Winter Fun Left

Winter Fun In Leavenworth

Leavenworth, Washington is a winter sports and recreation destination. The village provides easy access to world-class alpine ski and snowboard resorts, both groomed trail and back-country Nordic skiing and other winter activities. You’ll enjoy family-oriented activities and festivals from November through March. The setting is magical. The village of Leavenworth has been described as a living snow-globe.

Located on the east slope of the central Cascade Mountain Range, Leavenworth is a village of less than 2000 year-round residents. In the mid-sixties Leavenworth, then a dwindling logging town, began the transformation that made it the Bavarian themed village you see today. Its elevation, only 1200′, makes it a perfect base for enjoying all the outdoor activities your family loves. Winter daytime temperatures average 28°. Dress in several light layers and have hats and gloves handy.

Christmas LightingLeavenworth is part of the North Cascades Scenic Loop, consistently named one of the country’s most scenic drives. US Highway 2 is the main route to Leavenworth, both from the west through Stevens Pass and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and from the east via the Columbia Gorge and Wenatchee fruit country. You can also arrive in Leavenworth via I-90, taking US-97 from Cle-Elum and Blewett Pass. Check out our Getting Here page for more route information and links to resources such as the Washington Department of Transportation. Check out their Winter Driving page for really good information on being prepared. Be sure you’re connected and up-do-date with the latest weather and pass reports especially during winter driving.

You’ll need a place to stay in Leavenworth or the surrounding area. Fortunately, Leavenworth has hotels, motels, cabins, condominiums and bed and breakfast inns to fit every taste and budget. Stay in the heart of the village along Front Street or off the beaten path in a cabin along the Wenatchee River or Icicle Creek. Many hotels have ski and stay packages, especially in January and February.

Hotels with Ski and Stay Packages:

Icicle Inn

Sleeping Lady

Sledding HillTwo of Leavenworth’s many festivals take place in December and in January. The Christmas Lighting Festival in Leavenworth brings families from Washington State and all over the Pacific Northwest to the village every year. Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme and mountain setting make it the perfect place to capture the magic of the Christmas season. There’s a Christmas parade and on Saturday and Sunday evening each weekend of the festival, the many thousands of sparkling lights are lit as everyone gathered on Front Street joins in singing Silent Night. The festival takes place over three weekends in December. Family fun during the festival includes live music at the Gazebo and Christmas characters such as Santa and Mrs. Claus, St. Nicklaus and Woody Goomsba, the town’s Nutcracker mascot. Enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of the season. Read more on our Christmas Lighting Festival page.

If you’re in Leavenworth for the Christmas Lighting Festival, make plans to take in a show. The Leavenworth Summer Theater stages a Christmas musical on the weekends of the Festival. The A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life are typical Christmas productions.

Wenatchee RiverIn January plan your trip around the Bavarian IceFest. In late January Leavenworth celebrates winter with family friendly activities, children’s games and fireworks. The festival includes snow sculpting, an ice cube scramble and a Smooshing contest. (You’ll have to read the website for a description!) Cheer from the sidelines or compete for prizes.

During your winter trip to Leavenworth book a sleigh ride for more family memories. Several outfitters and lodges offer sleigh rides.

Other festivals during the winter months include Christkindlmarkt, Wine and Chocolate Festival and Carnival Day.

Check out the Accidental Bavarian Events Calendar and TNBT (The Next Big Thing) for other activities and community events during your visit.

Winter Activities

Sleigh Rides

Icicle Outfitters – The free shuttle can pick you up at the Visitor Center or your hotel/motel. Their hospitality area is warm with drinks and cookies.

Eagle Creek Ranch

Red Tail Canyon Farm