With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to plan a city escape and experience one of our favorite winter traditions – the annual Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival. This old-fashioned celebration runs during the first three weekends in December and provides no shortage of holiday magic and cheer.
Holiday Parade and Singing
During the weekend festivities, Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus parade into town at noon along with other costumed holiday characters. Following the parade, there is live music at the Front Street Gazebo, featuring performances by hand bell choirs, an Army National Dixie Guard band, soloists as well as some of the our region’s best high school and professional choirs.
Outdoor Fun and Shopping
Visitors can also explore Leavenworth’s winter wonderland by taking a carriage ride through the town, sledding in Front Street Park or by snowshoeing along Riverfront Park. Pick up last minute gifts at the quaint stores that line main street and enjoy holiday treats such as roasted chestnuts and hot spiced wine and cider. On festival Sundays, kids 12 and under can enjoy free cookies at participating businesses and take a tour of the town by following the “Cookie Crawl” map available at the Leavenworth Visitor Center or at the Front Street Gazebo.
Lights, Lights and More Lights!
Of course, the highlight of the festival days center around the evening lighting ceremony. Alphorns and boellers lead off the parade of stars and bells before joining Santa to bring the town to life with thousands of sparkling lights.
Traveling to the snowy mountain village is both comfortable and convenient with Clipper’s Christmas Lighting Festival Day Trip. Remove the stress of winter driving and allow one of our luxury motor coaches to provide roundtrip transportation from one of several locations around the greater Seattle area. Sit back, enjoy the complimentary breakfast box from Clipper Café (and snack on the return trip home) and relax while enjoying majestic views along the way. Space is limited and will sell out, so be sure to book your Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival Day Trip early to join in the celebrations!