Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington: A Complete Guide 2026

Every December, the small Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington transforms into one of the most magical Christmas destinations in the Pacific Northwest. With 500,000 lights glowing across the village, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a Nutcracker Museum, and German inspired food and beer, it earns its nickname: the “Village of Lights.”

I visited Leavenworth just before Christmas, and in this guide I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before going, such as where to stay, where to park (it’s easier than you’ve heard), what’s actually worth your time, and how to make the most of one day or a full weekend.

Quick Planning Tips for Visiting Leavenworth at Christmas

• Location: Leavenworth, Washington
• Closest airport: Seattle–Tacoma International Airport
• Drive time from Seattle: About 2.5 hours
• Best time to visit: Weekdays in December
• Where to stay: Leavenworth (best experience) or Wenatchee (save money)
• Must-book activity: Sleigh ride at Eagle Creek
• Parking tip: Use Glacier Lot for free parking
• Ideal trip length: 1–2 days

Leavenworth Christmas Map

This map includes both my Day 1 and Day 2 Leavenworth Christmas itinerary stops. Blue pins represent Day 1 activities, and yellow pins represent Day 2 stops to help you easily plan your visit.

Tip: Save this map to your phone before you arrive—cell service can get slow in peak season.

Table of Contents

• Is Leavenworth, Washington Worth Visiting at Christmas?
• How to Get to Leavenworth, Washington
• When Does Christmas Start in Leavenworth?
• Where to Stay in Leavenworth for Christmas
• Where to Park In Leavenworth During Christmas
• One Day Itinerary
• Two Day Itinerary
• Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas
• Where to Eat in Leavenworth
• Using Credit Card Points and Miles to Get to Leavenworth, Washington
• FAQ About Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas
• Final Thoughts

Is Leavenworth, Washington Worth Visiting at Christmas?

Without a doubt Leavenworth, Washington is worth visiting at Christmas. Every year Leavenworth is considered one of the best Christmas towns in the United States. As a matter of fact it was ranked the number 2 Christmas town in the U.S. for 2025. Not too shabby!

The village is truly a winter wonderland, surrounded by the beautiful snow-covered Cascade Mountains. 

The Bavarian style village oozes Christmas spirit. Leavenworth Christmas lights cover the stores and trees, you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride, there is live Christmas music at the Front Street gazebo, and there are so many other Christmas activities to enjoy.

How to get to Leavenworth, Washington

• By car from Seattle

Seattle is the closest city to Leavenworth. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive to Leavenworth from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 

There are two different routes that you can take from the airport to get to Leavenworth. First, you go across I-90 E to US 97 N. The other option is to go I-405 N to US 2 E. Both of the routes take about the same amount of time. You will want to check road closures before you pick a route to travel.

• By car from Spokane

The next closest city to Leavenworth is Spokane. It takes just over 3 hours to drive from Spokane International Airport to Leavenworth. 

To travel from the airport in Spokane to Leavenworth, you can take US 2 W or I-90 W to US 28 N. Both of these routes take about the same amount of time. Again, you will want to check for possible road closures before selecting a route. 

• By train or bus

Amtrak has a train that runs from Seattle to Leavenworth all year round. The trip takes between 3 and 4 hours. The train from Spokane to Leavenworth takes around 4 hours. 

There is bus service from Seattle and Spokane to Leavenworth each day via Northwestern Stages. 

• Rental car tips for mountain driving

If you rent a car, I would highly recommend that you rent a car that has all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. You are going to drive over the mountains through Stevens Pass, if you fly into Seattle.

It didn’t snow on my way to Leavenworth but on my way back to Seattle it was snowing hard going through the pass. I was very happy that I had an all-wheel drive vehicle. 

I have three posts that can help you save money on rental cars.  The first post is about how to find rental car deals. Another post covers using Costco Travel to rent cars, and the final one explains how AutoSlash can help you find cheap rental car rates.

When Does Christmas Start in Leavenworth?

Christmas activities in Leavenworth begin on Thanksgiving and continue through Christmas Eve. The lights in the village stay on through February. 

