HELEN, Ga. — The City of Helen will host its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, with festivities stepping off at 6 p.m. in downtown Helen.
The evening parade will feature holiday floats, marching groups and festive vehicles winding through the Alpine-themed mountain town, drawing thousands of spectators each year to kick off the Christmas season. The event is one of Helen’s signature holiday traditions and is organized by the Helen Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s parade again earned national recognition, receiving a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award nomination, highlighting its reputation as one of the country’s standout Christmas parades. The honor places Helen alongside major holiday destinations nationwide and underscores the event’s growing popularity beyond Northeast Georgia.
Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as downtown streets typically fill quickly ahead of the 6 p.m. start time. Local officials advise visitors to dress warmly and plan for limited parking in the downtown area.
The Christmas Parade is part of Helen’s broader holiday celebration season, which includes seasonal decorations, shopping, dining and other Christmas-themed events throughout December.
