What happens in December
From the day after Thanksgiving through the end of the year, Helen turns into a glowing alpine Christmas village: market stalls, carolers, tree lightings, ornament shops and Father Christmas visits.
Best nights to visit
Weeknights in early December are the sweet spot — full decorations, a fraction of the crowd. The weekends before Christmas are the busiest of the entire year.
What to pack
Mountain evenings drop into the 20s and 30s. Layers, a warm coat, gloves and real shoes for cobblestone-style sidewalks.
Where to stay
A cabin with a fireplace is the December classic. Book by late summer; the best ones are gone by September.
Keep planning
Browse itineraries, lodging and the local business directory to turn this guide into an actual trip.