There are other activities that occur after Christmas, such as the Winter Karneval. It occurs during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.  During the Karneval, there are fireworks, ice sculptures and performers in the town.  

Where to Stay in Leavenworth for Christmas

Staying in Leavenworth (Splurge Options)

The ideal place to stay is right in Leavenworth. Since this is the prime season for the town, you will pay a premium if you do so. Prices range from $300-$700+ per night when staying in Leavenworth. There are many different types of lodging in town, such as bed and breakfast, motels, hotels, lodges, condos and vacation rentals.

If you don’t want to fight traffic and search for a parking spot, staying close to the center of town would be a good decision. Here are a few different places where you can stay.

• Hotel Pension Anna: This is a wonderful hotel if you want to be close to restaurants and shops.
• Bavarian Lodge: The hotel is a great choice for people who like wonderful views and want to be near many shops and restaurants.
• Obertal Inn: This is a great hotel if you want to be close to the action. You can choose plain hotel rooms or up to a 3 bedroom suite.
• Enzian Inn: The hotel is an excellent choice if you are looking for an authentic Austrian-styled inn that is located a block from many shops and restaurants.
• Hotel Leavenworth: Great choice if you want to be in the heart of the action because the hotel is located on Front Street. You can also bring your dog with you for the stay.

Staying in Wenatchee to Save Money

Staying in a nearby town is a great option, if you are looking to save money. Wenatchee is a city that is a 30 minute drive from Leavenworth. The average cost of a room in Wenatchee is between $100-$300.

Personally, I stayed in Wenatchee at the My Place Hotel and I didn’t regret my decision at all. It was worth the extra drive for me and the savings was nice.

Wenatchee has numerous hotel chains that you can choose from versus what you can find in Leavenworth. A few of the chain options include:

• Residence Inn by Marriott Wenatchee: The hotel is a great option if you are looking for rooms with full kitchens at a fair price.
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wenatchee: This is a wonderful hotel if you’re looking for more space to relax in after a long day in Leavenworth.
• Hilton Garden Inn Wenatchee: This is a worth a stay if you want a highly rated hotel with excellent river views.
• Avid Hotel Wenatchee, an IHG Hotel: If you like modern design with high ratings on cleanliness and professional staff the Avid will be a good fit for you.
• Comfort Suites Wenatchee Gateway: Check this hotel out if you are looking for large suites that are clean and are well priced.

Where to Park in Leavenworth During Christmas

There are various options when it comes to parking in Leavenworth during Christmastime. There are private and public parking areas that will cost you $10 to $40 per day.

The paid public lots charge by the hour and they have caps for the day. There is metered parking that is available but it’s limited to three hours per day.

Names and locations of the paid public lots include:

• Asgard / P1: Located between Front Street and Highway 2 at 10th Street.
• Blewett / P2: Located between Front Street and US Hwy 2 at Division Street. Accessed from Front Street at Division Street.
• Colchuck / P3:  Located directly behind the Festhalle building at 1001 Front Street. You may access this lot from Front Street.
• Dragontail / P4: Located next door to City Hall at 700 Highway 2.

There are some free public parking areas in the village. You will have to walk a little further if you park in one of these lots. I parked in the Glacier lot and it was a little over a half a mile to Front Street.

Names and locations of the free lots include:

• Freund / P5: Located west of the Community Pool at 649 Highway 2.
• Glacier / P6: Located at 170 US Highway 2. This is right beside Argonaut Coffee & Biscuit.
• Enchantments / P7: Located behind city hall. The lot is a paid lot on weekends in December.

Another option that you can do to park in Leavenworth includes park and drive areas. These parking lots are free to use. It will take you a little longer to get to the downtown area since you’ll have to wait for the shuttle service.

Names and locations of the park and drive lots include:

• Willkommen Park & Ride: Located behind Safeway with a shuttle that heads right into downtown Leavenworth.
• US Highway 2 Park & Ride: Located across the street from the City-owned P1 lot and right next to Cashmere Valley Bank.

