Lighting of the Village
Helen switches on the holiday lights the day after Thanksgiving
The Lighting of the Village, in short
Fri, Nov 27
5 to 7 PM
No price listed
While most of the country is at the mall, Helen kicks off Christmas with a small-town ceremony by the river. Musicians warm up the crowd, the tree stands lit by the Chattahoochee, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on cue.
Helen's half-timbered storefronts already look like a postcard, and the lights make the whole village glow against the dark ridgeline. The river reflects them, and downtown stays lit after the ceremony.
The holiday season at a glance
What follows the lighting
| Date | Event | Time | Cost | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov 27 | Lighting of the Village | 5-7 PM | No price listed | Riverside Park |
| Sat-Sun, Nov 28-29 | Christmas Market, weekend one | 10 AM-5 PM | Free | Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park |
| Fri-Sat, Dec 4-5 | Victorian Christmas at Hardman Farm | 4-7 PM | $30 adults; $22 youth | Sautee Nacoochee (about 5 minutes) |
| Sat-Sun, Dec 5-6 | Christmas Market, weekend two | 10 AM-5 PM | Free | Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park |
| Sat, Dec 12 | Lighted Christmas Parade | 6 PM | Free | Main Street |
| From Nov 27 | Village lights | After dark | Free | Downtown Helen |
More detail: Christmas Market, Victorian Christmas and our November and December guides.
Making a weekend of it
Thanksgiving weekend is a busy one in Helen, so book lodging early. After the ceremony, walk into town for dinner and take a slow loop under the lights. On Saturday morning the Christmas Market opens at 10, with handmade gifts, decorations, sweets and treats at the Marktplatz and Unicoi Hill Park. For meals, the Chamber points visitors to the restaurants in town.
Between events, the mountains are worth a drive. The Georgia Forestry Commission expects fall color to peak around the end of October to early November, so late November is mostly bare branches and evergreens. Anna Ruby Falls is open daily except Thanksgiving ($6 for ages 16 and up) and about 20 minutes from town. Hardman Farm starts its Victorian Christmas evenings on December 4.
Visitor tips
Arrive early
Aim to be in town by 4 PM. Free city lots are east of Main Street; see the parking guide.
Bundle up
Helen's late-November highs average about 60°F and lows about 36°F, and it's colder by the river after dark.
Book ahead
Thanksgiving weekend is one of Helen's busiest. Reserve lodging and any dinner reservations early.
Come back midweek
The lights stay up after the ceremony. A December weeknight is the quiet way to see them.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Lighting of the Village 2026?
Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM at Riverside Park. Local musical groups perform before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive and the village is lighted. Kids can meet Santa during the same hours. The organizer lists no price; call 706-878-2181 to confirm.
How long do the lights stay on?
The organizer hasn't published an end date. In past seasons they have stayed up into the new year, so you don't have to catch the ceremony to see them.
Can I combine it with the Christmas Market?
Yes. The market is the next morning: Saturday and Sunday, November 28-29, and again December 5-6, 10 AM to 5 PM, free. It has no Friday or evening hours.
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