Guide to Christmas in Leavenworth, WA
Craving a European Christmas without having to leave the States? You might want to put Leavenworth at the top of your list! This picturesque Pacific Northwest town, nestled in the mountains of Washington, looks like it was plucked right out of a Hallmark movie set in Bavaria. And just like its Bavarian counterparts, Leavenworth goes all out for Christmas. Quaint gift shops, German restaurants, twinkling lights, and horse-drawn carriages create a magical wonderland throughout the Christmas season in Leavenworth, WA. Who says life can’t be like the movies?
This is your winter getaway guide to Christmas in Leavenworth, WA.
Getting to Leavenworth, WA
Get ready for a scenic winter road trip! If you’re flying to Washington, the best option will be to fly to Seattle (SEA) and then rent a car for the drive. It will take you just over two hours to get from Seattle to Leavenworth in good weather conditions.
Listen on the Drive: The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Playlist
There are two main routes to get to Leavenworth from Seattle – Stevens Pass via Highway 2 or Snoqualmie Pass via I-90. Both drives are beautiful, but the Stevens Pass route is beyond stunning, so that’s the drive I recommend if possible.
It’s important to check driving conditions and prepare for inclement weather before your trip.
Leavenworth is located in the Cascade Mountains and often experiences heavy (and sometimes dangerous) snowfall throughout the winter. Be sure to check the status of whichever pass you’re taking before you leave – if there’s been a snowstorm, the pass may be closed meaning you’ll need to take a different route. It’s also important to note that tire chains may be required to cross the pass. If you’re renting a car, agencies can typically provide you with chains – just ask. It’s also a good idea to rent a car with AWD for the journey and read up on winter driving tips if that’s unfamiliar to you.
Getting Around Leavenworth
Downtown Leavenworth is small and easily walkable. Once you find a spot to park, you’ll find that you can spend the rest of the day on foot.
PARKING
Walking around Leavenworth is pretty simple. It’s finding a parking spot first that can be the tricky part. There are three main options for parking in Leavenworth:
- Arrive early and grab one of the street or public parking spots. There’s ample parking throughout town, but these fill up quickly during the Christmas season.
- Book a stay downtown so your car never has to leave the hotel parking lot. We stayed at this Airbnb, which was just down the street from the main square.
- Utilize the Wilkommen Park & Ride. The parking lot is located behind Safeway and offers a free shuttle downtown approximately every hour. Check the route schedule for more details.
When to Visit for Christmas in Leavenworth, WA
Thanksgiving through Christmas
The Christmastown festival in Leavenworth kicks off the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas. These weeks leading up to Christmas are when Holiday cheer is at its maximum in Leavenworth. This is also when Leavenworth is at its most crowded. Expect huge crowds, heavy traffic, and long waits at restaurants – especially on weekends and evenings. However, if you want the full carol-singing, Santa-visiting Christmas experience, this is the time to go.
January through February
Hot tip: Leavenworth keeps its famous Christmas lights up through February! While you’ll still see crowds during evenings and weekends, it’s notably less than what you’d experience before Christmas. Everything in town is still open and running normally during this time as well (even the Christmas shops). If you don’t need the full Christmas experience and are just coming to Leavenworth for the lights, scenery, and European Christmas market feel, this is a great time to visit. Winter Karnival is celebrated throughout the month of January as well, meaning there are still some festive events taking place throughout the month.
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
No matter where you stay in Leavenworth, be sure to book early. Rooms fill up quickly throughout the Christmas season in Leavenworth. Also note that if you’re visiting on a weekend, many hotels may require you to book at least two nights.
Bavarian Lodge
This is the spot to stay in Leavenworth. This Bavarian-style hotel is right in the center of the action, making it one of the most convenient places to stay. The rooms are comfy with great views of the town or the mountains, free parking, and some even have a cozy fireplace.
AirBnB
If the hotels downtown are booked (or outside your budget), take a look at the options on AirBnB. As I mentioned earlier, we stayed in this AirBnB. It was a simple room but was cozy, affordable, and in the perfect location (with free parking!). And, unlike many of the hotels in town, it allowed us to book for just one night.
Things to Do for Christmas in Leavenworth, WA
Peruse the shops & admire the Bavarian architecture
Truly one of the best ways to enjoy Leavenworth is just to mosey the streets and stop at whichever shops catch your eye. You’ll find everything from trendy home decor to kitschy (but adorable) Christmas shops, and it’s so fun to just peruse and see what you’ll discover. Even if shopping isn’t your cup of tea, be sure to walk about the town and snap some photos of the gorgeous, Bavarian-style buildings. They’re really what makes visiting Leavenworth so remarkable.
Sample Beer and Giant Pretzels
A trip to Leavenworth isn’t complete without snacking on a giant pretzel with warm cheese dip. You’ll find them all throughout town, but the fan favorite might be the one from Rein Haus. However, feel free to sample a few to do your own taste test. After you’ve had a pretzel (or three), wash it down with a beer from Icicle Brewing (which also happens to have its own giant pretzel).
Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Oh, how I wish I had known about this place before our visit. Just one mile outside of downtown Leavenworth is an adorable farm where you can visit and feed the reindeer. Reservations are required, and they sell out quickly during Christmastime, so be sure to book at least a couple of months in advance.
See the Christmas Lights at Front Street Park
The Christmas lights in Leavenworth are absolutely magical. Every year, Leavenworth strings up over half a million lights that transform the town and fill it with yuletide cheer. You’ll see twinkling lights lining the streets all around town, but the star of the show is definitely Front Street Park. Every night from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of February, the park’s trees and gazebo glow with thousands of lights. Each evening you’ll find visitors gathering here to admire the lights, build snowmen, and sled down the small hill. The lights stay on all day and night as well, so don’t worry about making it there for a “flip the switch” moment.
Enjoy a German Dinner from Andreas Keller
Top off your night with some delicious German food from Andreas Keller. The family-owned restaurant serves traditional, homemade Bavarian food. The ambiance here is so cozy and authentic, and to complete the picture there’s often live accordion music. They don’t take reservations, so be sure to call or stop by early to get on the waiting list on the day of your visit.
Leavenworth is, undoubtedly, one of the best places in the U.S. to visit during the Christmas season. With its incredible scenery, dazzling lights, and European Christmas vibes, Leavenworth is sure to get you in the Holiday spirit.
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