You can also find free parking in the residential area of Leavenworth. This is mostly one or two blocks north of Highway 2.

Tips:

• If you want to get a free parking spot, it’s always better to be in the village earlier than later. This is especially true on weekends.
• You can go to the Leavenworth parking page if you want to see more details about parking in the village.

One Day in Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas

If you only have one day in Leavenworth, this itinerary will help you experience many of the best activities while still enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Morning

• Start your day with a sleigh ride at Eagle Creek Sleigh Rides
• Head into town and grab breakfast at Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits
• Visit the Nutcracker Museum

Midday

• Explore the Kris Kringl Christmas store
• Grab a warm drink at J5 Coffee
• Take a peaceful walk through Waterfront Park
• Pick up something sweet from the Gingerbread Factory

Afternoon and Evening

• Enjoy a meal at Munchen Haus
• Listen to live music at the Front Street Park Gazebo
• Walk through town to enjoy the Christmas lights
• End your evening at Icicle Brewing Company

Two Days in Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas

If you have a second day in Leavenworth, here is how I would spend it to experience some of the things that did not make it into day one. Keep in mind that wandering in and out of the shops along Front Street is something you will naturally find yourself doing throughout the day and is one of the more enjoyable parts of the whole experience.

Morning

• Grab breakfast at your hotel or at the Old Mill Cafe
• Visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
• Head back into town for a leisurely brunch at Bear Bear
• Walk over to the Festhalle to check out the gingerbread house exhibition and activities

Midday

• Hit the Leavenworth Ski Hill for some skiing, snowboarding, or tubing
• If you have younger kids, the free sledding hill in Front Street Park is a great alternative
• Grab lunch at the Leavenworth Sausage Garten

Afternoon and Evening

• Take a carriage ride through the village with the Leavenworth Carriage Company
• Stop into the Icicle Center for the Arts to check out what Christmas shows are playing
• Grab dinner at the Yodelin Broth Company for a more budget friendly option, or splurge on an 8 course dinner at Mana for a truly special way to end your weekend
• Take one final walk down Front Street to soak in the Christmas lights before heading out

Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas

You can’t do everything in the village in one day but you can do a lot when you have a plan. These are the things that you can enjoy while visiting Leavenworth at Christmas. I know that I did.

Sleigh Ride at Eagle Creek

After making the drive from Seattle, I started my day off with a sleigh ride at Eagle Creek Sleigh Rides. The sleigh rides take place at Eagle Creek Ranch which is 8 miles from downtown Leavenworth. The ranch is located off of Eagle Creek Road.

It’s really an easy drive from Leavenworth to the ranch. Once you get to the ranch, there is a small parking area located in front of the main office.

After you check in at the front desk, there is a room with some picnic tables and a wood burning stove where you can get some hot cider to enjoy.  Depending on what time that you get to the ranch, you can walk around and enjoy the scenery before your ride.

You have 4 different types of rides that you can take with Eagle Creek Sleigh Rides. Each one of the rides lasts 20-30 minutes. If there isn’t enough snow on the ground, they use wagons instead of sleds.

The following are the 4 different types of rides that are available.

• Public Sleigh Ride: The Public Sleigh Ride is a good economical option. Plus, you can meet other people while you are on the sleigh. The cost of the ride is $30 with children under 3 are free.
• Private Sleigh Ride: This is a great option if you have up to 12 people. The same sleigh used for a public ride is used for the private one. The cost is $300 per group.
• Group Cutter Ride: The Group Cutter Ride is a wonderful ride for groups of 6 or less. The sleigh for this ride is forward facing and costs $250 per group.
• Private Cutter Ride: If you are a couple and don’t want to be with other people, a Private Cutter Ride is a good fit. The sleigh fits two people comfortably and costs $150.

There is an area not far from the main building where you load into the sleighs. They will call your name when they want you to get on the sleigh. There are blankets on the benches that you can use to cover yourself as you enjoy the ride.

