Christmas Leavenworth Washington Complete Guide For Lights, Reindeer, Food, And Cozy Hotels

Every December my husband and I plan a holiday trip somewhere new, and a few years ago we discovered Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington. I still think about that trip every winter because this Bavarian-style mountain town in the Cascades feels like stepping straight into a snow globe.

The day we arrived at Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort, it started snowing and didn’t stop. We barely checked in before running outside to frolic in the falling flakes. That evening we sipped mulled wine downtown, watched the Christmas lights glow to life, and I thought: this is the most magical Christmas town in America.

If you’re planning a holiday trip, here’s my full guide with everything we did, from sleigh rides and reindeer farms to pretzels by the fire, plus tips for where to stay, where to eat, and how to make the most of your own Leavenworth Christmas getaway.

Why Visit Leavenworth Washington At Christmas

Leavenworth is an adorable Bavarian-inspired village tucked in the Cascade Mountains, just two hours east of Seattle. The architecture, German food, and Alpine backdrop already make it feel like Europe, but during the holiday season the whole town transforms into a Christmas wonderland.

Twinkling lights cover every building, choirs sing carols in the gazebo, reindeer wait for visitors on snowy farms, and locals sip glühwein to stay warm. It’s festive without feeling fake!

I remember walking around at night with snow falling, lights glowing, and the smell of Christmas trees in the air. I turned to Robin and said, “this feels like the North Pole.”

When To Visit Leavenworth For Christmas

The holiday season in Leavenworth typically runs from Thanksgiving through December, with the biggest crowds around the Christmas Lighting Festival each weekend in December.

We visited the second weekend of December and loved the energy, though it was crowded at night in the Leavenworth downtown area. If you prefer a quieter trip, go midweek in December when the lights are still on but the streets are calmer.

Pro tip: Leavenworth often gets snow in early December, but every year is different. Check the weather forecast and road conditions before your trip. 

How To Get To Leavenworth

Leavenworth is about a 2-hour drive from Seattle over the Cascade Loop. We flew into SEA-TAC from San Francisco, rented a car, and drove through Stevens Pass on the way there and Snoqualmie Pass on the way back.

Both routes are gorgeous, winding through Wenatchee National Forest and along the Wenatchee River.

We lucked out with light snow on the days we drove in, but I recommend renting a car with traction tires in winter since the state can require them during storms. Check WSDOT for real-time pass conditions before driving.

This is the most magical Christmas town in Washington State but it comes at the cost of unpredictable weather. 

Top Festive Things To Do In Leavenworth At Christmas

Their Christmas festival, Christmas events, overall cheer is going to be the best holiday you’ve had since childhood, I promise! 

1. Leavenworth Christmas Light Festival

The biggest draw is the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival, held every weekend in December until Christmas. Thousands of lights switch on at once in the downtown square while carols play and the whole town cheers.

It gets packed, like, shoulder-to-shoulder packed,  so plan ahead. We went in mid-afternoon, had mulled wine, browsed shops, and grabbed an early dinner before the lighting began. That way we were already downtown and didn’t have to fight traffic later.

2. Sleigh Rides Through The Snow

Few things feel more magical than a snowy sleigh ride with bells jingling (cue the song, anyone?)

We booked one at Icicle Outfitters and had the sleigh to ourselves. After gliding past snowy forests and creeks, we warmed up with hot cider. It honestly felt like a fairytale moment, the kind you replay in your head every Christmas.

If Icicle Outfitters is sold out, check out Mountain Springs Lodge for another classic sleigh ride.

3. Reindeer Farm

The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is pure holiday joy and probably my favorite of all our holiday activities we did in this iconic Christmastown We pet fluffy reindeer, learned fun facts about them, and even met Santa. 

I was grinning the whole time, it’s the perfect activity if you’re traveling with kids, but even as an adult it made me giddy. I love Christmas that much! Tickets sell out fast in December, so book in advance.

4. Nutcracker Museum

You can’t miss the quirky Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, home to thousands of nutcrackers from around the world. Tickets are just $5, though the museum has short hours (1–5 pm), so plan ahead.

We missed it by minutes on our trip and I still regret it. Next time it’s top of my list.

5. Downtown Strolls And Shopping

Downtown Leavenworth looks like Bavaria but dressed up for the North Pole. Half the fun is wandering the shops, buying ornaments at Christmas stores, and warming up with glühwein.

I bought German steins and Robin grabbed chocolate, it’s all part of the festive experience.

6. Wine And Beer Tasting

Leavenworth is surrounded by Washington wine country from nearby Lake Chelan, so it’s no surprise the town has plenty of tasting rooms. We loved Icicle Ridge Winery for affordable tastings ($10 when we went) and warming up between shops.

If beer’s more your thing, grab a flight at Icicle Brewing Company, a local staple with fire pits outside and cozy indoor seating upstairs.

7. Pretzels And Mulled Wine

You can’t leave without eating a giant pretzel at München Haus, one of the best Leavenworth restaurants.

