Leavenworth, Washington, is an absolutely enchanting Bavarian-style village that’s a wonderful place to visit all year round. However, during winter, the small, cozy town comes alive with a magical series of attractions, festivities, and events that makes it the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. The nearby Cascade Mountains provide a snow-capped backdrop that’s the perfect setting for garlands of sparkling lights and festive events, but all this jingle bell cheer is just the tip of the Christmas-themed iceberg when it comes to Yuletide merrymaking in lovely Leavenworth.

10 Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum

Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Home to thousands(!) of distinctive nutcrackers from around the world, the Nutcracker Museum is a world-renowned attraction that will enchant any visitor looking to get festive in Leavenworth.

  • Address: 735 Front Street
  • Hours: Open daily 11 AM-5 PM
  • Admission: Adults (17-64) $5; Seniors (65+) $3.50; Youth (6-16) $2

9 Winter (Sports) Wonderland

One of the best reasons to visit Leavenworth during the holidays is to get outdoors—and there are plenty of activities for anyone looking to revel in the brisk winter air. Leavenworth’s proximity to the Cascades means great skiing, while the nearby Leavenworth Winter Sports Club has it all—tubing, sledding, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

  • Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (Check website for available activities)
  • Stephen’s Pass Ski Resort (opens in December)
  • Mission Ridge Ski Resort (opens November 19, 2022)

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8 Sleigh Rides

Celebrate the holidays and soak up Leavenworth’s lovely winter landscapes with a sleigh ride. From a jolly jingle bell rockin’ time for the entire family to an intimate, cozy ride for two, Leavenworth’s sleigh rides are super festive and fantastic fun for everyone.

  • Leavenworth Sleigh Rides are located at Mountain Springs Lodge and start in mid-December (conditions permitting). Rides last approximately 50 minutes and include scenic meadow views and hot apple cider by a cozy fire.

7 The Gingerbread Factory

It wouldn’t be the holidays without gingerbread: the spiced, cozy scent permeating the air and an endless supply of treats and sweets. And there’s no better place for visitors to get their gingerbread fill than at the Gingerbread Factory—which even looks like a gingerbread house on the outside.

  • Address: 829 Front Street
  • Hours: Open 9 AM-4 PM Tuesday through Thursday; 9 AM-6 PM Friday through Monday

6 Leavenworth Christmas Lights

Leavenworth is a quaint Bavarian-style village that’s worth visiting all year round, but during the holidays, the tiny town becomes a bona fide holiday haven with a bevy of festive activities. And setting the stage for this winter wonderland is the village’s enchanting light display—once a one-time event, the Lighting Ceremony now takes place every weekend in December when the lovely downtown is adorned with millions of lights. 2022 light displays will begin around Thanksgiving and last through the holiday season

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5 Village Of Lights Christmastown

Leavenworth’s Christmastown celebration is an enchanting event that includes the absolute best of the village’s holiday traditions along festive Front Street from the designated Festhalle to the town Gazebo. Think carolers, entertainment, sparkling lights, photos with Santa, and a ton of family-friendly activities—the most wonderful time of year to visit picture-perfect Leavenworth. November 25 to December 24, 2022

4 Reindeer Meet-And-Greet

Leavenworth is a bustling holiday haven packed with festive events and celebrations. However, there are a number of one-of-a-kind experiences that may get overshadowed by all the glitz and glamour—and one such activity is the chance to mix and mingle with actual reindeer at Leavenworth Reindeer farm, which offers a bevy of fun experiences for visitors who want to get up close and personal with some of Santa’s most recognizable helpers.

  • Address: 10395 Chumstick Highway
  • Dates: November through January
  • Tickets: Ticket prices vary by experience but generally start at $25 and up
  • Tour Options: VIP Reindeer Experience; Christmas Lights & Reindeer Nights; Winter Reindeer Farm Tour

3 Snowmobile Tours

Those who like their winter activities with a side of adrenaline will no doubt want to embark on one of Leavenworth’s adventurous snowmobile tours. Think snow-capped Cascade views, forested pathways, and an unforgettable winter adventure—with options for the whole family to enjoy Leavenworth’s gorgeous great outdoors.

  • Address: 19115 Chiwawa Loop Road
  • Cost: Dependent on tour option, but starts at $99 and up/single snowmobiles.

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2 Sip Winter Brews

Get into the holiday spirit by sipping Bavarian-style beers at one of Leavenworth’s must-visit beer gardens, breweries, and craft beer pubs. From hearty porters to Alpine ales (and everything in between), beer connoisseurs will find something to celebrate at these warm and welcoming watering holes.

  • München Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden 709 Front Street
  • Icicle Brewing Company 935 Front Street
  • Doghaus Brewery 321 9th Street

1 See A Christmas Show

Spend the day strolling Leavenworth’s magical Christmastown, and stay in the holiday spirit with a nighttime show at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts. A fun, festive lineup awaits visitors looking to add some jingle bell rock to their celebrations—the perfect way to cap off a snow-filled day in charming Leavenworth. See the website for complete show listings, schedules, and ticket information.

  • The Nutcracker Sweets December 2-3, 2022
  • Allen Fitzpatrick’s A Christmas Carol December 17-18, 2022
  • Candlelight Messiah December 23-24, 2022