A Merry Time In Christmastown: Leavenworth, Washington Holiday Highlights

Visiting Seattle in December for work was the perfect excuse to finally make our way to Leavenworth, Washington—affectionately known as Christmastown! From the scenic train ride out of King Street Station in Seattle to our cozy stay at Hotel Leavenworth, just steps away from all the festive magic, the Bavarian-style village truly felt like a winter wonderland.

With twinkling lights and holiday cheer around every corner, Leavenworth was a bucket list destination for embracing the spirit of the season. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from our short holiday trip!

How Leavenworth Became Christmastown + Festhalle Festivities

Leavenworth’s transformation into a Bavarian-themed village in the 1960s was a community-driven effort to revitalize the town—and it worked! Today, it’s one of the most festive holiday destinations in the country, drawing visitors from all over to experience its old-world charm.

One of the best places to soak in the holiday spirit is the Festhalle, the town’s premier event center. Here, families can enjoy heartwarming activities like a kids’ story corner, writing letters to Santa, holiday crafts, and festive photo opportunities. There’s even a fascinating display of Santa costumes from around the world, along with intricate gingerbread houses created by locals for the town’s, annual competition. It’s a wonderful showcase of community creativity and holiday joy!

A Night At Lark Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails

One of the standout experiences of our trip was dining at Larch Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails—hands down our favorite meal in Leavenworth!

The cozy, festive atmosphere combined with impeccable service made for a truly special evening. We started with their focaccia served with spiced tomato oil and a couple of seasonal cocktails. For our mains, we enjoyed the casarecce pasta with slow-roasted brisket in a gochujang cream sauce (a delicious fusion of Italian and Korean flavors!) and the mushroom ravioli in a marsala cream sauce with balsamic reduction. To top it off, we indulged in a decadent chocolate Oreo cheesecake with candy cane.

If you’re planning a trip to Leavenworth, Larch is a must-visit for foodies and anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. We highly recommend making a reservation in advance!

Exploring Kris Kringl: Where It’s Christmas All Year Long

At Kris Kringl, the magic of Christmas never fades! This multi-story store is packed with holiday decor, from dazzling ornaments and themed Christmas trees to collectible villages and nostalgic snow globs.

While we tend to go for a more minimalist holiday aesthetic at home, walking through the store felt like stepping into a Christmas wonderland. Whether you’re searching for unique decorations or simply want to soak in the festive vibes, Kris Kringl is an iconic stop in Leavenworth.

A Sweet Stop At The Gingerbread Factory

Baking gingerbread cooking is one of our favorite holiday traditions, so visiting The Gingerbread Factory for a quick treat was a must for us.

This charming bakery had the longest line we encountered during our trip, but it was absolutely worth the wait. As we inched forward, we admired beautifully crafted gingerbread houses and festive decor that added to the holiday magic.

Inside, we were met with an incredible selection of homemade cookies, cakes, baked goods, and festive drinks—pure holiday heaven! You should absolutely check it out to satisfy your seasonal sweet tooth.

Final Thoughts

If you love the magic of the winter holidays as much as we do and find yourself in the Pacific Northwest, a trip to Leavenworth, Washington, is a must—especially with the right planning! From strolling through glowing, festively decorated streets to indulging in incredible food and immersing ourselves in cherished holiday traditions, this Bavarian-style Christmastown truly delivered an unforgettable experience.

While we didn’t get as much snow as we had hoped for during our early December visit, the festive atmosphere more than made up for it. These were just a few of our standout holiday moments, but there’s so much more to share! Stay tuned for reviews of other fantastic dining spots, our cozy stay at Hotel Leavenworth, our first Amtrak adventure to and from the town, and other highlights from our trip in the future.

If you’re planning a trip to Leavenworth and have any questions that we could answer based on our experiences please don’t hesitate to reach out!