Leavenworth Christmas Lights: What You Need to Know

 

Leavenworth Christmas Lights: What You Need to Know

There’s something pretty magical about seeing Leavenworth light up for Christmas. The Bavarian village glows with hundreds of thousands of lights across the rooftops, trees and storefronts, creating one of the most memorable holiday experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

But here’s something you may not know:  you don’t have to visit on a specific weekend to enjoy the Leavenworth Christmas lights.

The lights go up over Thanksgiving weekend and stay on through the end of February, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them at your own pace.

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When Are the Leavenworth Christmas Lights On?

Leavenworth is Christmastown during the holiday season, throughout the week and with special programming on December weekends and the week of Christmas.

But the Village of Lights continues through the end of February. So, if large crowds aren’t your thing, consider visiting during the week or in January or February. You’ll still get the beautiful Leavenworth Christmas lights, just with a quieter winter feel.

And you don’t need to plan your entire trip around a ceremony schedule. Come for a weekend, take a walk through the village after dark, grab a warm drink and enjoy the lights whenever you like.

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What Happens During the Festival of Lights?

Until December 24^th, weekdays and weekends add plenty of holiday fun! There will be live music, carolers, Santa & Mrs. Claus, your favorite Christmas characters, children’s activities and the Christkindlmarkt, where you’ll find holiday gifts, food and festive treats.

These are some of the most popular Leavenworth Christmas events, but the holiday atmosphere doesn’t end when the festival programming does. The lights continue shining throughout the winter.

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A Few Tips for Visiting Leavenworth in Winter

Dress warmly. You’ll want layers, comfortable shoes and possibly hand warmers for enjoying the village after dark.

Plan for crowds. December weekends can be very busy. For a more relaxed experience, visit during the week, arrive early or consider January or February.

Don’t forget your camera. The illuminated Front Street and Bavarian-style buildings make for some pretty great holiday photos.

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Where to Park?

Parking can be challenging during the busiest December weekends. Day visitors can use the Wilkommen Village Park & Ride behind Safeway and take the free Link Transit shuttle into downtown during the festival season if the numerous downtown lots and spaces are full.

Even easier? Stay downtown.

At Obertal Inn & Leavenworth Vacation Homes, guests can park on-site and walk to the Christmas lights, Christkindlmarkt, Festhalle, shops and restaurants. Once you arrive, you can leave your car parked for the entire stay and enjoy Leavenworth on foot.

All our properties are downtown, making it easy to slip back to your room when you’re ready to warm up.

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Why Visit Leavenworth in January or February?

This might be our favorite secret.

The Leavenworth Christmas lights stay on through the end of February, so you can enjoy the sparkle without trying to fit your visit into a few busy December weekends.

January and February bring a quieter, cozy Leavenworth winter festival atmosphere, with the mountains, Bavarian buildings and village lights creating a beautiful winter getaway.

And at Obertal Inn, you’ll get a complimentary, warm breakfast in the morning. If you really want to make it a Leavenworth experience, pre-order our homemade apple strudel!

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Leavenworth Christmastown?

The 2026 festival season begins November 27 and runs through December 24, with special programming on December weekends. The Village of Lights remains illuminated through the end of February.

Are the Leavenworth Christmas lights on every night?

The lights are on throughout the winter season, from Thanksgiving weekend through the end of February. You don’t have to attend a lighting ceremony to enjoy them.

Is the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival free?

Most of the outdoor programming is free. Some activities, vendors and special events may have their own costs.

What is the best time to visit Leavenworth for the Christmas lights?

For the full Leavenworth Christmastown experience, visit during December weekends and the week of Christmas. For fewer crowds, consider a weekday visit or come in January or February.

Where should I stay for the Leavenworth Christmas lights?

Staying downtown makes the experience much easier. At Obertal Inn & Leavenworth Vacation Homes, you can park on-site and walk to the lights, shops, restaurants and holiday events.

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Come for the lights. Stay for the Bavarian charm. And don’t forget the strudel!