Join us at the Helen Festhalle for the OFFICIAL Helen Oktoberfest celebration! The Helen Oktoberfest is the longest running Oktoberfest in the United States. The 2026 Helen Oktoberfest runs from September 10 through November 1.
The 2026 Oktoberfest Parade will begin at 12:00 pm, Saturday, September 12, 2026 Join us immediately after the Oktoberfest Parade at the Festhalle Biergarten for the OFFICIAL Keg Tapping of Oktoberfest! We will be tapping two kegs and our guests from Fussen, Germany will be joining us to tap the second keg!
Trunk or Treat, Hayrides, Kids Carnival, Food, Campsite Decorating Contest, Crafts, Cookie Decorating, Tick or Treating in the Campground
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Friday, Nov 27, 2026 10 AM to 12 PM - Smithgall Woods State Park - Helen, GA - Please remember to bring water and wear appropriate shoes! Reservations are required, there is not a limit on how many people may attend. Please call the visitor's center at 706-878-3087 for any questions or to make your reservations. This hike is a mild 3 miles, and is dog friendly as long as dogs remain on leash and in owner's control.
On Friday, November 27, Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Riverside Park 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 5:00 to 7PM.
The Helen Chamber of Commerce is holding the 19th Annual Helen’s Christmas Market on November 28-29 and December 5-6, 2026. Helen’s Christmas Market offers unique handmade Christmas gifts and decorations along with an assortment of sweets and treats. Savory foods are available at our fine restaurants in town.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
The Helen Chamber of Commerce is holding the 19th Annual Helen’s Christmas Market on November 28-29 and December 5-6, 2026. Helen’s Christmas Market offers unique handmade Christmas gifts and decorations along with an assortment of sweets and treats. Savory foods are available at our fine restaurants in town.
Come on a guided hike to Smithgall Wood’s Chunanee Falls Trail this Holiday season! Learn about the origins or our favorite Christmas traditions and how they're still practiced and celebrated today. This hike is a moderate 1 mile. This is a wonderful opportunity to get some fresh air and movement into you week during this busy time of the year! Remember to bring water and dress for the weather. Reservations are required. Please call the visitor's center at 706-878-3087 for more information or to make your reservation.
This parade takes place Dec 12, 2026 at 6 p.m. Expect big things…and yes, the Big Man – Santa himself – will be there. Rain or shine! This is such a fun small-town parade with fire trucks, horses, dirt-buggies, unique floats, and TONS of candy! The best place to be is across the street from the Downtown Gazebo!
Ornament decorating, Photos with Santa, Letter to Santa Station, Christmas Music Bingo, Holiday Sweater Contest, Family Gingerbread House decorating and more! Free Hot Chocolate throughout the event!
Join us as we ring in the New Year at the Festhalle with the Annual Dropping of the Edelweiss! Live Music Dancing Party Favors Heavy Hors D’oeuvres Champagne Toast at Midnight Beer & Wine Available for Purchase
Ring in 2027 at Unicoi Lodge’s Hollywood Speakeasy NYE Bash with glamour, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and lodging packages!
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
“Great news! The Holiday Inn Express of Helen will be the host hotel for the 48th Hogpen Hillclimb 18k and Cool River Tubing 5k. Pre-Race Registration and Packet Pick-up will be held in the Holiday Inn Express’ Conference Room and special room rates are available to all race participants who wish to arrive early and stay for the weekend – but rooms are limited so act now to take advantage of special room pricing. The Start/Finish line for the 5k and Start for the 18k will still begin at the River Pavilion –which is basically across the street from the Holiday Inn Express if you are unfamiliar with the area. So, book now and enjoy the weekend in Helen while supporting Habitat For Humanity of NE GA!”
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Karneval, Fastnacht, Mardi gras, Fasching... all of these refer to the season of celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday. Bring your friends and enjoy parties with costumes and live music. Laissez les bon temps rouler! January 22/23: Helen Huttengaudi Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt January 22: Party, Cowboys & Angels January 23: Party, Hofbrauhaus Restaurant January 29: Party, Heidelberg Restaurant January 30: Faschingsverein Helen Sidewalk Parade and Party, Helendorf River Inn February 5: Party, Heidelberg Restaurant February 6: Party, Helen Chamber of Commerce Festehalle
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.
Join the fun every Sunday 10 AM–2 PM at the Growers and Makers Market in The Garden at Nacoochee Village (7025 S Main St, Helen, GA 30545). This family-friendly weekend event in Helen Georgia is Free, and a pet-friendly + it’s a locals’ favorite outdoor activity offering plenty of free parking.