The City of Helen, Georgia, better known as ‘Georgia’s Alpine Village’ is nestled in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Transport yourselves from Georgia to Germany on this popular mini road trip in the peach state. Helen is the perfect little town to visit all year round if you like hikes, cute German restaurants, and delicious chocolate straight from the chocolate factory! From tubing the river in the summer, to Oktoberfest in the fall, don’t miss out on one of Georgia’s most unique places to visit.
What is Helen like during the holidays?
But Helen this season is possibly the most magical time to visit Georgia’s Alpine Village! Watch as the little German town turns into a dazzling town full of lights and decorations, straight out of a Christmas storybook! If you want to feel like you’re stepping right into a gingerbread village, you’ve found the perfect spot!
Even though there’s a population of only 545 residents, Helen is the state’s third most visited city (after Atlanta and Savannah). There is no other town that packs so much charm and so much to do into only 2.1 square miles. Every year, Helen kicks off the holidays with tons of festive events! This year, you can start your holiday right, by watching the annual village lighting!
What’s going on?
That’s right! On Friday, November 24, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Riverside Park as the village is lighted to begin the holiday season. Guests can expect musical performances by local artists, and then a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus for all the kiddos from 5 – 7pm!
Then get ready for the 16th Annual Christkindlmarkt on the Marktplatz on November 25-26 and December 2-3, 2023! The Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German market where guests can find unique gifts and decorations, or an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats!
And these are only some of the amazing events that Helen puts on every holiday season! For the full list of holiday events, check out Helen’s events website!
With German-spiced restaurants, Old World towers and balconies, and specialty import shops tucked along its strasses and platzes. Make sure to add Helen to your must-see list if you’ve yet to visit this charming gem.
You can find Helen about two hours north east of Atlanta, via Route 19.