Leavenworth Wa Christmas Lighting Festival Guide

The small Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, Washington, transforms into a winter wonderland each year during the Christmas Lighting Festival. This annual event has become a beloved holiday tradition, attracting visitors from all over the world. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the magic of Leavenworth's Christmas Lighting Festival, providing you with everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Leavenworth's transformation into a winter wonderland is a sight to behold. The town's charming streets and buildings are adorned with over half a million lights, creating a festive atmosphere that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. The Christmas Lighting Festival is a month-long celebration that takes place on the first three weekends of December, featuring a wide range of activities, entertainment, and festivities.

History of the Christmas Lighting Festival

The Christmas Lighting Festival has its roots in the 1960s, when the town of Leavenworth was facing economic hardship. In an effort to revitalize the local economy, a group of civic leaders came up with the idea of transforming the town into a winter wonderland. The first Christmas Lighting Festival took place in 1966, featuring a modest display of lights and decorations. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, with more and more visitors flocking to Leavenworth each year to experience the magic of the holiday season.

What to Expect During the Festival

The Christmas Lighting Festival is a month-long celebration that takes place on the first three weekends of December. During this time, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, entertainment, and festivities, including:

• Over half a million lights and decorations adorning the town's streets and buildings
• Live music and entertainment, including choirs, bands, and solo performers
• Holiday shopping and browsing at local boutiques and specialty stores
• Traditional German food and drink, including glühwein and bratwurst
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides and visits with Santa Claus
• A festive holiday market featuring local artisans and craftspeople

Must-See Attractions and Events

There are plenty of must-see attractions and events to enjoy during the Christmas Lighting Festival. Some of the highlights include:

• The Lighting Ceremony: This festive ceremony takes place on the first weekend of December and marks the official start of the Christmas Lighting Festival. Visitors can enjoy live music, hot cocoa, and the lighting of the town's iconic Christmas tree.
• The Holiday Market: This festive market features local artisans and craftspeople selling handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
• The Christkindlmarkt: This traditional German market offers a wide range of holiday treats and gifts, including glühwein, bratwurst, and handmade ornaments.
• The Nutcracker Museum: This unique museum features a wide range of nutcrackers, including antique and handmade examples.

Getting There and Getting Around

Leavenworth is located in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, about two hours east of Seattle. Visitors can reach Leavenworth by car, bus, or train. Once in town, there are plenty of options for getting around, including:

• Walking: Leavenworth is a compact town that's easy to explore on foot.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Visitors can enjoy a festive horse-drawn sleigh ride through the town's streets.
• Shuttle buses: Leavenworth offers a free shuttle bus service that runs throughout the town.

Accommodations and Dining

Leavenworth offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets, including:

• Hotels: Leavenworth has a number of hotels, including the Leavenworth Village Inn and the Icicle Inn.
• Bed and breakfasts: Visitors can enjoy a cozy stay at one of Leavenworth's many bed and breakfasts.
• Vacation rentals: Leavenworth has a number of vacation rentals available, including apartments and houses.

When it comes to dining, Leavenworth offers a wide range of options, including:

• Traditional German cuisine: Visitors can enjoy traditional German dishes, including schnitzel and sauerbraten.
• American comfort food: Leavenworth has a number of restaurants serving American comfort food, including burgers and fries.
• Fine dining: Visitors can enjoy a fine dining experience at one of Leavenworth's many upscale restaurants.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your visit to Leavenworth's Christmas Lighting Festival:

• Plan ahead: Leavenworth can get very crowded during the festival, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and book your accommodations and activities in advance.
• Dress warmly: Leavenworth can be very cold in December, so make sure to dress warmly and bring plenty of layers.
• Bring cash: Some of the vendors and artisans at the festival may not accept credit or debit cards, so it's a good idea to bring some cash.

Conclusion

Leavenworth's Christmas Lighting Festival is a truly magical event that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit. With its stunning lights and decorations, festive atmosphere, and wide range of activities and events, it's the perfect place to visit during the holiday season. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a fun family vacation, or just a chance to get away from it all, Leavenworth's Christmas Lighting Festival is the perfect destination.