I took the Public Sleigh Ride and there were 10 people on the ride. The two horses that pulled our sleigh were Freya and Metta. Our driver was Jared, he shared information about the ranch and told numerous dad jokes throughout the ride. He did a great job.

Overall the ride lasted around 30 minutes. On the ride, you will be taken through various fields, the woods and by a stream. It was really a good time and something I wouldn’t mind doing again if I am ever in the area again.

Tips:

• Make sure you dress warmly enough for the ride. It’s better to have extra layers you can remove. I wore a hooded sweatshirt, a winter coat, a hat and gloves and I was nice and toasty. I was thinking about wearing boots but I didn’t. You really don’t need boots for the ride.
• Bring some extra money to tip the driver at the end of your ride.
• Be at the ranch a little early since you will have to check in and it’s worth relaxing on the picnic tables and drinking some hot cider.
• You will want to book early to make sure you get a seat on one of the sleighs.

Nutcracker Museum

If you want to see a unique museum that you aren’t going to see everywhere else, then you’ll want to make a stop at the Nutcracker Museum. You can find the museum right on Front Street, where most of the action takes place.

The Nutcracker Museum has over 9,000 nutcrackers from over 50 countries. That is a lot of nutcrackers. The collection of nutcrackers spans thousands of years. There are Roman bronze tools from 200 BC to modern pop culture nutcrackers of Darth Vader, Luke I am your father, and Mickey Mouse.

The nutcrackers come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Make sure to say hi to “Karl” the largest nutcracker in the museum standing 6 feet tall. He is the mascot of the museum.

If you want to keep yourself or your kids engaged while enjoying the museum, there is a scavenger hunt that you can do while looking at the nutcrackers.

The cost of getting into the museum is very reasonable. The prices are $5 for ages (17-64), $3.50 (seniors 65+), $2 ages (6-17), and free for children 5 and under.

Personally, I didn’t think I would enjoy the museum but I was pleasantly surprised on how much I did. It’s easy to appreciate the level of skill and creativity that went into making each of them.

Tips:

• Visit during a weekday in the morning if you want to miss the major crowds.
• Be sure to catch the 14-minute introductory video by the entrance; it provides great background on the collection’s history and significance.
• The collection is found on two floors. There is no elevator access to the second floor.

Midday

• Kris Kringl
• J5 Coffee
• Waterfront Park
• Gingerbread Factory

Kris Kringl

If you are someone who can’t walk into a Christmas store without buying something, you are going to want to stay away from the Kris Kringl store which is located on Front Street. You won’t find a store in Leavenworth more dedicated to the spirit of Christmas than this one.

Kris Kringl is known as the “ultimate Christmas store.” After going through the store I can see why it has that title. The store has two floors that feature eye catching Christmas displays.

Each floor is packed with thousands of themed ornaments, nativity scenes, and detailed holiday villages. You can take the stairs or the elevator to get from one floor to the other.

The store isn’t just a store but it is an experience. The air is filled with holiday fragrances and the glow of countless twinkling lights. Even though I visited on a weekday afternoon, the store was absolutely packed.

Some of the things that the Kris Kringl store is known for include:

• Department 56 Villages: Miniature lighted buildings and themed villages
• Handcrafted German Goods: Large selection of cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, and wooden pyramids
• Designer Ornaments: Brands such as Christopher Radko (Polish glass ornaments), Patience Brewster, and Old World Christmas
• Collectible Figures: : A dedicated marketplace for Mark Roberts Santas, fairies, and elves
• Free Personalization of Ornaments: Ornament can be personalized on site

Tips:

• Getting to the store when it first opens can help you miss the major crowds you’ll experience later in the day.
• If you plan on getting an ornament personalized, go to the second floor early in your visit so they can work on it as you shop the rest of the store.
•  If you are traveling from out of town and worried about breakables, the shop offers shipping services.
• The store offers layaway plans for more expensive items.

