces to launch the 2026 Hometown Lights Contest, a countywide celebration of Christmas lights, creativity and community spirit.
Presented by Alabama Outdoor Lighting, the inaugural competition invites residents to decorate their homes and neighborhoods, compete for $4,000 in cash prizes and help create a festive holiday lights trail for families and visitors to enjoy.
The contest arrives during a standout year for Christmas in Cullman. This summer, the city of Cullman was named one of 25 finalists in Hallmark Channel’s 2026 Merriest Christmas Towns Contest, and the Cullman Christkindlmarkt was named the Alabama Tourism Department’s 2026 Event of the Year.
“Christmas has a special way of bringing people together, and that’s what this contest is all about,” said Allison Bright, CEO of Cullman Power Board. “We’re proud to partner with Cullman Electric Cooperative to celebrate the creativity, traditions and hometown pride that make our community special.”
Tim Culpepper, CEO of Cullman Electric Cooperative, emphasized the partnership’s community impact.
“Although we serve different areas, we share a commitment to the people who call Cullman County home,” Culpepper said. “We’re excited to bring our communities together and create a Christmas tradition families can enjoy for years to come.”
Five Ways to Win
The contest features five award categories:
Clark Griswold Award — $2,000: The most spectacular, over-the-top residential Christmas display.
Home for the Holidays Award — $1,000: The best traditional, elegant Christmas decorations.
Deck the Halls Award: A coordinated display involving five or more homes, with the winning group of homes receiving a private Winterhaus celebration at Cullman Christkindlmarkt.
Christmas Card Trail Award: Creative illuminated Christmas cards from residents, businesses, schools, churches and organizations, with a Winterhaus celebration for the winner.
People’s Choice Award — $1,000: The public’s favorite holiday display.
Beginning December 7, participating displays will be featured on an interactive Hometown Lights Trail map, allowing families to explore decorated homes and neighborhoods throughout Cullman County.
“We want everyone to feel like they can participate, whether they decorate with a few strands of lights or thousands,” said Brian Lacy, Vice President of Member Engagement & Communications at Cullman Electric Cooperative. “And for families who love driving around to see Christmas lights, we’re creating something special for them, too.”
The contest is made possible by presenting sponsor Alabama Outdoor Lighting, which specializes in professional Christmas lighting design and installation, offering homeowners a safer, easier way to bring their holiday visions to life.
How to Participate
Participation is free, with pre-registration closing November 23 and final entries due December 1. Winners will be announced December 7, when the Hometown Lights Trail launches. People’s Choice voting will follow later in December.
Residents are encouraged to register early and help make Cullman County brighter this Christmas.
For registration, contest rules and additional information, visit www.ChristmasInCullman.com.