A Visitor’s Guide to the Best Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington

Christmas is one of the most well-known and celebrated holidays across the world. However, different cultures practice their own holiday traditions. When you celebrate a Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas, you can participate in the holiday traditions from German culture. Our Bavarian-style town nestled in the North Cascades boasts a variety of celebrations for the holiday season. You can expect everything from amazing skiing, beautiful lights, and a gingerbread factory to the unique tradition of Krampusnacht! 

Especially when it comes to a town as unique as this one, you want to be able to get the most out of your trip when it comes to a town as unique as ours. Get your free Leavenworth Travel Guide and start planning your holidays in the mountains! 

Top 10 Leavenworth, Washington, Christmas Celebrations

1. Village of Lights

There is a reason that Leavenworth, Washington, has been recognized as one of the best Christmas towns in the U.S.! During the month of December, the town decorates with bright lights strung along storefronts and hosts several holiday festivities that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Gingerbread house competitions, visits from Santa Claus, ornament making, and one of the most unique Christmas experiences you can find: Krampusnacht. 

2. Christkindlmarkt

The Leavenworth Christmas Market is a huge hit each year! This Bavarian-style market features a wide array of unique goods including German food, handmade arts & crafts, a lantern parade, and Christmas-themed entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to get all your Christmas shopping done and treat yourself to something special. 

3. Village Voices Christmas Concert

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Enjoy a lovely evening of joyous Christmas tunes performed by Leavenworth’s very own Village Voices. Choir members wear traditional black and red Trachten to commemorate Leavenworth’s Bavarian inspiration and close each concert with a sing-along “Hallelujah.” 

4. The Nutcracker Museum

There is no better time of year to visit a museum dedicated to a beloved Christmas icon such as the Nutcracker! At the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, you can view more than 6,000 incredible nutcrackers, some dating back nearly 500 years! Take a tour of the museum or meet Karl, Leavenworth’s nutcracker mascot. 

5. Sleigh Rides

Get ready to “jingle all the way” on a horse-drawn sleigh ride! There’s nothing quite like gliding through Leavenworth’s forests behind gorgeous trotting horses, taking in all the beauty of the mountains as you go. Snuggle up with a warm blanket and let the memory-making begin! 

6. Sledding and Tubing

Enjoy a fun and exhilarating ride at Leavenworth Ski Hill! The Lt. Michael Adams Tubing Park is home to a 100-foot tubing hill, which you can easily reach by a rope tow. After you soar down the hill and enjoy enough laughs to last a lifetime, cozy up at the Ski Hill Lodge with a warm fire and a hot cup of cocoa. 

7. Skiing

The North Cascades provide some of the best opportunities for winter sports in the Pacific Northwest, especially when it comes to skiing! If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure during your holiday getaway, grab your skis or a snowboard and race down the slopes at our area’s local ski resorts. 

8. Reindeer Farm

Classic Christmas tales of Dasher and Dancer await at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. Sip on hot chocolate or cider while being up-close and personal with the animals responsible for guiding Santa’s sleigh! You might even get the chance to meet Saint Nick while you’re there! 

9. Gingerbread Factory

Would you like to impress Santa with some gourmet cookies this year? Make sure to stop in the Gingerbread Factory for some of the best baked goods you will ever taste! In addition to delicious cookies, they have a great selection of gingerbread houses, cakes, and other Bavarian treats. We guarantee you won’t be able to eat just one! 

10. Kris Kringle Christmas Store

From nutcrackers and Christmas trees to ornaments, snow globes, and more, the Kris Kringle Christmas Store has it all! Find fun holiday decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, or a personalized ornament that will always remind you of your amazing Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington. Once you leave with all your great finds, you’ll be glad you stopped by!