Waterfront Park

A short 5 minute downhill walk from Front Street, you will find Waterfront Park. The park is known as the best kept secret in Leavenworth since it can give you a quiet respite away from the hustle and bustle of Front Street and surrounding areas. I agree with that assessment. I enjoyed my walk through the park.

The park is a great place to see the lights of the village from a distance. The trail that runs through Waterfront Park is nice and wide and follows along the Wenatchee River.

Walking through the park when there’s snow on the ground truly feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The trails through Blackbird Island were beautiful with the snow that covered them.

Tips:

• You are able to walk 1-2 miles along the trail.
• When the trails are covered with snow, it can be a challenge to walk if you don’t have boots or snowshoes.
• Portable toilets are available to use during the winter at the park.
• There is a playground at the entrance of the park for kids to play on.

Afternoon/Evening

• Muchen Haus
• Listen to Music at the Front Street Park Gazebo
• Enjoy the Christmas Lights
• Icicle Brewing Company

Listen to Music at the Front Street Park Gazebo

The Front Street Park Gazebo is the epicenter of entertainment in Leavenworth during Christmastime. The arrival of Santa and the turning on of the lights in the village occurs near the gazebo.

From after Thanksgiving throught Christmas Eve on the weekends, you’ll find live performances from school choirs, professional bands, solo performers, handbell choirs and even the National Guard Band performing at the gazebo. I enjoyed the look of the gazebo with the lights on it and all of the lights surrounding it.

If you have small kids, Santa comes to the gazebo at noon on Saturdays and Sundays to greet them. Rudolph and the Grinch often show up for photo ops, also.

The night that I was in town a girl was playing guitar and singing. She had a pleasant voice and was wonderful to listen too.  

Tips:

• Santa takes photos with kids from 12:00-1:30. It’s advisable to get to the gazebo 15-20 minutes ahead of time.
• If the weather is harsh, you can go two blocks away to the Festahalle to get out of the cold. You can still enjoy indoor activities, crafts, and hot chocolate.
• Saturdays are the busiest days in December. Besides going during the week, go Friday night or Sunday night to miss the crowds.
• Pick up something hot to drink or something to snack on before you stop to enjoy the music.

Enjoy the Christmas Lights

If you love to look at Christmas lights, you are really going to enjoy Leavenworth. The village is known as the “Village of Lights” because Leavenworth is decorated with 500,000 Christmas lights. The lights are on from 6 AM to 11 PM every day in the village.

I think that it’s nice that they are on during the day but the village really comes alive when the sun goes down.

You can walk all through the village to see the lights but going down Front Street was the highlight for me. There is no traffic on the street and you have the stores and Front Street Park to enjoy. 

Besides Front Street some other places to enjoy the lights include Waterfront Park, the upper floor of the Nutcracker Museum, and the balcony at the Festhalle.

Tips:

• If you are able to come to the village Monday-Thursday will allow you to miss the large crowds that you will experience on weekends.
• Make sure to dress warm. Once the sun goes down, it can get quite cold which is exactly what I experienced the day I was there.
• Many of the sit down restaurants get very busy later in the evening. Make sure to make reservations or join waitlist.
• Go to the corner of the Munchen Haus and stairs of the Rhein Haus to capture wonderful pics of the Bavarian architecture, lit up trees and surrounding mountains.

More Activites to Do

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: At the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm you can get up close and personal with actual reindeer. Where else are you going to get that chance? There is an educational presentation about the herd and during Christmas time, kids can visit Santa. 
• Leavenworth Ski Hill: If you enjoy doing winter activities, then the Leavenworth Ski Hill is for you. You can ski, ski jump, snowboard, nordic ski, fat biking and tube. 
• Icicle Center for the Arts: If you want to take in a Christmas show, make sure to check the Icicle Center for the Arts schedule. Previous shows have included: Celtic Yultide, Candlelight Messiah, and more. 
• Leavenworth Carriage Company: This is a great way to get off your feet for a bit and enjoy seeing the village at the same time. This can really be special when it’s dark and the lights in the village are all lit up.
• Leavenworth Festhalle: Leavenworth Festhalle is a great place to take your kids since they have so many activities geared towards them. A few of the things they can do include: seeing a gingerbread house exhibition, crafts for kids, story corner, photo opportunities, letters to Santa, hot cocoa and snacks and more.  
• Sled Ride in Front Street Park: The hill in the Front Street Park won’t make you go as fast as Clark Griswald but you or your kids can have a great time going down the hill. You do have to bring your own sled if you want to go sledding.
• Leavenworth Snowmobile Rentals: Do you have a need for speed? Renting a snowmobile at Leavenworth Rentals can scratch that itch. You can ride on their groomed trails or you can take a guided tour. 

