Helen spends most of the year as Georgia’s Alpine village, and in December the Bavarian look finally matches the season. Three events anchor it: the Lighting of the Village the night after Thanksgiving, a Christmas Market on two weekends and a Christmas parade on Dec. 12.
The 2026 dates
| Date | Event | Time and place |
|---|---|---|
| Fri., Nov. 27 | Lighting of the Village | 5 to 7 p.m., Riverside Park |
| Sat. and Sun., Nov. 28 to 29 | 19th Helen Christmas Market | Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park |
| Sat. and Sun., Dec. 5 to 6 | Helen Christmas Market | Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park |
| Sat., Dec. 12 | Helen’s Christmas Parade | 6 p.m., Main Street |
Lighting of the Village
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, local music groups play at Riverside Park, then Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive as the lights come on across the village. Children can meet Santa from 5 to 7 p.m. The Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitors Bureau takes questions at 706-878-2181.
It gets dark before 5:30 p.m. in late November, so most of the event happens under the lights. Dress for the cold; Helen sits in a river valley and evenings drop fast.
The Christmas Market
The Helen Chamber of Commerce runs the market on two weekends: Nov. 28 to 29 and Dec. 5 to 6, 2026. This is the 19th year. Vendors set up in the downtown Marktplatz and in Unicoi Hill Park, a short walk away.
The chamber gives handmade work priority, so you will find more crafts and ornaments than mass-produced goods. Vendors also sell sweet and savory food. Tents on the Marktplatz must be white, which is why the market photographs so well.
Questions go to the Helen Chamber at 706-878-1908.
The Christmas parade
Helen’s parade is Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, at 6 p.m. on Main Street, rain or shine. The visitors bureau promises fire trucks, horses, dirt buggies, floats, Santa and “TONS of candy.” Its tip for the best spot: across the street from the downtown gazebo. Get there early for a curb spot.
Dahlonega holds its own Christmas parade the same day, about 40 minutes away, so a two-parade Saturday is possible if Dahlonega’s runs earlier. Check our Dahlonega guide for its schedule.
Parking
The chamber notes that most parking lots in Helen charge a fee, and lots fill on market weekends and parade night. Bring a card and some cash, and arrive early.
Nearby stops for a December trip
- Hardman Farm State Historic Site, 143 Highway 17 in Sautee Nacoochee, is just south of Helen. Guided tours go through an 1870 Italianate house, and the gazebo-topped Nacoochee Mound sits in its pasture. Georgia State Parks lists the site open March through December, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check its page for holiday events and tickets. Call 706-878-1077.
- Unicoi State Park is just north of town, with a lake loop trail and lodge. Our Helen guide covers it with Anna Ruby Falls.
- Waterfalls. Winter is good for waterfalls with the leaves down. See our guide to waterfalls near Helen.
Compare it with other towns
Blue Ridge has the Santa train and a lighted parade on Thanksgiving Saturday; see Christmas in Blue Ridge. Our North Georgia Christmas towns guide compares Helen, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega and Ellijay side by side.
Sources and further reading
Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.
