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With plenty of family-friendly activities, seasonal events, and outdoor winter sports, Leavenworth is magical during the Christmas season. We created the perfect winter itinerary that combines the top attractions with some hidden gems away from the crowds!
We recently went on a getaway to one of our favorite winter destinations: Leavenworth, Washington!
We’ve been to Leavenworth many times – in fact, we LIVED there for a winter season – but this trip was a little different…
Typically when we visit, we try to avoid the crowds at all costs and skip the “touristy stuff”. But this trip was to celebrate our daughter’s 3rd birthday, so we embraced it all and went full tourist!
Fed reindeer, met Santa, ate in an igloo, and you know what?
It was a magical winter wonderland!
Leavenworth makes such a magical trip with kids
We had such a wonderful time that we decided to create the perfect Leavenworth winter itinerary including the worthy tourist attractions as well as some insider tips to beat the crowds.
We’re sharing our favorite (less busy!) places in town and the perfect itinerary to make the most of your time.
Our personal experience in Leavenworth during the winter
This picture was taken in 2017 when we lived in Leavenworth for the winter season!
Why trust us to help plan your winter trip to Leavenworth?
Well, I’ll give you 2 reasons:
a) We lived in Leavenworth for a ski season (while we worked at the local mountain), so we’ve spent a LOT of time in Leavenworth during the winter.
b) We visit Leavenworth several times a year, so this is a place we know very well. For that reason, this guide is PACKED with insider tips you wouldn’t know after just one or two visits.
Visiting Leavenworth, Washington at Christmastime is truly dreamy, but it does require some advanced planning. Plus, there are a handful of things you should know to make the most of your time.
That’s where this guide comes in! This ISN’T just a regurgitation of the same AI-generated “things to do” or an article written by someone who has visited two times.
⭐️ This article was written after living in Leavenworth and visiting 10+ times, so it is full of real, on-the-ground tips you can trust.
Whether you’re a Seattleite planning your annual Leavenworth winter trip or this will be your first time visiting this dreamy town, we’ve created the perfect winter itinerary for the 2025/2026 season.
Get our map sent straight to your phone! We loaded this map with all our favorite restaurants, shops, and eateries, so you can avoid the crowds in Leavenworth.
Winter Weekend in Leavenworth YouTube
Want to see our winter weekend in Leavenworth video? Here it is!
Day 1
Arrive in the afternoon so you have some time to explore a bit before turning in for the night.
Arrive in town
Beer at Icicle Brewing
Dinner at Larch
Christmas lights on Front Street
Grab a beer by the fire at Icicle Brewing
Start your time in Leavenworth by toasting to a fun wintery adventure at this town staple. Try to grab a spot on the patio at one of the fire tables for the best wintery atmosphere. (FYI There’s plenty of seating inside if hanging out in the cold air isn’t for you!)
Icicle Brewing is known for their Dark Persuasion beer (German chocolate cake ale). We highly recommend it, and always leave Leavenworth with a six-pack to bring home!
If you like dark beer, you’ll be in heaven here, as they have several iterations of this flagship brew, including “Darker Persuasion” (imperial tiramisu pastry stout – one of our personal favorites!), and some seasonal variations too. Don’t worry if you only like lighter brews, they have a pretty good variety to choose from.
If you’re hungry, you can get a pretzel with cheese and mustard, which are ubiquitous in Leavenworth. Just be sure to save room for dinner!
Doghaus Brewery: pocket-sized brewery with great beer and hidden gem vibes
Beer’s not your thing? There are tons of wine tasting rooms in town too!
Dinner at Larch
This intimate restaurant has a menu featuring handmade pasta and craft cocktails and is, in our opinion, one of the best restaurants in town.
Reservations are necessary, especially on the weekends during peak tourist season.
Our recs:
If you’re up for something a little different, we absolutely loved the Casarecce (handmade casarecce pasta, slow roasted brisket, mushroom, shallot, garlic, sweet & spicy gochujang cream sauce).
For a classic dish, the linguini with scallops is excellent.
The roasted mushroom appetizer is a must for anyone who loves mushrooms!
