ALMetro 360 Magazine

featuring tickets, accommodations and the Fantasy in Lights Christ- mas Character Breakfast and you’ll be set for a weekend to re- member for years to come. H ELEN , G EORGIA The charming Bavarian town of Helen is bursting with the quaintest downtown you’ve ever seen, quite fitting for a Christmas parade, and other iconic Christmas influences. Built to mimic a German mountain town, Helen plays host to some two million visitors a year in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy German pastries and other foods at places like Hofer’s Bakery on Main Street, easily accessible as you meander the streets of downtown under the twinkling holiday lights. Don’t miss Betty’s Country Store , at the corner of Main and Yonah Streets, for staples to nibble on in your room, souvenir items and authentic Farmer Cheese. Mid-November, the Festival of Trees will kick off the season with beautifully decorated trees and wreaths up for bid in hopes of raising lots of money for the United Way of White County. Folks come from all around to shop at the annual Christkindl- markt (November 30-December 1 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) in the downtown Marketplatz. A traditional German event offering unique gift selections, decora- tions and a wide variety of sa- vory and sweet foods. December 14 is a special day in Helen. Start the day with sil- ver dollar pancakes and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Unicoi State Park & Lodge from 9 a.m. to noon. Get in the spirit with holiday crafts, a hayride and seasonal music. At 2 p.m. you’ll want to be in place to view the cutest little parade ever! Santa couldn’t arrive in any more festive surroundings than the annual Helen Christmas Parade from downtown Helen to the Festhalle. Experience an authentic Victorian Christmas at Hardman FarmHistoric Site on Fridays and Saturdays beginning December 6 from 4-7 p.m. Visit the Mansion at West End complete with holiday trimmings and period garb. Don’t forget to have a word with Santa, take a ride down the Unicoi Turnpike by horse-drawn wagon and wander by way of twinkling candle lights. There will, of course, be Christmas music, hot chocolate, apple cider and other offerings to make this holiday event special. For more infor- mation on holidays in Helen, visit helenga.org/. B ELLINGRATH G ARDENS IN T HEODORE , A LABAMA In its 24th year , Magic Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home just outside of Mobile, runs from November 29-December 31 (closed on Christmas Day). A Gulf Coast holiday tradition, guests travel from miles around to be dazzled by light displays featuring over 1,100 set pieces, three million lights and 15 scenes in the loveliest 65-acre garden estate. Visiting the Bellingrath Home as well, all decked out in its holiday finest. Take in a nightly choral performance on the South Terrace of the Home and experience all the sentiments that make this an award-win- ning annual event. Explore dates, times and pricing at bellingrath.org/. Cheers to the merriest season of all and may all your Christ- mas dreams come true. n 26 AL/ Metro 360 www.almetro360.com Christmas in Helen, Georgia. Photos courtesy of Alpine HelenWhite County Convention and Visitors Bureau