Where to Eat in Leavenworth

If you are a foodie or someone like me who just enjoys great food, then Leavenworth is for you. The village has all kinds of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and diners to eat at.

My oldest daughter Madison gave me all of the food recommendations for this trip. She was spot on with her suggestions.

Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits

I parked my car when I got into Leavenworth and realized that I was right beside Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits, which is known for made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and craft espresso. I knew this was one of the places my daughter had suggested I try. I’m glad that I took her advice.

The cafe has a large heated outside eating area right in front of it and it’s dog friendly. When you go inside the cafe, there isn’t much room. You place your order at the counter and then wait for them to fix it for you. The girl that took my order was very personable.

I got a plain biscuit and some black coffee. The biscuit was truly the best I have ever eaten. It was very light and fluffy and the coffee was really good.

I also enjoyed the 70s and 80s music that the young manager was playing in the cafe. Those are my jams.

Their menu isn’t large but these are some of most popular selections.

• Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich: Frequently called the “best ever” by reviewers, this sandwich features an egg patty, ham, Tillamook cheddar, organic arugula, and a maple mayo.
• Buttermilk Biscuits: You can order the biscuits plain with fruit preserves and butter or choose the savory option (jalapeño cheddar) topped with butter and Maldon salt.
• Hipster Toast: This is a popular version of avocado toast made with sourdough, house chili oil, chili flakes, and a lemon wedge.
• Specialty Lattes: Some popular lattes include the Lemon Bar Latte (with a real lemon peel), Medici Mocha (dark chocolate and orange peel), and the Namaste (turmeric and honey).

Tips:

• Arrive early since the biscuits can and do sell out. Plus, lines can be long, especially on the weekend.
• There is free parking in the back of the cafe.
• Gratuity isn’t expected since the workers are paid a living wage and they receive a percentage of the profits for each day.
• Many items can be made vegetarian style.

Gingerbread Factory

Sweets are really my weakness so when Maddie suggested the Gingerbread Factory, I knew that I had to try it. The store is located on Front Street. You can’t miss the Gingerbread Factory because the outside of the store looks like a Gingerbread House.

The line to order was outside of the store when I got in line. It ended up taking about 30 minutes before I got to the head of the line to place my order. I didn’t think that was too bad, considering how many people were in line.

Once in the main area of the store, there is a large display case with all kinds of cookies, cakes, gingerbread and other items. There is also an area to have a seat and eat whatever you order. I ordered a chocolate chip cookie; it was quite large and very good.

So, what should you order at the Gingerbread Factory? The following are some of their most popular selections.

• Gingerbread Cookies: A place named the Gingerbread Factory better have great gingerbread cookies! The cookies are soft and are perfectly seasoned.
• Gingersnaps: The gingersnaps have a nice snap to them and they have a deep molasses flavor with a nice ginger kick to them.
• Custom Gingerbread Houses: The kits are especially popular during the Christmas season.
• Snickerdoodles and Molasses Cookies: These cookies are soft, chewy and are a customer favorite.

If you are trying to cut back on sugar, you can order quiches, breakfast wraps, and Southwest Quinoa salad, which are all highly rated.

Tips:

• Go to the store when it first opens at 8:00 am or closer to when they close at 6:00 pm to try to miss the crowds.
• They do offer shipping to your home if you don’t want to haul delicate items home like a Gingerbread house.
• You are able to order gluten free and a small selection of vegan treats.
• They make ice cream sandwiches in the summer time with their house baked cookies.