Alternative: If Larch isn’t available for your dates, or you’re looking for a classic Bavarian-themed dinner, check out our list of places to eat for more recommendations.
Admire the lights on Front Street
Walk along Front Street, the main pedestrian walking street in town, for a display of lights that is simply unparalleled. Each shop is lit up, and the adjacent park absolutely glitters with twinkling lights in all colors.
This impressing showing of Christmas lights is the primary reason so many visitors flock to Leavenworth during the holiday season.
It’s easy to see why – you’ll feel like you’re walking through the North Pole or aChristmas market in Europewithout having to board an international flight.
Good to know: Downtown Leavenworth is lit up from Thanksgiving until the end of February.
The key to missing the crowds is to get an early start on your day (especially if you’re visiting on a Saturday). That said, we also know it’s nice to have a slow morning, especially if you’re staying at a cozy cabin like we did on our most recent winter visit.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure you have a plan so you don’t get stuck in long lines.
Walk around town
Brunch
Downtown festivities
Christmas shopping downtown
Festhalle
Sweet treat
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Dine in an igloo
Nighttime activities
Wander town before the crowds
If you’re keen to get an early start on the day, you’ll be able to wander the streets without too many people around. It can be a lovely time to see Leavenworth without too many people in your way.
Tip: If you don’t have brunch reservations, put your name in before wandering around.
Brunch
Brunch at Bear Bear
Since many of the good lunch spots in town (like München Haus) get unbearably busy during winter weekends, we think doing brunch instead can be a better option (unless you’re cool waiting in line for at least an hour).
Here are two brunch spots we recommend:
Bear Bear: With brunch classics like chicken and waffles, shakshuka, biscuits and gravy, waffles, and French toast, this is a good brunch pick. They also have good Bloody Marys and coffee cocktails. This small restaurant is tucked further back in town and doesn’t get quite as busy as some spots. That said, it’s small and you’ll likely need to put your name in (they don’t take reservations) and walk around a bit before being seated.
Prusik: With food by the same chef as Larch, this makes another good brunch pick. Choose from an assortment of waffles like red velvet, bananas foster, and blueberry lemon, as well as savory dishes like crab and shrimp cake Bennie and corned beef hash. You can make reservations in advance so that you don’t need to spend any time waiting.
Want something lighter? Check our recommendations for breakfast on Day 3!
Christmas shopping downtown
Posy Handpicked
There are so many stores in town (some of them Christmas-themed, with looong weekend lines). Keep in mind that most of these stores don’t open until 10am.
Here are some of our favorite stores that tend to be less-crowded:
The Plant Ally:cute shop with plants & pretty things; also has a really cute (& chill) cafe here with tea, coffee & elixirs
Kris Kringl: jam-packed with every type of holiday-related decor imaginable, it’s safe to say the store goes above and beyond. All the products are arranged in impressive sets and their rare ornaments are pretty cool to see! That said, there can sometimes be lines to enter this store on busy days.
Check out the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
Smack in the center of Leavenworth, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is an unusual, quirky museum that’s home to more than 9,000 nutcrackers.
It’s worth noting that there is an entry fee to get in, but you can go into the gift shop free of charge.
Price: $5 for adults, $2 ages 6-16, free for children 5 and under
Tip: There’s a Nutcracker scavenger hunt for kids
Stop inside Festhalle
If you’re visiting Leavenworth with kids who need a break (or you’re an adult who needs to escape the cold and crowds – no judgement here!) Festhalle is the perfect place to take a break and warm up a bit.
Here, you’ll find:
public restrooms
limited snacks for sale
free crafts and coloring sheets for kids
lots of tables to sit and relax at
Santa Claus!
gingerbread houses on display
displays featuring traditional Christmas outfits from different countries in Europe
Indulge in a sweet treat
Enjoying the snow and crisp winter air is great and all, but what are the holidays without a sweet treat?
Here are a couple of options – one with a long wait and one without the lines
a) Gingerbread Factory
The Gingerbread Factory is the “popular” place to get a treat, and it’s easy to see why! It’s cute and seasonally-fitting, but if you are visiting during peak Christmas season, you may want to give this one a miss as the lines get incredibly long.
