Reporting by Vanessa Johns, Savannah Morning News
A North Georgia mountain town is getting national attention as a destination for Christmas travel.
Helen was included among 12 U.S. towns featured in a new report from Trip.com highlighting destinations known for their holiday decorations, seasonal traditions and Christmas attractions.
The report describes Helen as an Alpine-style village along the Chattahoochee River, pointing to its Bavarian-inspired storefronts, balconies and holiday atmosphere.
“It is the easiest ‘Bavarian’ Christmas in the South, and you rarely need more than a sweater,” the report wrote.
The town is one of four Southern destinations included on the list, alongside McAdenville, North Carolina; Grapevine, Texas; and Natchitoches, Louisiana.
When does Helen light up for Christmas?
According to the report, Helen is scheduled to light up for the Christmas season on Nov. 27, 2026.
The town’s Christmas parade is also expected to take place on Dec. 12, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Helen’s holiday appeal is closely tied to its Alpine-inspired appearance. The town reinvented itself as a Bavarian-style village in 1969, creating the distinctive architecture and atmosphere that draw visitors throughout the year.
The Christmas season adds holiday decorations and seasonal events to the downtown area.
What can visitors do in Helen during the holidays?
Beyond the Christmas decorations, the report points to nearby outdoor attractions that visitors can add to a trip.
Unicoi State Park and Anna Ruby Falls are highlighted as nearby destinations for visitors looking to spend part of their trip outdoors.
That gives travelers an opportunity to combine holiday activities in Helen with time exploring the surrounding North Georgia mountains.
What other US towns made the Christmas list?
The report features 12 destinations across the country. The Southern towns included are:
- Helen, Georgia: An Alpine-style village known for its Bavarian-inspired storefronts and Christmas parade.
- McAdenville, North Carolina: Known as Christmas Town USA, with a residential holiday light display that began in 1956.
- Grapevine, Texas: Known for its holiday events, including the North Pole Express and ICE! attraction.
- Natchitoches, Louisiana: Home to the Festival of Lights along the Cane River.
Other destinations on the list include Leavenworth, WA; Solvang, CA; Santa Fe, NM; North Pole, AK; Frankenmuth, MI; Branson, MO; Stowe, VT; and Bethlehem, PA.
The report considered factors including the size of holiday light displays, the length of local Christmas traditions and how easy each town is to use as a travel destination.
Travelers planning a visit to Helen should check the town’s official event calendar for updated dates and details before making plans.
Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News.
