Extended Weekend Getaways - November 2023 Issue

HELEN - A tiny town so magical and photogenic that two Lifetime Christmas movies have been filmed here. A top holiday destination for lights, festivities and fun. That’s Alpine Helen, Georgia, about an hour and a half north of Atlanta in the Northeast Georgia mountains.

From the day after Thanksgiving through February 19, 2024, this picturesque Bavarian village is dressed up and illuminated every night. Visitors come from all over to see the festive shop windows and streets, savor authentic German beer and cuisine and to buy handcrafted and imported Christmas tree ornaments all year long. And the town’s specialty retailers and restaurants don’t close at 5 p.m. here!

Take in the magic at the Annual Lighting of the Village in Edelweiss River Park, 5-7 p.m., November 24. Decorated with 8,000 lights and 800+ ornaments, the 20-foot-tall tree and musical performances by local groups will precede Santa’s arrival and children can meet with him from 5-7 p.m.

Don’t miss the 14th Annual Christkindlmarkt at the Marktplatz on November 25-26 and December 2-3. This traditional German event offers everything from unique gifts and decorations to an assortment of savory and sweet foods, drinks and candied treats. Join in a Victorian Christmas in the historic settlement of Sautee-Nacoochee. At the Hardman Farm State Historic Site see the manor dressed in period holiday décor while learning about traditions from docents in their finest 1870s garb. This open house from 4-7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from December 1-16 is highlighted by twinkling candlelight, live music, wagon rides, caroling and s’mores. There are events every weekend to keep the holiday spirit alive. Scroll down for calendar listings.

Some head for the roads less traveled and quiet mountain cabin hideaways or Unicoi State Park and Lodge adjacent to the Chattahoochee National Forest. It offers on-site dining and nearly every outdoor activity possible, including a spectacular twin waterfall. Others flock to the lively Bavarian-themed town for whimsical Alpine lodgings within walking distance of the festivities. Serious and amateur outdoor lovers rave about the hiking, mountain biking, rafting, tubing, fly fishing, zip lining and more in “Georgia’s Official Outdoor Adventure Destination.” The Appalachian Trail runs through here, and Yonah Mountain is one of the top three rock climbing spots in Georgia. www.HelenGA.org