During our recent visit on a weekend in December, the line was wrapped around the block!
If you don’t mind waiting, or you hit it just right (try getting here first thing in the morning!), this can be a great option. However, if you (like us) aren’t a fan of waiting in lines, there are many other options in town where you won’t have to endure the wait.
One idea is you can grab something like kettle corn, roasted chestnuts, or churros from one of the vendors on Front Street. The quality is like any fair food, so it won’t be anything super special but it can cure a craving!
b) Whistlepunk Ice Cream Co. (our pick!)
If you’re crazy like us and can handle ice cream in cold weather, Whistlepunk isone of our all-time favorite ice cream shops and in the winter, you’ll find almost no line (even on crazy busy days in town).
Our rec: My favorite flavor here is lemon bar & Ben loves Bertha’s caramel brownie, but if you want something seasonal, the caramel applepie is really yummy! Definitely upgrade to their homemade waffle cone. Also, the serving sizes here are large (& splittable).
Psst! See Day 3 for the shop that has our favorite cookie in town for another option for a sweet treat.
Enjoy the festivities in town
Even though it’ll likely be crowded in town by now, try to embrace it just for a little while to enjoy some of the festivities that only take place during the busiest times.
Hear carol singers, listen to performances at the gazebo, buy roasted chestnuts from street vendors, take pictures with the Christmas characters roaming about Front Street.
Maybe you’ll love this extra festive vibe. But if you’re over the crowds, keep reading because if you’re following this itinerary it’s time to leave and escape the masses…
Feed reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Head to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to interact with the majestic animals in a conservation-focused environment. This family-run business lets visitors hand-feed the reindeer, and there are plenty of opportunities for photo ops with the herd!
We visited with our daughter and had a wonderful time.
There is a special enclosure for families with children 11 and younger where the friendliest reindeer hang out. Our toddler loved getting close to the reindeer, and the staff in the pen were super helpful in taking pictures and telling us about each reindeer.
Santa is also at the reindeer farm during Christmas season, which is fun
Make sure to book in advance, as tickets do sell out.
What to expect:
Get there 10 minutes prior to your tour time
The experience lasts roughly 1 hour
15-20 minute presentation when you arrive (it’s super interesting and informative!)
20 minutes to feed and interact with the reindeer
Time to see the gift shop and the rest of the farm (there are camels too!).
If you’re visiting in November or December, you can take a picture with Santa!
There’s a concession stand, Blitzen Brew, that serves hot drinks, Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Norwegian Potato Lefse.
Fun fact: They are currently building the west coast’s largest geodesic projection dome, which will feature Northern Lights shows in the future!
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee after a snowfall
Located 25 minutes from Leavenworth, this state park feels a world away and is well worth a visit.
Compared to town, Lake Wenatchee is very peaceful, and the views in the winter are so pretty.
If it’s snowy during your visit, it’s a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and you could spend a good portion of a day here. However, if there isn’t snow, a quick visit for the views is all you’d need.
There are a couple of entrances, but the location above is where we recommend parking in the winter
Hours: 8am – dusk
Price: From December through March, Lake Wenatchee becomes a Sno-Park (during this time, Discover Passes are not valid). You can purchase a day pass for $25 or it is $50 for a season pass.
Alternative: If it is not snowy during your visit or you don’t plan on staying long, you can park for 15 minutes free of charge. The parking lot is right next to the lake so you can easily get a great view in that amount of time.
Tip: Check the live webcam to see if there is snow so you’re prepared
Dine in an igloo at Wildflour
Dine in a private igloo for a fun wintery experience!
Wildflour is located outside of town, and is great paired with a visit at Lake Wenatchee State Park. The menu features American fare that highlights local ingredients.
Our recs: The short rib was wonderful and the roasted mushroom app here is our go-to (we can never eat here without ordering it!).
You must book the private igloos in advance by calling and leaving a deposit
The igloos have a $60 fee for your 2-hour time slot, and they can seat up to 6 people
Alternative options: If you’d rather stay in town, check out our list of places to eat in Leavenworth for more recommendations.
