HELEN, Ga. — A long line of bundled-up families stretched through Riverside Park on Friday evening as Helen welcomed the Christmas season with its annual Lighting of the Village. The Nov. 28 event drew visitors from across Georgia, many arriving just in time to watch Santa and Mrs. Claus flip the switch that illuminated the Bavarian-themed town.
Festive family time
For David and Erica Howell of Lawrenceville, the night was a spontaneous family trip. They learned about Helen’s German-inspired festivities earlier in the day, packed up their toddler, Harper Jean, and made the drive north.
“We saw they were lighting the ceremony tonight,” David said. “We decided to come out as a family and spend some time looking at lights and seeing Santa — just to get out of the house and spend time together.”
Two-year-old Harper shyly clung to her parents during the interview, but perked up as she watched nearby children swinging in the park. Books and a swing set, her parents said, are high on her Christmas wish list. The family planned to head home after the event, but hopes to return later in the weekend to explore Helen.
From Macon to the Blue Ridge
Addie Vaughn of Macon also made the trip Friday, bringing her father, brother, and two young nephews — ages 5 and 3 — for their first holiday photos with Santa this season. Despite the cold and the long wait, she said it was worth every minute.
“It’s for the kids,” Abby said. “It’s magical for them.”
The nephews wiggled with excitement as they inched closer to the front of the line, one eager to ask Santa for gifts “for my daddy and my mama and for me.”
Next up, Helen’s Christmas parade
The Lighting of the Village marked the start of Helen’s holiday calendar, which continues with the Helen Christmas Parade on December 13 at 6 p.m. The nighttime parade lights up downtown with fire trucks, horses, floats, dirt buggies, candy, and crowds lining the streets, with the best viewing across from the gazebo.
Helen’s lights will continue glowing nightly through the season and into the new year.
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