Winter Festivals & Events

January, February

Winter in the North Ga mountains in a special time, take in a winter festival, Arts and Crafts Show, or celebrate Fasching – German Mardi Gras! Or enjoy the view while sitting by the fireplace in a warm cozy cabin. The magical season is not over in the village of Helen, Ga – the lights will be up until mid-February!

Winter in Alpine Helen

Relax, Rejuvenate and Regroup  

Everyone needs to after the Holidays. Winter in the mountains has it own special beauty; long range views open up and you will often wake to snow covered mountains in the distance.  Take a deep breath and enjoy the view while sitting by the fireplace in a warm cozy cabin… or get right into nature and experience beautiful waterfalls and trails in the North Georgia Mountains by starting your New Year off with a First Day Hike on New Years Day!

January

Unicoi State Park
Annual 18K Hogpen Hill Climb

This 46th annual event features an 17K run known as one of the toughest races in Georgia and the South…maybe in North America! 2500 feet of climbing over the 18K course. Besides the 17K run that starts at 10:30 a.m. there is also a 5K loop race that will begin at the Festhalle in downtown Helen at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds of the races go to the Northeast Georgia Habitat for Humanity.

Throughout the Month of February 

Fasching

Come celebrate Fasching (Mardi Gras, German style!) the traditional German season of celebrations before Lent, throughout the month of February! 
Tubing Parade and Party
Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt
Fasching Party at the Festhalle

February

Unicoi State Park
48th Annual Fireside Arts and Crafts Show

Unicoi State Park and Lodge is excited to announce the  Annual Fireside Arts and Crafts Show – alongside the Winterfest Arts Tour!
Admission is FREE!
We’ll be hosting 75 amazing local and national vendors, who specialize in unique handmade artistry and crafts you wont find anywhere else. Every year over 4,000 individuals stop by our show from both near and far!

February

Helen Winter Arts Festival

75 artists in 2 locations over 2 days, art demonstrations throughout the weekend. Pottery, painting, jewelry, fused glass, fiber art are just a few of the types of artwork that will be available at the festivals.