Note on timing: The igloos are only available to book at 4pm, 6pm, or 8pm. If you plan to visit Lake Wenatchee State Park, pairing these together can be a great option since they are so close. That said, the state park closes at dusk. Being that sunset is shortly after 4pm in the winter months, the 4pm igloo time slot can be a good pick for an early dinner, followed by going back to town to enjoy the lights and a drink. Alternatively, you can skip visiting the state park and do a later seating if you’d prefer.
Things to do at night in Leavenworth
We loved spending our evenings in Leavenworth soaking in the hot tub at our Airbnb
If you still have energy and are headed back toward town, here are a few things to do in Leavenworth after dark:
a) See a Christmas show
In a beautiful setting just outside of town, theIcicle Creek Center for the Artshas Christmastime productions, like renditions of the Nutcracker and concerts featuring seasonal classics. See their upcoming shows here to see if there are any on your dates.
b) Nightlife
Leavenworth is a small town so when it comes to nightlife, your options are somewhat limited. That said, like any mountain town, there are some fun watering holes! Here are some ideas:
The Loft:This used to be our favorite spot for nights out when we lived in Leavenworth. That said, we always went on “off days”, like Mondays and Tuesdays when it was pretty chill and filled with mostly locals. The weekends get busy and bring a different vibe, but it can be a fun spot to check out!
Post Office Saloon: Unfussy hole-in-the wall saloon with pool tables and total “townie” vibes
c) Hot tub
On our most recent visit, we chose to book an Airbnb with a hot tub and fire pit so that we could enjoy these amenities at night. If that’s your style, be sure to choose your accommodation with this in mind.
Day 3
This is your last day in Leavenworth, and we’ve designed this itinerary to get you on the road shortly after noon. If you have more time in town (lucky you!), continue reading for a list of more things to do!
Breakfast
Walk around Blackbird Island
Coffee & cookie for the road
Alpine Coaster
Breakfast in town
Argonaut breakfast biscuit sandwich
Today is a good day to grab a quick breakfast (especially if you have a long drive ahead).
It has to be mentioned that these spots, while quick in theory, can have long lines during peak tourist seasons. Try to get there early if you’re in a rush and don’t have time to spare.
Bavarian Bagel Company
Little Red’s
Argonaut:Their breakfast sandwich is soooo good (be sure to upgrade to a biscuit!), and they have great coffee.
Bavarian Bagel Company:Seriously good bagel sandwiches, but the lines get very long. Go early or expect a wait (if you’re visiting on a weekend). Also, the French toast bagel is super good if you want something sweet.
Little Red’s: This little stand is a nice spot to grab a quick breakfast and a coffee (they have fun messages on each of their drink cups).
Tip: Their giant cookies are what dreams are made of! We especially like their salted butterscotch and s’mores cookies.Grab one for the road!
Walk around Blackbird Island
Blackbird Island is easily accessible via a walking bridge directly in front of the stunning Post Hotel.
There are paths around the small island, making it the perfect place to walk off breakfast!
Good to know: If it has snowed recently, this forested trail turns into a winter wonderland, and if there’s enough of the white fluffy stuff, it can even be a good place to go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Enjoy a hot soak at The Springs
Located just minutes from downtown Leavenworth, The Springs offers outdoor hot and warm soaking pools, a cold-plunge pool, and a cedar sauna in a peaceful setting.
The facility is pretty small but well thought out, and soaking here is a nice way to end your time in Leavenworth and return home feeling refreshed.
Since the limit the number of people that can soak at a time, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance. This also means that you’ll be able to get away from the crowds on Front Street.
Things to know:
Price: $35 (Sun-Thurs) / $45 (Fri & Sat)
Kids are not allowed
Bathing suits are required
Robes & towels are provided
There are private shower & changing rooms on site
Your time is not limited, but most people spend 1.5-2 hours here
Ride the Alpine Coaster
Before heading out of town, ride the alpine coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park for a bit of an adrenaline rush and the perfect way to end your weekend.
Open year-round, this is a fun family-friendly activity, even in winter!
The ride only lasts 4 minutes, but you get some pretty spectacular mountain views. Since it is a pretty short activity, we recommend signing up for two rides to maximize the experience.
