Christmas in Helen

November, December
Helen does Christmas right! The village architecture and holiday lights are so lovely visitors come from all over to see the Annual Lighting of the Village, Lighted Parades and Christkindlmarkt! Enjoy German beer and cuisine, live music, shop for German-styled Christmas gifts, Appalachian arts, and award winning wines from our local vineyards!

Christmas in Helen

(photo: Alpine Helen / White County Convention & Visitors Bureau) Lifetime Christmas movies “Christmas Love Letter” and “A Taste of Christmas” were filmed here, and the town is consistently noted as a top holiday destination for lights, festivities and fun! Join us for the annual Lighting of the Village, Parades and Christkindlmarkt!

Annual Lighting of the Village

November 24 Downtown Helen Annual Lighting of the Village The Annual Lighting of the Village marks the beginning of the holiday season in Helen. At 6pm decorated with 8,000 lights and 800+ ornaments, the 20-foot-tall tree and the entire town will be dressed up and illuminated every night until February 20th. Musical performances by local groups will precede Santa and Mrs. Claus' arrival and children are invited to meet with Santa from 5:00 to 7PM.

Annual Christkindlmarkt

November - December Downtown Marketplatz, Helen Annual Christkindlmarkt   A traditional German event that offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats.

Annual Christmas in the Mountains Lighted Parade and Festival

December   Downtown Cleveland Christmas in the Mountains Parade An Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Mountains in Downtown Cleveland. Christmas carols, hot cocoa and cookies, kids activities, arts & crafts, food booths & more! (photo: White County Chamber of Commerce)

Annual Helen Christmas Parade

December Main Street, Helen  Helen Christmas Parade Expect big things...and yes, the Big Man -Santa himself- will be there. Rain or shine! This is such a fun small-town parade with fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, unique floats, and TONS of candy! The best place to be is across the street from the Downtown Gazebo!

Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm

December Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, Ga Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm Horse-drawn wagon rides, traditional Christmas decorations and homemade sorghum Christmas cookies beckon visitors to a Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm State Historic Site. Step back in time to a Christmas party in 1877 and come see the Mansion at West End decked in gorgeous period holiday decor, and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from reenactors in period dress. This open house on Friday and Saturday nights in December is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, live music, smores around the campfire and more!

Dropping of the Edelweiss

December 31st Helen Festhalle 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen  Dropping of the Edelweiss Come help us bring in the New Year with music, food, fun, party hats, dancing and the annual Dropping of the Edelweiss! Light Hors d'oeuvres, party favors and Midnight Champagne Toast. Family Friendly!