Have a Bavarian Christmas without leaving the Southeast in Alpine Helen, Georgia, located about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia mountains.
For a nighttime experience, don’t miss the Annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 26, a no-cost event for the public (706-878-3842). Santa and Mrs. Claus visit at 5:00 p.m. and the Lighting of the Village takes place at 6:00 p.m.
A German tradition, Helen’s annual Christkindlmarkt offers specialty gift items, decorations, assorted savory foods, drinks and candied treats. This shopping extravaganza is held 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., November 27-28 and December 4-5 at Helen Market Platz.
Don’t miss the Annual Christmas in the Mountains Lighted Parade, 7:00 p.m., December 4, in Downtown Cleveland, www.WhiteCountyChamber.org.
Shop locally for one-of-a-kind gifts, noon to 6:00 p.m., December 4 and 11 during Sautee Junction’s Victorian Christmas event.
Join in a Victorian Christmas in Sautee-Nacoochee at the Hardman Farm State Historic Site and see the house dressed in period holiday décor while learning about Victorian holiday traditions from docents in their finest 1870s garb. This open house from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., December 3-4, December 10-11 and December 17-18, is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music. Adults: $12, Seniors (62+): $10, Youth (6-17): $7, Children 5 and under: Free. 706-878-1077.
Savor a sip at Tantrum Brewing during the Southern Christmas & Beer pairing, December 9. Call for details 706-809-2888.
The Helen Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau, winds through town 2:00 p.m., December 11, Downtown Helen, www.HelenGA.org.
Find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts with German flair, sample pastries and raise a pint to the most wonderful time of the year all while making your holidays brighter with a weekend or week-long getaway.
Spend time in the village of Sautee where authentic Appalachian artwork, pottery and hand-made toys make it easy to find something for everyone on the Christmas list. Don’t miss a thing: stay in downtown Helen or immerse yourself in a true mountain experience by renting a nearby cabin. Visit www.HelenGA.org for accommodation details and complimentary assistance planning your getaway.