We told our daughter she could ride since she had just turned 3, but we totally missed the height restriction and sadly found out she was 1 inch too short, which led to her being very disappointed. Don’t make the same mistake we did!
Update: We visited again the following fall and she was finally able to ride, which was so sweet because she had been waiting for months!
If you are headed back towards Seattle, Tumwater Canyon Bridge can be a fun place for a quick stop on your way out of town.
If conditions allow, you can hike a little ways on the Old Pipeline Bed Trail which is easy. Or you can just stop at the bridge for river and canyon views.
Winter activities in Leavenworth
One thing a lot of visitors forget is that not only is the town cute and Christmassy, but this area is a prime spot for winter sports, like cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling. This makes Leavenworth a wonderful choice whether you’re seeking a cozy family-friendly getaway or a full-on winter adventure.
Note that these activities all require snow, so take a look at the forecast before your visit and determine which are your top priorities.
Psst! Check out this list of webcams you can use to check the current snow status.
1. Go sledding or tubing
Sledding at Front Street Park
After a powdery snow, there’s nothing better than whooshing down a hill atop a sled or tube!
We’ve been sledding in Leavenworth plenty of times (before we had kids ourselves) and think it’s the perfect winter activity for families (and for anyone who is a child at heart!).
Best places to go sledding in Leavenworth (plus some tips!):
Front Street Park – The iconic sledding hill right downtown; perfect for kids.
Insider tip: Bring your own sled — Front Street shops are pricey and limited.
Secret sledding hill (Waterfront Park) – Bigger hill, fewer crowds.
Walk southeast on 9th Street → take a left at the T → into the park
Bring your own sled, buy onsite, or rent a tube. [More info here]
2. Soak at Scenic Hot Springs
Note: This photo was taken in 2017. The pools were renovated in May 2025 and it looks different now.
Its name is not an overstatement — Scenic Hot Springs is indeed one of the most magical, picturesque hot springs in Washington.
Suspended in a remote valley with a stunning view of the Cascades, soaking here is totally worth it, but doesn’t come easy.
The hot springs are on private property, so you have to reserve a spot well in advanceand the trail is a bit tricky, requiring an uphill hike. (In the winter, this often requires snowshoes.)
However, all your efforts will absolutely be rewarded with the most magical winter experience.
Important: Use our guide to visiting Scenic Hot Springs for everything you need to know about making a reservation and how to get there. This is not one of those things you can just wing – you really do have to plan it out in advance.
3. Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing on Blackbird Island
Leavenworth is home to several excellent places to enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Of the two, snowshoeing is more beginner-friendly. Consider renting a pair (several places in town offer inexpensive rentals). Blackbird Island is a great spot to start if there’s enough snow.
Cross-country skiing is a bit more difficult than snowshoeing, but well worth trying. Keep in mind that it generally requires groomed trails. Head to one of the rental shops in town to learn about routes and pick up some gear.
Our favorites places to cross-country ski or snowshoe near Leavenworth:
Our personal experience: This tour was our first time ever riding snowmobiles and we had so much fun! We would highly recommend it.
With over 150 miles of trails across varying terrain, elevations, and difficulty, it’s safe to say Leavenworth is paradise for snowmobilers.
Join a snowmobile tour that takes you on stunning forested trails and to mountain overlooks very few visitors get to see. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for the moose that visitors often glimpse on these trails.
Operating out of the Mountain Springs Lodgein the town of Plain, Leavenworth Snowmobile runs tours ranging from 1 to 3 hours, so you can choose whichever suits your timeframe, budget and experience level best.
Insider Tip: While you’re in the area, stop by the Plain Hardware (which is so much more than a hardware store – trust us!).
5. Go on a sleigh ride
Photo credit: Leavenworth Sleigh Rides
There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than by taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride in a peaceful snow-covered forest.
Mountain Springs Lodge, located in a picturesque valley just a 25-minute drive from Leavenworth, offers a couple of different types of sleigh rides throughout the winter months.
The scenery is wonderful and the excursion ends with hot cider around a campfire — the epitome of winter magic.
