Leavenworth Christmas
Christmas in Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a popular destination for Puget Sounders for the Christmas season, where Bavarian charm meets holiday magic. From the day after Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, Leavenworth turns into Christmastown, the village of lights. With over half a million Christmas lights adorning every building and tree in town, the twinkling lights create a festive glow against the snowy backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. visitors can stroll through Leavenworth’s beautifully decorated streets, stopping in at unique boutiques filled with handcrafted ornaments, festive decor, and holiday treats. Seasonal aromas drift from cozy restaurants and bakeries, where guests can warm up with spiced cider, hot cocoa, or mulled wine. Families will find endless delights, from visiting Santa Claus and taking horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow-dusted streets to sledding in the village park. For those seeking adventure, the nearby mountains provide opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and exploring the scenic winter landscape.christmas schedule
| Activity | Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Lights | Everyday 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. | Downtown Village |
| Gazebo Music | Fridays 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Front Street Park Gazebo |
| Arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus & Rudolph | Saturdays & Sundays 12 p.m. | Front Street Park Gazebo |
| Photos with Santa | Thursdays & Fridays 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Gazebo) Thursdays & Fridays 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Festhalle) Saturdays & Sundays 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Gazebo) Saturdays & Sundays 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Festhalle) | Front Street Park Gazebo & Festhalle |
| Strolling Carolers | Mondays through Thursdays 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Downtown Village |
| Festhalle Activities (Gingerbread House Exhibition, Crafts for Kids, Story Corner, Santa Costumes & more) | Sundays through Thursdays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. | Festhalle |
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activities
Christmas Lights
Leavenworth goes all out for the holiday season, covering its buildings and trees in the downtown area with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, turning the streets into a sea of sparkling lights and holiday cheer. While there used to be a ceremonial turning on of the lights, now the lights on every day from 6am to 11pm. And if you happen to miss the lights for Christmas, Leavenworth keeps them through the end of February.
Sleigh Rides
As horses pull the sleigh through scenic, snow-covered landscapes, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains and forests draped in white. Sleigh bells jingle as the horses glide along, creating a classic holiday atmosphere reminiscent of a winter wonderland. Cozy blankets are provided to keep guests warm as they relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air, whether during the bright daylight or on magical evening rides under the stars. Leavenworth Sleigh Rides, located near Plain about 15 miles from Leavenworth rents out entire sleighs and does a combined sleigh ride and dinner. Eagle Creek Sleigh Rides, located 8 miles outside of downtown Leavenworth has both public and private sleighs. Finally, Icicle Outfitters is located just off Icicle Road 3 miles from downtown and has public sleigh rides.
Carriage Riges
Experience Christmas in Leavenworth with a cozy, horse-drawn carriage. You’ll be guided by knowledgeable drivers who often share local stories and insights into Leavenworth’s Bavarian history, as you pass through the heart of Leavenworth’s quaint downtown fully decked out in holiday lights and decorations. Wrapped in warm blankets, passengers can enjoy views of snow-covered rooftops and twinkling lights while taking in the crisp winter air. Carriage rides are first come, first served and to find a carriage, look for the Mai Pole on Front Street in Downtown Leavenworth, just west of the Gazebo and Sledding Hill.
Nut Cracker Museum
The Nutcracker Museum is a whimsical and fascinating destination, home to one of the world’s largest collections of nutcrackers. The museum houses over 9,000 nutcrackers from more than 50 countries, showcasing pieces that range from historic and antique to modern and quirky. The collection spans centuries, with some nutcrackers dating back to the 16th century, alongside more contemporary pieces inspired by popular culture and imaginative designs. The museum is an engaging experience for all ages, with interactive exhibits for children and guided tours available to learn more about this beloved holiday symbol. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $3.00 for children 6 to 16 and free for children under 6.
Sledding
Every winter, as snow blankets the town and surrounding hills, Leavenworth transforms into a magical wonderland perfect for families, friends, and kids at heart to experience the thrill of racing down snowy slopes. One of the most popular sledding spots in town is Front Street Park, right in the heart of downtown. Here, a gentle hill offers the ideal setup for young children and beginners, with festive holiday lights and the cozy village ambiance adding to the fun. The park’s central location means sledders are just steps away from warm-up spots like coffee shops and bakeries for hot cocoa or a snack after their sledding adventure.
Reindeer Farm
Just outside of downtown Leavenworth is the family run Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, which has a herd of Caribou. They offer hands-on, educational tours for the whole family, with an opportunity to hand-feed, and interact with this protected species. They also offer a campfire and Santa's sleigh during Christmas time.
Wine Tasting
Wine tasting in Leavenworth is a delightful experience, blending the town’s Bavarian charm with Eastern Washington’s renowned wine culture. Set against a backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth has a thriving wine scene with a wide array of tasting rooms and wineries, where visitors can sample a diverse selection of wines produced in the nearby Lake Chelan, Wenatchee and Columbia Valley regions. The town itself is compact, making it easy to stroll from one tasting room to the next, sampling everything from robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah to crisp whites such as Riesling and Chardonnay. For those looking to explore further, nearby vineyards provide a unique opportunity to see where the wine is made and learn about the winemaking process firsthand.
Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster is open year round, but be prepared to bundle up if doing it during the winter. The coaster drops 234 feet over almost half a mile and is a great family activity, with little ones able to ride with adults. While they occasionally allow walk-ins, reservations are highly recommended during the high season, as they are often sold out. The Mountain Coaster is part of the Leavenworth Adventure Park.
parking
Parking
Leavenworth has a lot of paid street parking in the downtown area, however it can be difficult to find street parking during weekends in December. If you are able to locate a spot, you can pay via the ParkMobile app on Apple iOS and Android. There is a Park & Ride located behind the Safeway just east of town, and there is a shuttle from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week. You can also flag down the shuttle if you are driving along Highway 2 towards town. There are also a number of paid parking lots available throughout town.
