Looking for the best things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas? During the winter months, this Bavarian town in Washington comes alive with the magic of Christmas. This guide to Leavenworth at Christmas includes all the top things to do, where to dine and the best hotels.
I’ve always wanted to visit the famous Christmas markets of Europe, and when I visited Leavenworth this past year, I felt like I got a little taste of that. From holiday lights to reindeer to snowmobiling, there are so many things to do in Leavenworth during Christmas.
Here is the ultimate guide to Leavenworth at Christmas!
About Leavenworth
Modeled after the picturesque villages of Bavaria in Germany, Leavenworth is unique as it’s the only European-styled town in Washington.
What was one a thriving logging town, Leavenworth re-branded itself about a century ago when it’s townspeople decided to make it into a German town, in hopes of attracting tourism. And, it worked; the town is a bustling tourist attraction to this day with people visiting from all over the US.
Leavenworth features Baroque-style architecture, German restaurants and breweries, and all the beauty of Bavaria. Plus, it’s prime location on the foothills of the Cascade Mountains give it’s a breathtaking backdrop!
How to Get to Leavenworth
About two hours’ drive from Seattle, the best airport to fly into for Leavenworth is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This large airport has direct flights from all over the US including New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami to name a few — plus, international flights from London, Singapore, Tokyo and so many more!
From there, the easiest way to get to Leavenworth is to rent a car and make the drive. The roughly 2-hour drive is a fairly straight shot on Highway 2 through Sultan, Gold Bar, Skyhomish and Coles Corner. While there isn’t much to see between Leavenworth and Seattle, the drive is very scenic with a couple of coffee shops and gas stations along the way.
The drive also takes you through a mountain pass: Stevens Pass. During the winter months, the drive through the mountains can be a bit nerve-wracking if the weather conditions aren’t perfect.
Is it safe to drive to Leavenworth in December?
For my trip to Leavenworth in mid-December, we left Seattle first thing in the morning as we saw that a storm was expected for later in the day. Before driving Stevens Pass, we checked the road conditions to ensure it was open and safe to drive through. While we experienced some snow fall driving through, we were happy that it wasn’t a full-on storm and felt safe with our AWD car rental. That being said, I’m not sure I would want to make the drive in a heavy winter storm!
Since the area gets quite a bit of snow, it’s always a good idea to check the weather and road conditions and make sure the pass is open and safe to drive.
If you think you may be encountering snowy weather, it’s best to rent a car with all-wheel drive or use snow chains (often times they are required for vehicles without AWD). And, planning to drive earlier in the day is a good idea so you don’t get stuck driving after nightfall!
The Best Time to Visit Leavenworth
With its prime location in the stunning Cascade Mountains, there isn’t really a bad time to visit Leavenworth. The summer months bring beautiful, sunny weather that are great for hiking, biking and exploring the beauty of the mountains. And the nearby lakes are perfect for a refreshing dip to cool off from the heat, as temperatures can reach into the 90s.
But, if you’re Christmas-obsessed like me then you won’t want to miss visiting Leavenworth in the winter!
From festive lights and decorations to snowy winter activities, the town really seems to come alive at Christmastime.
How Often Does it Snow in Leavenworth?
If you want to enjoy the town with a fresh blanket of snow, you may be wondering how often the area gets snow or does Leavenworth have snow in December?
And, the answer is yes! Leavenworth’s snowfall happens between November and March with December getting the most amount of snow — perfect for those dreaming of a white Christmas.
Let’s take a look at the average monthly snowfall for Leavenworth in the winter:
- November: 5.4 inches (Average temperature highs around 42 F, lows around 33 F)
- December: 17.4 inches (Average temperature highs around 34 F, lows around 22 F)
- January: 15.9 inches (Average temperature highs around 34 F, lows around 20 F)
- February: 7.2 inches (Average temperature highs around 40 F, lows around 29 F)
- March: 2 inches (Average temperature highs around 48 F, lows around 34 F)
When is Christmas at Leavenworth?
Of course, we all know Christmas is in December… but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the spirit of Christmas in Leavenworth before or after!
In fact, the town’s famous Christmas lights are put up on December 1st and stay on through the last day of February. Holiday events — like the Christmas Market and Snow Fest — begin in November and the holiday fun doesn’t stop until late February. For example, the popular Bavarian Ice Fest takes place in mid-January.
So, even if you aren’t able to make it in December, you can still enjoy Christmas in Leavenworth!
How to Get Around Leavenworth
The main street of downtown Leavenworth, Front Street, is just a couple of blocks long and is a no-car zone — so it’s best explored on foot! Once you find parking at one of the several lots around the town, you can just walk right into the heart of town.
If you plan to explore beyond downtown (perhaps to go snowmobiling or take a sleigh ride) it’s best to have a car as some of the area’s best winter activities are 10 – 30 minutes away.