Good to know: The date that they start running the sleighs varies year by year and is determined by snowfall (which is hard to predict). We recently visited in early December, and there was not enough snow to run the sleighs yet. They sometimes offer run wagon rides as an alternative if there’s not enough snow to get the sleighs out.
Tip: Call if you have questions; they are very helpful!
6. Go skiing at Stevens Pass
For all the snow bunnies out there, a day at Stevens Pass makes a great addition to your Leavenworth winter itinerary. Located 40 minutes from town, this ski resort has 54 runs that span a variety of terrain and difficulty levels.
You can easily take a day trip from Leavenworth and get back to town for après-skibeers (or enjoy them at the mountain at one of the bars!).
Our experience: We worked here for a ski season and truly love this mountain. (That said, we worked here before Vail bought it and we’ve heard a lot has changed!) Our favorite runs (by far) are on the back side of the mountain. We’d recommend heading there first!
Our advice: Get your lift tickets (and reserve rentals if necessary) online to save time. Also, we’d recommend booking parking in advance, otherwise you’ll need to get here very early as parking fills up fast.
Alternate: While not as big, a (less crowded) option is to go to Mission Ridge, located in nearby Wenatchee. (Tickets are also cheaper!)
Still looking for more things to do in Leavenworth?
We’ve got a big guide to Leavenworth with tons more things to do (though some of them are only possible in the summertime).
There are lots of restaurants in Leavenworth, ranging from casual sausage joints to high-end multi-course dining.
You’ll notice there are no shortage of German restaurants (some better than others), and while there are certainly lots of gaps in cuisine, Leavenworth fares pretty well for a town of its size and has some gems.
Here are our top recommendations:
München Haus sausages
München Haus:(top pick!) For an inexpensive bite and a fun beer garden atmosphere, you can’t beat München Haus. The sausages and pretzels are pretty darn good and the selection of mustards is unbeatable. And don’t miss the apple cider sauerkraut!
I will warn you that the lines here get crazy during peak tourist times, so I’d probably skip this spot if you’re visiting on a busy weekend.
Rhein Haus: An alternative to München, this is another casual Bavarian restaurant with brats and beer and a bit more seating.
Yodelin Broth Co.:(top pick!) Choose from options like halibut bone coconut curry broth and wild salmon miso bone broth. This PNW cuisine is food you can feel good about eating.
Larch:(top pick!) With handcrafted pasta, rustic Italian fare and cocktails, this is one of our favorite restaurants in Leavenworth.
Icicle Brewing Company:(top pick!) Legendary spot for local brews, they also serve a small selection of mostly German-inspired pub grub
Stein: Casual beer hall featuring lots of brews and pub fare.
Carta:Brand new as of winter 2025, this restaurant is part of the Larch collective and features sophisticated PNW cuisine. Reservations are recommended.
Mana: This beautifully intimate restaurant is set in a house and all guests are served at the same time from a set menu consisting of seven courses. This high-end dining experience is Thursdays – Sundays at 6:30 p.m. and lasts about 2.5 hours. You must make reservations and dinner costs $118 per person with the option to add wine or non-alcoholic pairings.
Prusik Kitchen + Bar: American fare, open for brunch and dinner (under the same chef as Larch)
Wildflour: Located 25 minutes from town, this restaurant has private igloos you can book for a fun winter experience
Heidleburger Drive In:Greasy burgers, fries, onion rings, fried mushrooms, shakes, and all the fixings! This place is cheap (by Leavenworth standards).
Looking for a sit-down Bavarian meal?
Andreas Keller Restaurant, Gustav’sand Mozart’sare all German restaurantspopular with tourists that feature Bavarian cuisine. (There are many more in town, but these are our top picks.)
If you really want the whole Bavarian experience, these can be fun (of the three, we’d pick Andreas Keller); but in our personal opinion, the restaurants listed in the section above are better.
Breakfast, coffee & treats
Bavarian Bagel Company:Seriously good bagel sandwiches, but the lines get very long. Go early or expect a wait (if you’re visiting on a weekend). Also, the French toast bagel is super good if you want something sweet.
Argonaut:(top pick!) Their breakfast sandwich with maple sriracha is soooo good, and they have great coffee.
