Christmas at the Grotto: ‘There’s something here that brings peace’

CULLMAN,

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Ala. – Christmas at the Grotto has officially returned for its seventh year, inviting visitors into  a peaceful, artistic and spiritually centered holiday experience at the beautiful Ave Maria Grotto.  

What started as a small experiment in 2019 has grown into a beloved seasonal tradition. 

Ave Maria Grotto Director Roger Steele introduced nighttime lighting in his first year on the job, opening the Grotto for just a few evenings.  

“It went over fairly well…the next year I did it again, and we put lights on the entire park,” Steele said. “It grew that year, and by the third or fourth year, it really started to kind of take off.” 

Each year, the event expands, adding new features such as a towering star, nativity displays, Santa visits, Johnny’s Bar-B-Q and horse-drawn wagon rides, some of which will be returning this year on the special weekend of Dec. 12–13.  

Steele said his goal is to enhance the Grotto’s beauty. Given that the site is considered one of the country’s most significant works of folk art, the goal is to complement the sculptures rather than overshadow them.  

“This isn’t just a Christmas event. This is a destination,” he said. “We’re trying to make it a work of art by emphasizing the works of art.” 

The holiday display is created almost entirely by Steele, his wife and their son. The three spend five to six weeks installing lighting, electrical infrastructure and warm-toned decorations. New this year are large metal cutouts of trees and deer, backlit along the exit ramp and other previously undecorated areas. Visitors looking to escape the cold can also enjoy a new art show under the gift shop.         

Many guests return for more than the lights. Steele said the Grotto often touches visitors on a personal or spiritual level.  

“People have come in with tears,” he said. “Whether you’re Christian or not, there’s something here that brings peace.” 

Christmas at the Grotto 

• Dec. 4-7, Dec. 11-23 | 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., Thursday-Saturday and noon-8 p.m., Sundays; lights on at 5 p.m.

• Admission: Adults $12 | Seniors $10 | Military/first responders $9 | Teens (13–17) $10 | Kids (5–12) $9 | Kids 4 and younger FREE | Wagon rides (Dec. 12-13 only) $5.

• Don’t miss the Grotto’s BIG weekend Dec. 12-13! Live music, food trucks, horse-drawn wagon rides and Santa!

The Ave Maria Grotto is located at 1600 St. Bernard Dr. SE in Cullman. Get more information at www.avemariagrotto.com.