Annual Lighting of the Village

Helen Prepares to "Light the Village" and Welcome Santa

On Friday, November 28th, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive by horse drawn carriage at the downtown band shell as the village is lighted to begin the holiday season. Musical performances by local groups will precede his arrival and children are invited to meet with Santa from 6:00 to 8:00 p .m. Everyone is invited to this annual kick-off to Christmas.

Another great Christmas event is the Christkindlmarkt which comes from the German tradition of booths set up in the center of town with speciality gift items, decorations, and an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. The Christkindlmarkt will be in the Helen Market Platz on November 28, 29 and 30 and on December 6 and 7, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and lasting until 6:00 on Friday and Saturdays and 5:00 on Sundays. Santa will also be available in the band shell on those two weekends from noon to 4:00. The Helen Christmas Parade will wind through the town on December 6 beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The Helen Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Christkindlmarkt and the Alpine Helen/White County Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts Santa and the Parade. We hope that all our neighbors and visitors will take advantage of these events to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

For more information contact the Helen Welcome Center at 706-878-2181.