J5: espresso bar with some of the best coffee in town, but no seating so you’ll grab it to go
Little Red’s: (top pick!) they have fun messages on each of their drink cups and their salted butterscotch cookie is what dreams are made of (trust me!).
Gingerbread Factory: popular spot for cookies, cocoa, and other sweet treats.
Whistlepunk: (top pick!) one of our all-time favorite ice cream shopswith seriously good ice cream and homemade waffle cones that are worth the splurge
Iconoclast Cafe + Bar: Hidden inside LOGE hotel, unless you’re staying here, you likely wouldn’t know about it. They serve coffee drinks and breakfast sandwiches, but it’s also a sneakily hidden place to grab a cocktail in the evening. While seating is limited, if it’s nice outside, you can sit outdoors.
Tips for visiting Leavenworth in the winter
The magic of a Leavenworth, Washington Christmas is no secret. The town sees millions of visitors each holiday season, and it’s easy to see why so many people flock to this Bavarian-themed village in Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
From our own personal experience, we’ve come up with some helpful tips for avoiding the crowds and making the most of your time in Leavenworth during the Christmas season.
1. Come with patience
Bring plenty of patience for the inevitable crowds and traffic. Full transparency: Getting around town can be kind of pain during Christmas season. Give yourself plenty of time for driving and finding parking.
Insider tip: Try this spot for free parking close to town that most tourists don’t know about.
2. Take a shuttle to avoid parking
There’s no doubt about it – parking is a major issue in Leavenworth during Christmas time. (Especially on Saturdays in December.)
Instead of driving into town and parking, you may want to take the Link Bus, which offers a free park-and-ride option. The shuttle runs seven days a week and departs from behind Safeway at the Wilkommen Park n Ride and runs to downtown Leavenworth.
For more info on the parking lots (paid and free) as well as the shuttle, check here.
Something to consider: Locals despise the weekend traffic because it makes daily things, like running errands, a big hassle. Please be respectful of parking restrictions and don’t park where you’re not allowed. Personal story: When we lived in Leavenworth, we came home on more than one occasion to our condo’s parking spot taken by a tourist. It was super frustrating. Don’t be that person.
3. Book your accommodation really early
Leavenworth is a small town as it is and accommodation can be difficult to find. Especially during the holiday season.
Reserve your stay far in advance or consider staying in a nearby town like Plain or Wenatchee.
4. Know where the restrooms are
There are several free public restrooms throughout town:
FYI: This photo was taken “back in the day” when driving was allowed on Front Street. This road is now only for pedestrians and you won’t find parking here.
It gets very cold in Leavenworth, especially in comparison to Seattle, so be sure to pack adequate winter clothing.
We recommend starting with base layers, then doing a mid-layer, like a fleece or sweater, followed by a winter coat. Oh, and don’t forget your mittens, hat, wool socks, and warm boots!
This photo was taken around 2pm when crowds were at their peak
If possible, get to town by 8am to wander the streets without the masses of people that will start accumulating later in the day. Know that most shops won’t be open until 10am, but the cafes and coffee shops should have open doors.
It can actually be quite peaceful, even on a weekend in December, if you time it right.
7. Consider visiting after Christmas
The Christmas vibes in Leavenworth don’t disappear on December 26th — a whole new round of festivities continues into the new year.
To enjoy the same lights and snowy magic with far fewer crowds, visit Leavenworth just after Christmas in January or February.
Winter Karneval ice carving
The town’s festive lights are still up, serving as a beautiful backdrop for Winter Karneval, which takes place during the month of January and features some fun events:
Fireworks show: Sunday, January 19, 2025 (6pm)
Ice-carving competition: Saturday & Sunday, January 18 & 19, 2025
Fire dancers: Saturday January 11, 2025(5pm, 6:30pm, 7:30 pm) & Sunday, January 12, 2025 (4pm, 5pm, 6:30pm)
German-inspired fasching pub crawl: Friday, January 24, 2025 – Sunday, January 26, 2025
There is usually more snow during January and February, making it a more reliable time of year to visit if you want to partake in wintery activities, like skiing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, sledding, and snowshoeing.
