The popular Northeast Georgia tourist town of Helen is making some adjustments to its holiday schedule this year due to the pandemic.
Officials announced this week they have canceled Helen’s annual Christmas Community Dinner and Dropping of the Edelweiss for New Year’s due to lack of space for social distancing. They’re also moving Helen’s popular annual Lighting of the Village celebration away from the downtown area so that people can safely socially distance.
Light displays, markets, and more
Helen will usher in the Christmas holiday by turning on its popular city-wide light display the day after Thanksgiving. This year’s Lighting of the Village will take place at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 27, at Riverside Park located at 854 Edelweiss Strasse. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to receive kids’ Christmas wish lists.
Another big holiday attraction in Helen is its Christmas market, where vendors gather to sell their unique Christmas gifts and decorations, savory and sweet foods, drinks, and candied treats. The 13th Annual Christkindlmarkt is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 28-29 and December 5-6 in the Market Platz in downtown Helen.
The Helen Arts & Heritage Center will hold its Mistletoe Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. December 5-6. The Center is located at 25 Chattahoochee Strasse.
Helen’s Christmas celebration continues through mid-December with the town’s annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for 2 p.m. on December 12. It will follow the traditional parade route, winding its way from Edelweiss, to Chattahoochee, to North Main Street, leaving paradegoers plenty of room to socially distance.
Please keep in mind that, as with most events this year, schedules are subject to change due to the pandemic. Before heading out to these events, be sure to check the city’s website for updates.
