Christmas in Leavenworth, Washington: A Complete Guide 2026

The first time I ever heard of Leavenworth, Washington was from my oldest daughter Madison. She told me that Leavenworth at Christmas was such a cool place. She showed me pictures, and I had to agree.

Leavenworth is a Bavarian style village that transforms into a Christmas destination just after Thanksgiving. With 500,000 lights, horse drawn sleigh rides, a Nutcracker Museum, and plenty of German inspired food and beer, it is easy to see why Leavenworth is known as the “Village of Lights.”

I visited Leavenworth just before Christmas, and in this guide I’m sharing everything I wish I had known before going, including where to stay, where to park, what is 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

Is Leavenworth, Washington Worth Visiting at Christmas?

After spending time there just before Christmas, I can see why Leavenworth gets so much attention during the holidays. Every year Leavenworth is considered one of the best Christmas towns in the United States. As a matter of fact, HomeToGo ranked Leavenworth the number two Christmas town in the U.S. for 2025. Not too shabby!

When I was there, the snow covered Cascade Mountains surrounding the village made the whole place feel like a Christmas setting.

The Bavarian style buildings, Christmas lights, and decorations make it hard to forget that you are there during the holidays. Leavenworth Christmas lights cover the stores and trees, you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride, and there is live Christmas music at the Front Street gazebo.

There is plenty to do besides looking at the lights, which is one reason I think you can easily spend a full day or two here.

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 drive or four wheel drive. If you fly into Seattle, you are going to drive over the mountains through Stevens Pass.

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. 

Rental cars can be expensive. I have three posts that can help you save money on your next rental car. 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. Winter Karneval takes place 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 were 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 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

This is how I would structure a one day visit based on the things I did and saw while I was there.

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.

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 I did during my visit, along with a few other activities you may want to add if you have more time.

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.

The drive from Leavenworth to the ranch was easy and only took a short time. 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.  If you get there early, there is enough to look around at before your ride, and you can also sit by the wood-burning stove with some hot cider.

You have four different types of rides to choose from 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: I chose the Public Sleigh Ride, and for $30, I thought it was a good way to experience the ranch without spending a lot. Plus, you can meet other people while you are on the sleigh.
• Private Sleigh Ride: If you have a larger group, the private ride accommodates 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 designed for groups of six or fewer and uses a forward facing sleigh. This sleigh ride costs $250 per group.
• Private Cutter Ride: The Private Cutter Ride is designed for two people who want to have the sleigh to themselves. 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

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Nutcracker Museum, but it ended up being one of the surprises of my trip. 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 six feet tall. He is the mascot of the museum.

There is also a scavenger hunt, which would be a good way to keep kids interested while you walk through the collection.

The prices are $5 for ages 17-64, $3.50 for seniors 65+, $2 for ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.

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 gives you some background on how the collection got started and what you are about to see.
• 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. Kris Kringl is the kind of Christmas store where you can spend a lot more time than you planned.

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.

With two floors of ornaments, decorations, and Christmas displays, you can easily spend quite a bit of time looking around. There were Christmas displays and lights everywhere I looked, and even on a weekday afternoon the place was packed. 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: Ornaments 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. I liked Waterfront Park because it gave me a break from the crowds on Front Street.

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.

There was snow on the ground when I walked through, and the trails around Blackbird Island looked beautiful. 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 one of the main places to find live entertainment during Christmas. The arrival of Santa and the turning on of the lights in the village occurs near the gazebo.

From after Thanksgiving through 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 liked seeing the gazebo lit up with all of the Christmas lights around 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.

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

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 Festhalle 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 Christmas lights are your thing, you are going to have plenty to look at in 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.

The lights looked nice during the day, but I thought Front Street was much better after dark. 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. 

Front Street was my favorite, but you can also see the lights from 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 warmly. 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 the 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 Activities to Do

• Leavenworth Reindeer Farm: At the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm you can get up close and personal with actual reindeer. You can get up close to the reindeer and learn about the herd during an educational presentation.  
• Leavenworth Ski Hill: The Leavenworth Ski Hill gives you several options if you want to add some outdoor activity to your trip, including skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and Nordic skiing. You can ski, ski jump, snowboard, Nordic skiing, 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 Yuletide, Candlelight Messiah, and more. 
• Leavenworth Carriage Company: A carriage ride gives you a chance to see the village without doing all of the walking yourself. I would especially consider doing this after dark when the Christmas lights are on.
• Leavenworth Festhalle: If you are traveling with kids, the Festhalle has several Christmas activities they can take part in. 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

I ate at several places during my visit, and my oldest daughter Madison actually gave me most of the recommendations.

Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits

My daughter had told me to try Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits, so when I realized I had parked right beside it, I decided to give it a shot. 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.

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 there. 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.

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 their 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.

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. This is coming from someone who likes to be in hot weather.

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.

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

I liked the atmosphere at Icicle Brewing Company. The building has an industrial look, and there are fire top tables outside. I thought the fire top tables were a nice touch, especially in December.

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.

I kept it simple and enjoyed a pretzel and some pop while I took in the atmosphere. I enjoyed the stop, especially the lower level, and the pretzel hit the spot after a long day of walking around town.

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 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. Because I write a lot about points and miles, I also looked at how I would pay for a Leavenworth trip using rewards. I’ve personally saved thousands of dollars on travel using points, and a trip like this is a perfect opportunity to use them.

Seattle is the airport I would look at first if I were flying to Leavenworth because it has flights from cities all over the country.

Many major airlines fly into Seattle, including Alaska Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United. Depending on where you are flying from, you may be able to find a good use of airline miles or transferable points.

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. If cash rates are high during your dates, compare the points price before paying cash.

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, Leavenworth is a trip where I would compare both cash prices and points before booking. 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. That is how I approach trips like this. I look at the cash price first, then see whether my points can lower what I have to pay.

FAQ About Leavenworth, Washington at Christmas

Final Thoughts

After visiting Leavenworth just before Christmas, I can see why so many people make the trip. The Christmas lights were my favorite part, but I also enjoyed the sleigh ride, walking Front Street, and some of the food stops along the way. I went by myself and still had a great time, so you don’t need to have kids with you to enjoy Leavenworth at Christmas.

If this is your first visit, my biggest recommendation is to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience. If you plan ahead for parking, book the activities you really want, and give yourself enough time to walk around town, the trip will be much easier.

Hopefully this guide helps you make the most of your time and create a Christmas experience you’ll remember for years to come.