Top Things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas
With European Christmas market staples like Gluhwein and bratwurst, along with festive decor and actual reindeer(!), there are so many things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas!
Explore Leavenworth’s “Village of Lights”
Of course, one of the best things to do at Christmas is to stroll the downtown area of this Bavarian-style village.
During the holiday season, the town is known as the “Village of Lights” because they decorate the village with over half a million Christmas lights!
Along with its incredibly festive decor, visitors can also see live carolers, snap photos with holiday characters (hi, Santa!), take part in gingerbread house making, snack on roasting chestnuts, and so much more.
And, after a fresh snow, many of the kids will bring their sleds to go down the little hill along Front Street in downtown.
Dine at a Bavarian Restaurant
This Bavarian-style village is home to several restaurants serving authentic German food. And, one of the best things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas is enjoy a hearty Bavarian meal!
From bratwurst to schnitzel, Andreas Keller has all the traditional favorites — plus a live accordion player! And don’t miss grabbing a pretzel, cheese fondue and a German beer at Rhein Haus.
Christkindlmarkt
To welcome the holiday season, Christkindlmarkt is held every Thanksgiving weekend. This annual Bavarian-style Christmas market hosts a variety of vendors and artisans (so you can do some Christmas shopping!), as well as holiday-themed activities, and authentic Bavarian foods. The event is held in the Front Street Park and the Leavenworth Festhalle.
Enjoy a Glass of Gluhwein
Gluhwein is a traditional beverage enjoyed during the holidays in Germany and found at many of the German Christmas markets. It’s made of hot mulled wine spiced with cinnamon sticks, star anise and orange.
I was so excited to find they had authentic gluhwein in Leavenworth at Bergdorf Cellars, a charming wine shop on Front Street! There’s nothing better than a glass of gluhwein to warm you up after a frosty stroll through town.
Visit a Reindeer Farm
Rudolph, is that you?! Just a mile outside of town, you can meet live reindeer… at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm!
This has to be one of the most Christmassy things I’ve ever done and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas.
Visitors can book a ticket to tour the farm and meet the adorable reindeer — you can even feed them! The tour guides were super friendly and I actually learned a lot about reindeer… the entire experience was wonderful. I loved seeing these cuties up close and was amazed by how sizable the antlers were!
While the reindeer farm is open year-round, make sure to book your tickets well in advance if you want to visit during the busy winter season.
Visit the Nutcracker Museum
Located in a Bavarian-style building in town, the Nutcracker Museum houses over 7,000 nutcrackers. At $5 for admission, it’s worth taking a look around to see this incredible collection… because, where else can you see that many nutcrackers in the world?!
Go Snowmobiling
If you want to really enjoy being in the snowy mountains, snowmobiling is a great way to explore this winter wonderland.
We went on a tour with Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours and I can’t recommend them enough. Our friendly guide got us totally outfitted for the cold in snowsuits and taught us how to work the snowmobiles. Then, off we went on an absolutely stunning tour of the mountains! We did the “Grandpa’s Rocker” tour which took us through the mountains for about 20 miles where we took in scenic views of Lake Wenatchee and the Cascade mountains.
Take a Sleigh Ride
Would you like to go dashing through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh? Well, Leavenworth is the spot to do it!
Leavenworth Sleigh Rides offers daily winter tours through a picturesque meadow and forest, and ends at a cozy barn where you can enjoy a hot cup of cider by the fire. Sounds pretty delightful to me!
Shop for Ornaments at Kris Kringl
Do you collect Christmas ornaments or are you looking for some festive decor for your home? Kris Kringl is a must stop!
This Christmas store has a very impressive collection of handcrafted holiday ornaments and home goods that will turn any home into a holiday wonderland.
I was seriously amazed at how many beautiful ornaments they had… they even had an ornament that looked like my dog, which of course I had to get!
Go Nordic Skiing
Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing are great options for a fun workout and a way to take in the beauty of the Cascade Mountains. There are plenty of groomed trails around Leavenworth for every skill level!
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
Looking for the best hotels in Leavenworth? Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a family holiday, this Bavarian town has plenty of lodging options.
Luxury
- Posthotel: This is the ultimate romantic getaway hotel! From it’s dreamy spa and pool to its luxurious rooms, Posthotel is definitely one of the best places to stay in Leavenworth.
- LOGE Leavenworth Downtown: You can’t beat the location of this downtown hotel, and the modern decor and amenities are loved by guests.
- Enzian Inn: A favorite stay of many holiday travelers, this lodge is rustic with updated rooms.
Mid-Range
- Alpine Rivers Inn: Nestled on the bank of the Wenatchee River, this hotel has stunning views, as well as a swimming pool and hot tub.
- Fox Den Bed & Breakfast: About a mile outside of town, this rustic bed & breakfast offers cozy rooms and mountain views.
