Travel notes: Christmas festivals, celebrations planned

Meanwhile, the festival starts a new tradition this year by providing snow. Cullowhee-based weather guru Preston Jacobsen plans to blow snow for the festival via his new company, Whee Make Snow.

Weather permitting, Jacobsen will create a winter wonderland at the corner of Front and Webster streets where children of all ages can make snowmen and play in the snow.

In addition to the luminaries and snow, the town’s merchant “elves” trim their buildings – many of which date to the late 1800s – in traditional white lights. Shopkeepers also stay open late and serve coffee, warm cider, hot chocolate and homemade goodies to visitors.

There will be sing-alongs throughout town, horse-and-carriage rides, WCU students strolling the streets in renaissance costumes, children’s art in the courtyard, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus setting up shop in Town Hall.

The Festival of Lights & Luminaries begins each evening at dusk and runs until 9 p.m. There is no admission charge and lodging is plentiful with more than half of Jackson’s County guest rooms located in Dillsboro or within a 15-minute drive.

For information, go to www.visitdillsboro.org, or call the Jackson County Visitors Center at (800) 962-1911.

Christmas in Alpine Helen
Ho! Ho! Ho! From Alpine to Appalachian, get ready to celebrate the holidays in Alpine Helen, a Bavarian beauty set in the Northeast Georgia Mountains; and, enjoy traditions in the nearby communities of Sautee, Nacoochee and Cleveland.

Fill up your shopping bags at Helen's Christkindlmarkt, a German tradition where the center of town is filled with booths offering specialty gift items, decorations, assorted savory food, drinks and candied treats. Sponsored by the Helen Chamber of Commerce, the 5th annual Christkindlmarkt will take place in the Helen Market Platz 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, November 23-25 and December 1-2. Santa will also be available for photo opportunities in the band shell during Christkindlmarkt, noon-4 p.m. Another "can't-miss" holiday happening: the Helen Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Helen-White County Convention and Visitors Bureau, winds through town 2 p.m., December 1.

Seasonal festivities officially kick off at Babyland General Hospital in nearby Cleveland with Appalachian Christmas, Saturday, November 17. In Helen, the holidays are marked with pomp and circumstance as Santa and Mrs. Claus sleigh into town via horse drawn carriage during the Annual Lighting of the Village, 6 p.m., Friday, November 23. Performances by local musicians will have everyone basking in the holiday spirit and children can gather round Santa from 6:30-9 p.m. as he settles in at the downtown band shell. All of Helen will be aglow with lights, marking the official start of the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone is welcome to join in this annual festival celebration.

Nacoochee Village marks the season 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on December 8 with complimentary photos with Santa, live music, special sales and seasonally-inspired refreshments. A White Christmas cash donation, sponsored by Caring and Sharing of White County, will also be accepted by all merchants during this time to benefit those in need. Find additional details at www.NacoocheeVillage.com.

Adding to the holiday hoopla, the Festival of Trees begins November 21 at Unicoi State Park Lodge and will sparkle until December 8. Deck the Halls at Unicoi State Park Lodge on December 1 and, also on the 1st, don't miss the Annual Christmas in the Mountains Festival, 3-8 p.m. The Lighted Christmas in the Mountains Parade begins at 7 p.m. in downtown Cleveland.
Find one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts with German flair, sample pastries and raise a pint to the most wonderful time of the year all while making your holidays brighter with a weekend or week-long getaway. Spend time in the nearby village of Sautee where authentic Appalachian artwork, pottery and hand-made toys make it easy to find something for everyone on the Christmas list. After shopping, relax at one of the area wineries, complete with breath-taking views: Habersham Winery showcases 150 medals awarded in both national and international competitions; Sautee Nacoochee Vineyards is North Georgia's newest winery; and, Yonah Mountain Vineyards is home to Georgia's only wine cave.

Don't miss a thing: stay in downtown Helen or immerse yourself in a true mountain experience by renting a nearby cabin. Visit www.HelenGA.org for accommodation details and complimentary assistance planning your getaway.