Holiday lights stay up through February 17, 2027; New Year’s Eve, Fasching and other events continue through the winter
HELEN, GEORGIA—NOVEMBER 2026—A tiny town so magical and photogenic that two Lifetime Christmas movies have been filmed here. A top destination for lights, festivities and fun where the holiday spirit is extended into February. That’s Alpine Helen, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia mountains. Here are just a few of the events happening in Helen now through February 2027:
Annual Lighting of the Village – November 27, 2026
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 buy German Christmas tree ornaments.
Dropping of the Edelweiss New Year’s Eve Celebration – December 31, 2026
Some towns drop a possum, potato or a giant grape. Alpine Helen, a storybook-perfect Bavarian village in the North Georgia mountains, celebrates the Dropping of the Edelweiss. Once found only in the most remote, rockiest areas of the Alps, this fuzzy white star-petaled flower once was plucked by suitors (“I’d climb the highest mountain for you”) and is a symbol of courage and devotion in Switzerland, Alpine Germany and Austria.
On December 31, 2026, ring in the New Year with music, food, fun, party hats, dancing and the annual Dropping of the Edelweiss at the Helen Festhalle from 8 p.m. to midnight. Dance or sway to live music, including a noted Polka band with other popular dance music interspersed. Celebrate with hors d’oeuvres, party favors and a midnight champagne toast. The Festhalle bar will be serving beer and wine for purchase. Family Friendly; kids under age 6 free admission. Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, Georgia 30545; 706-878-1908
2027 Fasching Events
Fasching is the German and Austrian celebration of Mardi Gras. Helen is such a hospitality town that it created an extended celebration on the weekends before Lent. Alpine Helen’s German Mardi Gras festivities kick off the weekend of January 22-23, 2027, with the Hüttengaudi (a fun-filled evening of partying) starting Friday at noon with a pub crawl and scavenger hunt. You’ll have plenty of time to pace yourself and complete it, as it ends on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Hofbrau Haus Biergarten where the winner will be drawn. Stay up to date on event details here.
Fasching Sidewalk Parade – January 30, 2027
The celebration continues Saturday, January 30, 2027, with the lively Fasching Sidewalk Parade through downtown Helen. Participants are invited to join the festive procession as it winds through the Bavarian village, making stops at local establishments along the way. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at the Helendorf River Inn & Conference Center, where registration opens at 11:30 a.m. and closes promptly at 12:30 p.m. Adults ages 21 and older can participate in the traditional schnapps stops along the route for $20 per person. A valid ID is required. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the festivities as the parade brings a spirited taste of German carnival traditions to the streets of Helen. For more information, call 706-878-2181.
Fasching Celebration (German Mardi Gras) February 6, 2027
Experience a taste of Germany’s lively Mardi Gras traditions at Alpine Helen’s annual Fasching Celebration on Saturday, February 6, 2027. Held at the Helen Festhalle, this festive celebration brings German-style revelry to the North Georgia mountains with live music, dancing, delicious food and plenty of colorful costumes. Guests are encouraged to dress in their most creative, outrageous or whimsical attire and compete for prizes in the Best Female, Best Male and Best Couples Costume categories. Enjoy festival favorites, including pretzels, barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs, along with beer and wine available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! Admission pricing will be announced. Helen Festhalle, 1074 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545. For more information, call 706-878-1908 or visit HelenChamber.com.
WinterFest Arts Tour / Sautee Nacoochee Arts Festival – February 13-14, 2027
WinterFest Arts Tour is a weekend festival that presents more than 175 artists at four locations over the two days. The sites are the Helen Arts & Heritage Center, Hardman Farm Historic Site, the Sautee Nacoochee Center and the Fireside Arts and Crafts Show at Unicoi State Park. The dates and times at all four locations are Saturday, February 13 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday, February 14, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. so there is no rush to see everything in one day and the amenities and attractions at each site can be savored. At each location, local and regional artists will display, sell and demonstrate their skills and bring to life new and exciting pieces. Visitors may purchase raffle tickets to win artwork contributed by participating artists. Food service or vendors are present at some sites.
The festivals at each venue are free. For more information call 706-878-3933.
Stay
Alpine Helen and White County offer lodging options for every taste and budget. In town near the festivities, choose from whimsical Bavarian-themed inns and hotels, along with B&Bs, condos, cabins and flagship chain hotels on the river or overlooking the colorful village. Just outside of town are mountain cabin hideaways, condos, RV parks and Unicoi State Park and Lodge with cabins and a full range of camping options. HelenGA.org