Helen, Georgia, is the quintessential Christmas town when the holidays come rolling in. Once its Bavarian homes are adorned with colorful fairy lights, they transform into heartwarming gingerbread houses of the Christmas villages we read about in storybooks. This town in Northeast Georgia, tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was once a Cherokee Indian settlement. It was transformed into a charming Alpine town in 1968 to revitalize its former timber and gold mining industry. This tiny town leaves a massive impact on its visitors with its lovely Bavarian architecture, German-influenced food, drinks, traditions, and of course, the merriest Christmas festivals! Even those who don’t celebrate Christmas will find something fun and exciting in this charming Appalachian town. Scroll down and find a handy list of the top things to do at Christmas in Helen, Georgia.
1. Have a fun shopping experience at Helen Christkindlmarkt
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A traditional German event, the 12th Annual Christkindlmarkt in downtown #AlpineHelenGA offers everything from unique...
Posted by Alpine Helen · White County Convention & Visitors Bureau on Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Helen Christkindlmarkt or Helen’s Christmas Market is open during the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December every year. This old-fashioned German event is held in Alpine Helen’s Downtown Marktplatz where the movie “Christmas Love Letter” was filmed.
Stroll down cobbled lanes lined with stores selling unique gifts that you can give your loved ones for Christmas. You can smell the scent of freshly baked cookies, assorted sweets, candied treats, and savory drinks such as mulled wine. Here, you’ll also find a bevy of Christmas decorations to adorn your home. There are restaurants, too, serving authentic German cuisine and stalls selling sausages and pretzels.
Helen Christkindlmarkt
Address: 1074 Edelweiss Helen, GA 3054
Website: Helen Christkindlmarkt
Opening hours: Nov 26, 2022 & Dec 3, 2022: 11am - 7pm; Nov 27, 2022 & Dec 4, 2022: 11am - 5pm
Price: Free admission
2. Join Helen's Annual Christmas Parade for a fun time
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It tried to rain on our parade...so we moved it to the next weekend. Join us this Saturday, (12/18) at 2 PM in downtown #AlpineHelenGA for the annual Helen Christmas Parade.
Posted by Alpine Helen · White County Convention & Visitors Bureau on Monday, December 13, 2021
In Helen, the Christmas Parade is a tradition that must happen yearly – rain or shine! It is a big event where the big boss of the elves, Santa Claus, makes a special appearance to delight all attendees. This small town pulls all the bells and whistles for this grand parade. There will be fire trucks, soldiers on horses, one-of-a-kind floats, and dirt buggies creating a joyful sight. To get the best view, find a spot opposite the downtown Gazebo.
Helen's Annual Christmas Parade
Address: Downtown Helen Main Street, Helen, GA 30545
Website: Helen’s Annual Christmas Parade
Opening hours: Dec 10, 2022: 2 pm
Price: Free admission
3. Experience a thrilling ride on the Georgia Mountain Coaster
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Georgia Mountain Coaster on Monday, February 22, 2021
Indulge in a different thrill this Christmas by riding Georgia’s very first alpine coaster. You start off by riding a tiny, open-air coaster that fits exactly two passengers. You will ride the coaster strapped to the seat with your legs stretched out in front.
The coaster will start from the station at the top of the mountain and rush down steel tracks that go winding in and around the mountain and woods. Night rides are also available to make your experience even more magical. At some points, a candid snapshot of you will be taken as a souvenir from the ride. You can also purchase stickers and apparel at the main station if you want more memorabilia for the heart-pounding ride.
Georgia Mountain Coaster
Address: 8409 South Main Street, Helen, GA, United States, 30545
Website: Georgia Mountain Coaster
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 7:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Price: From 6 USD
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4. Feel the Christmas spirit with the Annual Lighting of the Village
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mark your calendars for next month's Annual Lighting of the Village, a North Georgia tradition and the kick-off of our holiday season! https://bit.ly/2bCgRbC
Posted by Alpine Helen · White County Convention & Visitors Bureau on Monday, October 29, 2018
The Annual Lighting of the Village signifies the start of the holiday season in Helen, GA. The event begins with live performances by local musical groups. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus grace Riverside Park with their presence and begin the event by mingling with the eager village children. The meet and greet happen from 5 pm to 7 pm before they start the lighting ceremony. This event truly kickstarts the festivities of Christmas in Helen.
Annual Lighting of the Village
Address: 1074 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545 United States
Website: Annual Lighting of the Village
Opening hours: Nov 25, 2022: 5pm - 7pm
Price: Free
5. Enjoy a fun afternoon of shopping at The Christmas Shoppe
The Christmas Shoppe used to be open all year round to bring Christmas cheer. Currently, they operate from May to December on a seasonal basis. You’ll find all sorts of Christmas décor, which are mostly German-inspired. There are snow globes, matryoshka dolls, Steinbach nutcrackers, handmade Santa Claus figurines, lava candles, and all sorts of ornaments to bring in the Christmas cheer.
You won’t miss this cute shop on Main St. A huge red Santa statue is waiting by the door to greet visitors. You can take a selfie with him or ride on his sleigh, placed nearby.
Shopping at The Christmas Shoppe
Address: 8749 N Main St Helen, GA 30545
Website: Shopping at The Christmas Shoppe
Opening hours: Sun, Mon, & Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: Free admission
Have a merry Christmas in Helen
If you want a different kind of Christmas then visit Helen, Georgia. Their unique, German-inspired way of celebrating Christmas is something everyone will enjoy. If you follow this list of things to do in Helen during Christmas, you’re sure to have a memorable holiday in this Alpine town.
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