J5 Coffee

I wanted to grab a good cup of hot chocolate so I stopped into J5 Coffee. The coffee shop is a family run espresso bar. They are known for roasting its own small batches of beans and offering a more third wave artisanal coffee experience.

They have two different locations in Leavenworth with a walk up bar style location on Front Street. This is great for people that want to grab a quick drink to continue exploring Leavenworth.

The flagship store is the one that I went to and is located on 9th Street. There were 10-12 people in line when I first got there. It didn’t take too long before I was at the front putting in my order. It wasn’t the best hot chocolate I ever had but it was good.

The one downside to J5 Coffee is that there isn’t any place to sit down. So, you have to take your drink to go. The coffee shop does have a small area where you can buy their merch.

Some of J5’s menu favorites include:

• Bourbon Maple Latte: This is their most famous signature drink that is known for its nice balance of flavors.
• Coffee Blossom Honey Latte: The latte is sweetened with coffee blossom honey, giving it a mellow, floral taste.
• Espresso: The two highly rated espressos include the cortado or the simple americano.
• Non Coffee Options: The spiced apple cider, numerous premium teas, and hot chocolate are highly rated.

Tips:

• You can use the Joe coffee app to place orders ahead of time. This can come in handy on busy weekends.
• The flagship store is closed on Sundays but the walk up on Front Street is usually open.

Munchen Haus

The Munchen Haus is one of those places in Leavenworth that you are just going to have to be patient with. When I got there I had to wait in line for about 20 to 25 minutes before I made it to the counter to order. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely it was.

I ordered a sausage sandwich and it was nice and juicy and very flavorful. It was one of the better things that I ate during my time in Leavenworth. After getting my food I found a table outside to sit at. Now before you think that sounds miserable in the middle of winter, it really wasn’t.

Most of the tables are covered and there are heating units that are above you that keep you nice and warm as you eat. It was actually a really unique and enjoyable experience sitting outside in the middle of December.

Some of the most popular menu items at Munchen Haus include:

• German Sausage Sandwich: The star of the menu. You can choose from a variety of sausages including bratwurst, knockwurst, and jalapeno cheddar. Served on a fresh baked bun with your choice of toppings.
• Currywurst: A popular German street food dish featuring sliced sausage topped with a tangy curry ketchup sauce. A must try if you have never had it before.
• Soft Pretzels: Large freshly baked pretzels served with mustard and beer cheese dipping sauces.
• German Potato Salad: A warm and tangy side dish made with bacon, vinegar, and fresh herbs.
• Seasonal Soups: Hearty rotating soups that are perfect for warming up on a cold December day.

Tips:

• It is located right on Front Street so it is easy to find and a natural stop during your walk through the village. 
• The line moves faster than you think so don’t let the wait scare you off.
• Go earlier in the day or later in the afternoon to try to avoid the longest lines.
• Dress warm if you plan on sitting outside even with the heating units it can get chilly when the temperature really drops.
• The Munchen Haus is cash and card friendly so no need to worry about finding an ATM before you go.

Icicle Brewing Company

If you are looking for a place with a great vibe in Leavenworth, look no further than Icicle Brewing Company. The brewery has a real industrial look to it that I really appreciated.

As you walk up to the entrance, there are fire top tables on the outside of the brewery where people are eating and drinking. They were pretty cool and added a lot to the atmosphere of the place.

When you get inside, you get in line at the counter to place your order. The brewery has multiple levels to it. I ended up sitting down in the lower level of the brewery which had a really cool speakeasy vibe to it.

It felt like a completely different world down there compared to the main floor. The brewery was pretty full when I was there which tells you something about how popular it is with both locals and visitors.

I kept it simple and enjoyed a pretzel and some pop while I took in the atmosphere. The pretzel was good and hit the spot after a long day of walking around the village. Overall it was a great experience and one I would recommend to anyone visiting Leavenworth.

