Washington during the winter season is a wonderland of snow-laden beauty. With so much to explore, you’ll want to get out of the big city to experience it all! There are many fantastic destinations in our state to enjoy day trips from Seattle in winter, but one always stands out from them all. Here’s why you should treat yourself to a quick trip to Leavenworth, WA this season and some suggestions for fun things to do while you’re there! You’ll also find a wide variety of recommendations for exciting activities and attractions in our complimentary Leavenworth Vacation Guide.
Plan Your Winter Getaway With Our Free Vacation Guide
More About Leavenworth, WA
Located approximately two hours from Seattle, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains. Originally a small logging town named Icicle Flats, Leavenworth underwent a massive renovation in the 1960s in order to save the town from extinction. Once Icicle Flats was transformed into an inspiring Bavarian community and renamed to Leavenworth, tourists from all over the world flocked here to experience the German motif and wide variety of activities available in the area.
Today, Leavenworth is one of the state’s most unique vacation destinations and more than a million visitors walk its streets every year. Whatever your passions might be, you’ll be sure to find something fun to do during your day trip from Seattle.
The Most Fun Things to Do During Day Trips From Seattle in Winter
1. Attend Fun Winter Events
During the winter, Leavenworth comes alive with activity to honor the holidays and the season’s bounty. The popular Leavenworth Winter Festival is an absolute must during Christmas and undoubtedly one of the town’s most popular annual events. Stop by Downtown Leavenworth from November 30th to December 16th to witness Leavenworth light up with millions of dazzling Christmas lights. You’ll also be able to enjoy a variety of fun holiday-themed activities such as sledding in Front Street Park, Christmas concerts, roasted chestnuts, hot spiced wine and cider, and more.
In January, the Leavenworth Ice Festival, also known as the Bavarian Icefest, is a great way to immerse in the town’s Bavarian culture and catch the Christmas lights you may have missed during the holidays. The ice festival is also the place to see incredible ice sculptures, play ice-themed games with your friends and family, and watch a fabulous fireworks display.
2. Get Outdoors
The weather may be chilly, but this is the perfect time to enjoy Leavenworth’s wide array of winter outdoor activities. Here are just a few of our personal favorites that we’re sure you’ll love just as much as we do.
- Skiing: Leavenworth Ski Hill is a great spot for experienced skiers and beginners alike to tear up the slopes all season long. This is also the home of the only American ski jump on the west coast and a thrilling snow tubing hill!
- Snowshoeing: This winter activity is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly that you’ll find in Leavenworth. Put on your snowshoes and get ready to traverse through a stunning winter wonderland on-foot. Our rustic bed & breakfast in Leavenworth provides free snowshoes for guests and will even offer a quick lesson if you’re new to the sport.
- Sleigh Rides: To add a bit of romance to your day trip, we highly recommend a memorable sleigh ride in Leavenworth! There are quite a few spots in and around the Bavarian village that provide horse-drawn sleigh rides through Leavenworth’s winter landscape. Get cozy under a warm blanket and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
3. Explore Downtown Leavenworth
Exploring our Bavarian-inspired village is a must for day trips from Seattle in winter. In addition to traditional architecture and fairy-tale worthy charm, you will discover a wide range of unique shops and restaurants. Many visitors love to browse through downtown’s museums, candy shops, and boutiques before stopping for a delicious meal at one of our German eateries. It’s a great way to spend the day together while experiencing the best that Leavenworth has to offer.
Why Not Turn Your Day Trip Into a Weekend Getaway?
With so many incredible things to see and do in Leavenworth, one day will hardly be enough to experience it all! Give yourself plenty of time to try all of your favorite activities and attractions by staying with us at Pine River Ranch! Our beautiful and rustic bed & breakfast located just outside of Leavenworth is ideal for unforgettable getaways in Washington state. With six exquisite suites to choose from, luxurious amenities, and a delicious hot breakfast delivered straight to your door each morning, you’ll be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
For the ultimate weekend getaway, we highly recommend our spacious Lodgepole Suite. This unique guestroom features an enchanting real-rock fireplace to warm up on chilly nights, radiant floor heat, a large pine log bed, a private deck with stunning views of the property, and more.
Book your next getaway with us at Pine River Ranch today! We look forward to seeing you soon.