Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to children, young and old alike, in Helen, Georgia, on Friday. They were among the thousands who attended the annual Lighting of the Village. Decorated with 8,000 lights and 800+ ornaments, the 20-foot-tall tree and the entire town are dressed up and will be illuminated every night until February.
Friday’s village lighting was just the beginning of the festivities in Alpine Helen.
Helen’s annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz takes place November 25-26 and December 2-3. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks, and candied treats.
And the Christmas fun doesn’t end there.
At the nearby Hardman Farm State Historic Site in Sautee-Nacoochee, visitors can enjoy a Victorian Christmas. See the manor dressed in period holiday décor while learning about traditions from docents in their finest 1870s garb. This open house from 4-7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, from December 1-16, is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music.
Also, the Sautee-Nacoochee Cultural Center will host its Holiday Stroll evenings from December 15 to January 6.
Calendar of Events
Friday, November 24, 2023 5-7 p.m.
Annual Lighting of the Village
Edelweiss River Park, Helen, Georgia
706-878-2181
On Friday, November 25, the colorful Bavarian village of Helen lights up for a magical holiday season with a huge Christmas tree as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Riverside Park. Musical performances by local groups will entertain and children are invited to meet with Santa from 5 to 7 p.m.
November 25-26, 2023
Christkindlmarkt on the Marktplatz
1074 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, Georgia
706-878-1908
No need to visit Frankfurt or Heidelberg for an authentic shopping experience. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. Sponsored by The Helen Chamber of Commerce.
December 1-16, 2023
A Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm
Hardman Farm Historic Site, 143 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
706-878-1077
Come see the Mansion at West End in period holiday decor and learn about Victorian Christmas traditions from docents dressed in festive 1870’s garb. Across the street is the landmark gazebo topped Indian mound. Open house Friday and Saturday nights in December is highlighted by twinkling candle lights, live music. Outside are wagon rides, caroling and s’mores. Check website for admission fee, no charge for children 5 and under.
December 2, 2023
5-8 p.m.
Annual Christmas in the Mountains and Lighted Parade
Cleveland Courthouse Square, Cleveland, Georgia 30528
706-865-5356
The Christmas in the Mountains and Lighted Parade in Cleveland will be held from 5-8 p.m., with the parade scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The event features a holiday market in the Cleveland downtown square and Merry Merchants Open Houses
December 2-3, 2023
Christkindlmarkt on the Marktplatz
1074 Edelweiss Strasse
Helen, Georgia
706-878-1908
Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German event that offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats.
December 9, 2023
2 p.m.
Annual Helen Christmas Parade
Main Street, Helen, Georgia
706-878-2181
Downtown Helen lights up as the Annual Christmas Parade makes its way through the streets with hand-crafted and beautifully designed floats, German Christmas characters, music and dance on Saturday December 9, 2023 at 2 p.m. This don’t-miss family and friends event is a generational tradition.
