This mountain town brings Bavarian charm to seasonal celebrations
ALPINE HELEN-WHITE COUNTY, GEORGIA—SEPTEMBER 2026—Have a Bavarian Christmas without leaving the Southeast in Alpine Helen, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The town’s alpine architecture and festive holiday décor, cobblestone alleyways and buildings laced in elaborate trim are so delightful that Lifetime Films’ Christmas movies “Christmas Love Letter” and “A Taste of Christmas” were filmed here.
For a nighttime experience, don’t miss the Annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park, 5-7 p.m., Friday, November 27, 2026. Decorated with 13,000 lights and more than 1,200 ornaments, the 20-foot-tall tree and the entire town is dressed up and illuminated every night until February. The town’s shops and restaurants don’t close at 5 p.m. here! Visitors come from all over to see the festive shop windows and streets, savor authentic German beer and cuisine and to buy German Christmas tree ornaments.
Don’t miss the 19th Annual Helen Christmas Market at the Marktplatz on November 28-29, 2026, and December 5-6, 2026. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats.
Join in a Victorian Christmas in the historic settlements of Sautee-Nacoochee at two events. At the Hardman Farm State Historic Site. 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 4-19, 2026, is highlighted by twinkling candlelight and live music.
If You Go
Some head for the roads less traveled and quiet mountain cabin hideaways or Unicoi State Park and Lodge adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest. It offers on-site dining and nearly every outdoor activity possible, including a spectacular twin waterfall. Others flock to the lively Bavarian-themed town for whimsical Alpine lodgings within walking distance of the festivities. Serious and amateur outdoor lovers rave about the hiking, mountain biking, rafting, seasonal tubing, fly fishing, zip lining and more in “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” The Appalachian Trail runs through here, and Yonah Mountain is one of the top three rock climbing spots in Georgia.
Additional Holiday Events
Annual Christmas in the Mountains and Lighted Parade
December 5, 2026
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 House. Cleveland Courthouse Square, Cleveland, Georgia 30528; 706-865-5356
Annual Helen Lighted Christmas Parade
December 12, 2026
Downtown Helen lights up as the Annual Christmas Parade makes its way through the streets with hand-crafted and beautifully designed floats and tons of candy! Save the date for this don’t-miss family friendly event that’s a generational tradition. Main Street, Helen, Georgia; 706-878-2181
December 31, 2026
Ring in the new year with this family-friendly event at the Helen Festhalle, complete with live music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, Georgia; 706-878-1908.