It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit up here in the Georgia mountains, especially when you head to Helen for two of its top 2016 seasonal events.
Photo: Rodion Kutsaev/UnSplash
Festival of Trees, which kicks off on November 9, 2016 is an annual fundraiser for the United Way of White County. This year’s show will be held in the lodge at Unicoi State Park, just on the outskirts of Helen. On view will be dozens of beautifully decorated trees and wreaths, many of which will be auctioned off, with winners announced in mid-December. The event is free, but there is a $5 parking fee.
While you’re at the park, plan to head outside after the event, and enjoy a hike in the woods on one of the well-marked trails.
Festival of Trees
November 9 – December 19, 2016
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Trees awarded to highest bidder at 2:00 p.m., December 10
Unicoi State park
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA
706-878-2201
The 9th Annual Christkindlmarkt is a festive celebration that taps into Helen’s Bavarian heritage. Held in downtown Helen, Christkindlmarkt captures the holiday spirit of traditional Old World Christmas markets with booths that sell all sorts of gift items, decorations, sweet treats and savory foods. It’s the feel-good kind of event we love this time of year.
Christkindlmarkt
December 3-4 and December 10-11, 2016
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Helen, GA
706-878-1908
Two other fun 2016 holiday to-do’s include the Lighting of the Village on Friday, November 25, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; and the Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
You’ll find the holidays are a merry time to visit Lucille’s too, with lights twinkling, fireplaces glowing, and all kinds of cozy places for you to hang out.