We ordered one the size of my head, dipped it in mustard, and sat by the fire pit while snow fell. Pair it with German beer or glühwein (mulled wine) and you’ll understand why I call this one of the coziest holiday towns in the U.S.

8. Outdoor Holiday Fun

Leavenworth is a mountain town, so winter brings plenty of snow play:

• Sledding: The hill by the gazebo downtown turns into a sledding spot for kids (or kids at heart).
• Leavenworth Ski Hill: Perfect for beginner skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, and fat biking.
• Winter Hiking: On clear days you can see Sleeping Lady Mountain. Bring snowshoes for Icicle Creek Trail!

9. Outdoor Hot Tubs

My favorite holiday ritual: a hot tub soak while it’s snowing. Ideally with a cup of mulled wine.

At Sleeping Lady Resort, we slipped into their outdoor tub after a day downtown, snowflakes melting in the steam. It’s the ultimate winter reset before another night of Christmas lights. It’s a very neat hot tub, too, looks like it was carved out of stone. 

Best Restaurants For Christmas In Leavenworth

• Mana: A multi-course farm-to-table dinner that blew me away. Perfect for a special holiday night (reservations required).
• München Haus: For pretzels, sausages, and beer by the fire pits.
• Andreas Keller: Classic schnitzel in a cozy Bavarian basement. I swear it was better than the schnitzel I had in Germany. I loved sitting in the booths that looked like a barrel. 
• Icicle Brewing Company: Cozy craft beer spot with winter vibes.
• O’Grady’s:  On the Sleeping Lady property. Their pancakes were bigger than my head, and Robin loved his avocado sandwich.

Best Leavenworth Hotels For A Holiday Stay

When figuring out where to stay for Christmas in Leavenworth Washington, you can either choose a downtown hotel or one that’s a little out of town. Downtown hotels are more walkable, while the ones outside town offer serene grounds. 

• Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort:  Our pick! Cabins tucked in the woods, outdoor hot tub, spa, and an organic garden. Romantic but also family-friendly.
• Posthotel: Luxury option downtown with an indoor-outdoor pool that looks like a winter dream.
• Cabins & Vacation Rentals: If you want privacy, book an A-frame cabin with a hot tub. Perfect for groups or long stays. This cabin has an epic hot tub I want to book next time. 

Sample 2-Day Christmas Itinerary In Leavenworth

If you’re planning a quick weekend in Leavenworth, here’s how I think you should plan your time! 

Day 1 in Leavenworth

• Arrive in Leavenworth via Stevens Pass
• Check into Sleeping Lady Resort
• Afternoon sleigh ride with Icicle Outfitters
• Pretzels + beer at München Haus
• Evening Christmas Lighting Festival downtown
• Hot tub soak under the stars

Day 2 in Leavenworth

• Breakfast at O’Grady’s
• Reindeer Farm visit
• Nutcracker Museum stop
• Wine tasting at Icicle Ridge Winery
• Early dinner at Mana or Andreas Keller
• Evening stroll through downtown lights with glühwein in hand

What To Pack For Leavenworth In December

Be prepared for heavy, thick snow that is classic to the Pacific Northwest. 

• Warm coat or parka
• Waterproof boots with traction (streets can get icy)
• Gloves, hats, scarves, hand warmers
• Snow pants if you plan to sled or ski
• Layers (sweaters + thermal base. I love Sezane sweaters for style but warmth!)
• Portable charger (cold weather kills phone batteries fast)

FAQ About Christmas In Leavenworth Washington

Is Leavenworth Washington worth visiting at Christmas?

Absolutely. Between the lights, sleigh rides, reindeer, and Bavarian charm, it’s one of the most magical Christmas towns in North America.

How crowded is Leavenworth during Christmas?

Very. Weekends in December are packed, especially during the Lighting Festival. Go midweek if you want fewer crowds.

Do you need a car in Leavenworth?

Yes. The town is walkable once you’re there, but getting in and out is easiest with a car, especially if you’re staying at Sleeping Lady. Plus, the activities like Reindeer farm and sleigh rides are outside the city so it’s best to drive as taxis and rideshares are reliable up in the mountains. 

That being said, many people take the train from Seattle to Leavenworth and are happy sticking to downtown Leavenworth by foot. 

What food should I try in Leavenworth at Christmas?

Pretzels at München Haus, schnitzel at Andreas Keller, mulled wine, and farm-to-table dinner at Mana.

Leavenworth At Christmas Is Worth The Trip

If you’re dreaming of twinkling lights, snowy streets, and Bavarian charm without flying to Europe,  Leavenworth Washington Christmas is the trip you need to take. From sipping glühwein by a fire pit to petting reindeer, this little Cascade village makes you believe in holiday magic again. Christmas in Washington can’t get better than this. 

I still compare every Christmas trip we take to Leavenworth, and few places come close. Berlin at Christmas in actual Germany is the only one to take the cake.