Some of the most popular menu items at Icicle Brewing Company include:

• Bavarian Pretzel: A giant soft pretzel served with beer cheese and whole grain mustard dipping sauces. A perfect snack to share.
• Icicle IPA Burger: A half pound beef burger topped with beer braised onions, pepper jack cheese, and IPA mustard served on a brioche bun.
• Bratwurst Plate: A classic German style bratwurst served with sauerkraut, whole grain mustard, and a side of fries.
• Fish and Chips: Fresh battered cod served with seasoned fries and house made tartar sauce.
• Craft Beer Flights: A great way to sample the brewery’s seasonal and flagship beers.

Tips:

• The fire top tables outside fill up fast on weekends so get there early if you want one of those spots.
• You are allowed to bring food from other restaurants into the brewery to eat while you enjoy your drink.
• Check their website before you go since they rotate their seasonal beers and menu items regularly.
• The brewery is within easy walking distance of Front Street so it makes for a natural stop during your evening in the village.

Some other highly rated restaurants in Leavenworth include:

• ‘59 Diner: Enjoy a great meal and be transported back in time in the 50s style diner.
• La Javelina: They offer a mix of Texan and Mexican dishes.
• Leavenworth Sausage Garten: Serves German cuisine that has seating outside.
• Yodelin Broth Company: Great place to get soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers.
• Blewett Brewing Company: Excellent choice if you are in the mood for salads and pizza.  
• Bear Bear: Go to Bear Bear if you are looking for a wonderful place to grab brunch.
• Mana: Mana is a high end restaurant that serves 8 course meals with locally sourced ingredients.  

Using Credit Card Points and Miles to Get to Leavenworth, WA

One of my favorite ways to make trips like this more affordable is by using credit card points and miles. A trip to Leavenworth might seem expensive at first, especially during the Christmas season, but using points can dramatically reduce the cost of flights and hotels. I’ve personally saved thousands of dollars on travel using points, and a trip like this is a perfect opportunity to use them.

If you are flying to visit Leavenworth, the most common airport to fly into is Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This airport has excellent flight availability from all over the United States, which makes it one of the easiest places to book flights using airline miles.

Many major airlines fly into Seattle, including Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United. If you have airline miles or transferable credit card points, there is a good chance you can find a solid redemption to get there.

Hotel points can also save you a lot of money, especially during the busy Christmas season when hotel prices can climb quickly. Leavenworth has a few options where you can use hotel points instead of paying cash.

These include the Hampton Inn & Suites Leavenworth, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Leavenworth, and two Wyndham properties: the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Leavenworth and the Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Leavenworth.

If you go to Wenatchee, there are even more choices to choose from when it comes to using points for hotels. Wenatchee has several chain hotels where you can use hotel points instead of paying cash.

Brands like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG all have properties in the area, which gives you flexibility depending on which points you have. During peak Christmas season, when hotel prices can climb significantly, using points can provide excellent value.

Another option is using flexible credit card points through travel portals. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles allow you to book flights, hotels, and even rental cars directly through their travel portals. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have loyalty points with a specific airline or hotel brand. Sometimes you can combine points and cash to stretch your rewards even further.

If you are new to points and miles, this type of trip is actually a great place to start. Flights to Seattle are common, hotels in Wenatchee are reasonably priced with points, and rental cars can often be booked using travel rewards as well. I have a full Beginner’s Guide to Credit Card Points and Miles that walks step-by-step through how to start earning and using points if you want to learn more. It’s one of the easiest ways I know to make memorable trips like this more affordable.

FAQ About Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas

Final Thoughts

Visiting Leavenworth, Washington during Christmas is something that lives up to the hype. The lights, decorations, and festive atmosphere make it feel like a place designed specifically for making memories. It’s one of those destinations that feels just as magical for adults as it does for kids.

If this is your first visit, my biggest recommendation is to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience. Parking, reservations, and crowds can be challenging during peak weekends, but with the right preparation, your trip can be smooth and enjoyable. Hopefully this guide helps you make the most of your time and create a Christmas experience you’ll remember for years to come