8. Don’t forget to visit places outside of town too
Some of our favorite spots in the area are outside of downtown.
Check out Lake Wenatchee (pictured above), drive up Icicle Road and Tumwater Canyon. There’s so much to explore outside of the busy areas if you have the time.
FAQs: What to expect in Leavenworth during Christmas
Spending your holiday in Leavenworth, Washington during Christmas season is a magical experience, but requires some advanced planning.
Here’s everything you need to know about spending the holiday season in Leavenworth.
Is winter in Leavenworth worth the hype?
We think so! Leavenworth shines in every season; however, come winter, it becomes even more magical.
The entire town is decked out in twinkling lights, which will make you feel as though you’re starring in your own Hallmark movie or as if you’ve just stepped off a plane in Germany during Christmas market season.
That said, if you’re not into big crowds we’d highly recommend visiting during the week or choosing to come in January or February instead of December.
When is Christmas in Leavenworth?
Leavenworth Christmas festivities span several months.
December: The “Christmastown activities” and events kick off the day after Thanksgiving and lasts until Christmas Eve. These festivities include the Village of Lights, live entertainment and photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves in downtown Leavenworth.
January: The winter carnival takes place in January
February: Lights are still up through the end of the month before being taken down. With no organized events this month, there are fewer crowds, but the lights are still magical and there are plenty of winter activities to keep you busy!
When are the Christmas lights up in Leavenworth?
You can visit the Bavarian village anytime from late November through February to see the magical town lit up every day.
When is the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival?
This photo was taken during the 2017 Christmas Lighting Ceremony, an event that no longer takes place due to how crowded town would get (as you can see from our picture!).
To ease overcrowding in town, Leavenworth no longer hosts the Christmas lighting festival.
Instead, the lights are on every day from late November through the month of February. There’s no need to get there for the lighting time.
Is it crowded in Leavenworth during Christmas time?
This photo was taken in early December 2024
In short: YES.
Leavenworth is a year-round destination, but no time is it as crowded as it gets during the holiday season when the streets of downtown are flooded with visitors ready to get into the Christmas spirit.
It gets especially crowded on weekends (especially Saturdays). It’s not uncommon for the highway leading into town to get backed up during these times as well.
Be sure to read our tips above to avoid the crowds and enjoy your Leavenworth, Washington Christmas to the fullest!
Will there be snow in Leavenworth?
This is Leavenworth in early December 2024
Obviously we can’t predict when it will snow from year to year, but I will warn you that December can be hit or miss with snow (especially early in the month).
Check these webcams to see the current snow (or no snow!) situation:
Good to know: If you’re visiting during December, be prepared for little to no snow (or some leftover remnants on the curbs – not the magical fluffy stuff). If you get a snowfall during November or an early December visit, consider yourself lucky!
That said, you should always come prepared because weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and you may wake up to know. Have snow chains in your car and pack your best winter clothes.
Where to stay in Leavenworth
There are plenty of excellent accommodations to choose from in Leavenworth, catering to a variety of tastes and budgets.
If you’re visiting around Christmas time, make sure to book your property well in advance as rooms book up very quickly.
Hotels
Bavarian Lodge: Situated right on Main Street, you can see the Christmas lights right from your room and walk just about everywhere.
Sleeping Lady Resort: Set in a beautiful valley, this property is especially beautiful in the wintertime and has a ton of snowshoe trails nearby.
Icicle Village Resort: A family-friendly hotel with a hot tub, (seasonal) outdoor pool, free breakfast buffet, and free parking.
Enzian Inn: Just off the main town center, this property has an indoor pool and hot tub, free breakfast buffet, and offers guests complimentary cross-country skiing equipment in the winter.
Airbnbs
Leavenworth also has a fairly large Airbnb market, ranging from cozy, romantic cabins for couples to apartments right in town.
Midcentury Mountain Cabin: We personally stayed here during our most recent winter trip to Leavenworth and had a great time! It is a bit of a drive from town (about 25-30 minutes), but it has really nice amenities (like a private hot tub!), and it is great for two couples or a family.
Are you planning a PNW trip?
You’ll definitely want to check out these articles to help you plan your trip!
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