- Blue Elk Inn: Within walking distance from town, this Bavarian-style hotel is a popular pick.
Budget
- Icicle Village Resort: This family-friendly resort features a heated pool and mini-golf course.
- Obertal Inn: Just a block from the village, this family-run bed & breakfast is a great option at a lower price point.
Tamarack Haus
Planning a group trip to Leavenworth with family or friends? I absolutely loved my stay at the charming 3-bedroom Tamarack Haus, a house rental that is walkable to downtown. It was charming, cozy and perfect for our group. I also loved that it had a hot tub for those chilly winter nights!
Best Restaurants in Leavenworth
Wondering where the top places to dine in town are? From casual German cuisine to an upscale 8-course tasting menu, Leavenworth has plenty of dining options to choose from!
- Andreas Keller Restaurant: This German restaurant is a classic Leavenworth institution in the heart of the village. With pork hock, goulash, schnitzel and bratwurst, this is one of the best places to get favorite German dishes!
- Rhein Haus: With a prime position and outdoor patio in the village, Rhein Haus is a great stop for German beers, pretzels, fondue and more.
- Mana: This fine-dining establishment offers a culinary experience of 8-courses using organic and local ingredients.
- Watershed Cafe: A dinner spot serving farm-to-table fare located in downtown Leavenworth.
- München Haus: Another Bavarian spot with some of the best brats in town.
- Larch: If you’re done with German food, why not try some delicious Italian? Larch serves seasonal pastas in a cozy, casual atmosphere.
- Gingerbread Factory & Danish Bakery: Got a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the adorable (and delicious!) gingerbread cookies from the Gingerbread Factory or tasty Danish pastries from the Danish Bakery on Front Street!
- J5 Coffee: The skilled baristas at this coffee shop make some incredible lattes (and other coffee beverages!).
Tips for Visiting Leavenworth in the Winter
Book in advance: Leavenworth is a popular holiday destination for travelers near and far so it can get quite busy! Make sure to book your lodging and other activities (like reindeer farm tickets) well in advance.
Prepare for the weather: Leavenworth can get quite chilly in the winter months so make sure to pack a proper winter jacket and snow shoes. Scarves, gloves and beanies are a good idea too!
Be flexible with your schedule: If you can, allow some flexibility with your driving schedule. If there’s a snow storm, it’s best to wait it out before making the drive to or from Leavenworth. Perhaps arrive in Seattle a day or two early to explore!
Bring your pooch: If you live in the area and want to bring your dog, you’re in luck. I found that Leavenworth was a very dog friendly city!
Shop Leavenworth Style Inspiration
Now that you know all the best things to do in Leavenworth at Christmas, it’s time to start planning your holiday getaway!
With it being a El Nino year this December, what’s your take on the weather being December 23rd to the 26th. Do you think we’ll be able to see any snow?
Hard to say exactly but I know Washington state is supposed to be drier overall this winter due to El Nino! 🤷🏼♀️
There’s snow on the ground now with expectations of a few more light storms, but they may rain. So there will definitely be snow on the hills, but it may be hit or miss if the town will be snowy!
Thanks for the informative article about Leavenworth. We are planning to go in 2nd week of December. Will I need need snow boots?
I also visited in December and was very glad I brought my snow boots as there was a snow storm while we were there! They were perfect for our snow mobile adventure and walking around town. I would check the weather before your visit and see if there’s any snow in the forecast!
how did you get around or did you rent a car? Thanks in advance
We rented a car in Seattle and drove to Leavenworth from there! However, the downtown is very walkable so you definitely don’t need a car to go into town if your hotel is close by. Hope that helps!
My name is Jacob, and I’m the main driver for seatactours.com
We provide a day trip into Leavenworth from the Seattle area for $285. It’s an affordable and hassle free way to enjoy Leavenworth without having to stress about a rental car, driving on snow and ice (4wd vehicles and I have 12 years of extreme snow and ice driving) and we will ensure that you have a blast, and your journey is effortless and easy. Just ensure you book your attractions like the sleigh rides and reindeer farm tours on your own in advance as they book up fast!
On Christmas Eve how late are things open to visit ? We are there all day but was wondering when people usually leave on Christmas Eve. Glenn
There should be a couple of places open for dinner on Christmas Eve… I know Rhein Haus is open until 8:30pm on Christmas Eve, and 11am – 4pm on Christmas day! Have a wonderful holiday in Leavenworth 🙂
my family will be visiting Leavenworth on Dec. 23, 24 and 25, 2022. Will things, like resturants etc…be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?
There should be some places open on Christmas Eve but you’ll find most shops and restaurants closed for Christmas Day. The 25th could be a great day to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and get outdoors (snowshoeing, etc.) or even ski at nearby Stevens Pass if weather permits. Have a wonderful time in Leavenworth… it’s just magical!