Helen, Georgia is a small town area that you probably wouldn’t expect a giant Christmas celebration out of. Well, think again! They have some pretty awesome Christmas-themed activities that you can do each year in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is known for its scenic surroundings, vineyards, and visually appealing alpine features.
The town also has a pretty historic background. In 1969, when the town decided to redesign the area, an artist stationed in Germany drew up a more European facelift for the town to use, and local carpenters and businesses were all over the idea. Nearly 50 years later, the town still wears the same German-influenced design proudly!
The Lighting of the Village
The celebration kicks off with The Lighting of the Village on Friday, November 24th of each year. The kickoff features performances from local music groups and ‘Santa and Mrs. Claus’ light up the town center with beautiful Christmas lights.
Hardman Farm Historic State Site Tours
The town hosts a Hardman Farm Historic State Site tour on Friday and Saturday nights, which begins the weekend after Thanksgiving. During this part of the celebration, participants in the tours can view the historic town dressed historic holiday decor! A lot of the decorations give nods to the Victorian era holiday traditions.
Christmas in the Mountains Festival & Lighted Parade
The weekend of December 2nd is when the Christmas in the Mountains Festival and Lighted Parade takes place, just a town over in Cleveland, GA! You can expect to see the entire Christmas gang present at this event; Santa, his elves, and a slew of others!
The Christkindlmarkt
A traditional German festivity, it is held on the first two weekends of December. The event has booths where you can shop for gifts, decor, and some pretty delicious treats as well!
Annual Christmas Parade
The Annual Christmas Parade features the one and only Kris Kringle himself making his way through town, starting at downtown Helen and ending at Festhalle on Edelweiss St. The parade is then followed by a bonfire and s’mores. What a perfect, cozy way to end a parade!
While it’s no secret that each state and respective towns have their own ways of lighting up the Christmas season, it’s clear that Helen, GA takes it to a whole new level. Be sure to check it out if you can!
Please SHARE this article if you’re as excited for Christmas as the town of Helen, GA is!