Helen, Georgia is a re-creation Bavarian village nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia boasting a rich heritage linked to the Cherokee Indians and early settlers who came there in search of gold. It’s also known as a recreation destination situated on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Summer months find the village teeming with tourists meandering in and out of shops or tubing on the river. Autumn welcomes visitors from around the world to Oktoberfest. Music from oompah bands fills the air as guests enjoy the autumnal celebration associated with the turning colors and harvest. Be that as it may, Helen is arguably at its best as it becomes a magical winter wonderland welcoming the Christmas season. Here are five things you’ll love about Helen, Georgia, during the holidays.
1. Alpenefest
Holiday entertainment is featured from Thanksgiving through December. The village is alight with holiday decorations. Although the streets aren’t as busy as Oktoberfest, the shops are open and welcoming visitors.
With each holiday season comes an atmosphere of excitement filled with festivity. Check the event calendar to learn when Santa comes to town or to get information about Winter Wolf Encounters. Helen offers an array of events and activities at this most special time of year.
2. German Food
There are several world-class restaurants in Helen. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy an authentic German meal. Bodensee on Munich Street is an example of delicious Bavarian fare in a relaxing setting. We enjoyed an outstanding German meal replete with delicious pork schnitzel, tangy made-from-scratch sauerkraut, potatoes, and for dessert – a sublime strudel. It was a delightfully festive setting and meal to remember.
Including the family pet on your visit to Helen, Georgia, during the holidays? Helen provides a list of pet-friendly restaurants to choose from. Click here.
3. Carriage Rides
The clip-clop, clip-clop of horses can be heard throughout the village. Carriage rides are one of Helen’s big draws, especially during the holidays. Alpine Carriage Company is one of several offering carriage rides through the beautiful Alpine Village, 7-days a week.
A 20-minute ride is $7 for adults, $5 for children with a $20 minimum. Learn the history and hot spots of Helen as you sit back and enjoy the ride. In addition to being fun and informative, a carriage ride through the Bavarian village is a wonderful holiday treat for the family or a romantic activity on a getaway weekend.
Alpine Carriage Company
2345 Tower Rd.
Helen GA 30545
4. Visit A Winery
Habersham Winery sits on the Southern edge of town and serves up award-winning varietal wines made from grapes grown in Georgia.
The winery, located in Nacoochee Village, is one of Georgia’s oldest and largest, having opened in 1983. The winery is open daily for complimentary tastings and self-guided tours. In addition to their acclaimed wines, Habersham features a gift shop with specialty wine gifts and gourmet food. Stop in to learn the best recipes for Glühwein (mulling wine).
We had a terrific time sampling the wines and shopping in the gift shop. I even found a Christmas ornament to commemorate our visit and to add to my tree!
Habersham Winery
7025 South Main Street
Helen, GA 30545
5. Holiday Lights
Alpine Helen is even more spectacular after dark. In addition to the restaurants and taverns, the town itself is decorated for the season. When the sun sets, Helen, Georgia sparkles during the holidays.
Visitors revel in the jubilant atmosphere and scenery. Children of all ages are enthralled at the sights and sounds of the Bavarian village dressed up for the holidays. Stroll the streets, take a carriage ride, or drive your own car to take in the Christmas lights. It’s a favorite activity in Helen, Georgia during the holidays.
Pin This For Later
► Plan Your Trip To Helen, Georgia, Now!
If you want to sign up for your own tool, either as an individual, a company or a non-profit, click on the link below to register for your own tool. It is free and it only takes minutes.
Hey pinners, save this for pinning after your trip
More Stories You'll Love!
Pull Over Postcards – 2018 Year In Review
What lifts you up? It’s a simple question I heard asked the other day and it made me pause. It’s the time
What I Learned From The Beer Can House in Houston, Texas
I love quirky places. The more unique and off-the-beaten-path an attraction, the more I revel in my discovery. Places like the Ave Maria
PinPoint – A Pull Over And Let Me Out Pick Among Wilmington Restaurants
So often when traveling, meals are afterthoughts or something ate based upon the hour of the day and not a planned event. Grabbing
Shop for the hottest travel gear!
$18.97 Buy on Amazon!
$14.93 Select options
$14.78 – $18.63 Select options
$15.98 Buy on Amazon!- Sale!
$24.99$12.99 Buy on Amazon! 
$14.93 Select options
$15.00 – $19.98 Select options
$21.99 Buy on Amazon!
$8.97 Buy on Amazon!
$46.95 Buy on Amazon!
$46.07 Buy on Amazon!
$17.33 – $20.56 Select options
$22.93 – $27.91 Select options
$16.45 – $22.01 Select options
$118.10 Buy on Amazon!
$14.00 Select options
$11.99 Buy on Amazon!
$39.00 Buy on Amazon!
$28.95 Buy on Amazon!
$102.06 Buy on Amazon!
I love these little towns and villages that offer something unique for visitors. I think the towns that offer special attractions during the holidays are even better, and you can even get deals to a lot of these places by just looking or asking. Thanks for sharing, Helen looks like a lot of fun to visit!