21 Festive And Unique Things To Do During Winter In Leavenworth

We’ve made several trips to Leavenworth, Washington, a Bavarian-styled village nestled in the Cascades, and each winter visit seems to top the last. The town’s festive spirit is contagious, with shops, pubs and outdoor activities that pull you into the warmth of the season.

Through the years, we’ve explored its array of shops, finding everything from handcrafted cuckoo clocks to traditional dirndl dresses.

Looking for winter activities in Leavenworth? You’re in luck—the area is packed with options. You can enjoy sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and skiing, or simply stroll through the town to take in the beautiful holiday lights. There’s plenty to do, whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax and soak up the local culture.

Where Is Leavenworth?

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more charming place than Leavenworth; it’s located 117 miles east of Seattle and is surrounded by the fantastic Cascade Mountains.

Because Leavenworth is only a little over 2 hours from Seattle, it’s a popular day trip for many Seattle residents.

Read Next: Our favorite Christmas getaways in the US

How To Get To Leavenworth In The Winter

The closest international airport to Leavenworth is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac), located about 120 miles away. If you’re flying in, you can then drive, take a bus, or catch a train to get to Leavenworth from the airport.

Driving To Leavenworth In Winter

Driving from Seattle in the winter to Leavenworth offers more than just a destination; it’s a visual journey. If you enjoy capturing the moment, check out our favorite road trip captions for inspiration.

Many travelers heading to Leavenworth from the Seattle area typically take one of two main routes:

Option A: Take I-90 E and then US-97 N, passing through Snoqualmie Pass.
Option B: Go directly on US-2, which takes you over Stevens Pass.

Good To Know: If you’re looking to take advantage of the winter activities in Leavenworth, driving is a good option. It gives you the flexibility to easily reach spots like Stevens Pass for skiing or the numerous Nordic trails in the vicinity.

Pro tip: When driving to Leavenworth during the winter months, it’s essential to be prepared for snowy conditions. Don’t forget to pack some of our favorite snacks for the drive. Also ensure you have road trip essentials like a 4×4 vehicle or chains ready, as you’ll be venturing into mountainous areas where snow is common on the roads.

Take The Train To Leavenworth In Winter

If you land in Seattle and aren’t up for driving, the train to Leavenworth is a good alternative, though we haven’t tried it ourselves.

The train is especially convenient if you’re planning to stay around the downtown Leavenworth area and enjoy the Christmas festivities.

You can easily book a shuttle for $11 a person to go from the Icicle Train Station to your hotel or rental.

You can book tickets for your train ride to Leavenworth through Amtrak here.

Take A Bus To Leavenworth From Seattle

If you’d like to leave the stress of driving the winter roads in someone else’s hands there are a handful of different options for getting to Leavenworth by bus. Northwestern Trailways offers daily service to Leavenworth, and you can get up-to-date information here.

You can check out some bus tour options below:

• Customized Tours & Charter Service 206-878-3965
• NW Adventure Tours 425-445-1514
• Sound Excursions 206-486-6002

Local Public Transportation From Wenatchee

There’s also a convenient public transportation system if you find yourself in Wenatchee wanting to get to Leavenworth. Link Transit serves Chelan and Douglas Counties with safe, reliable, and cost-effective public transportation services.

• Route 22 – Wenatchee to Leavenworth
• Route 22 – Leavenworth to Wenatchee
• Link Guest Service Center 509-662-1155

Weather And Snowfall In Leavenworth During The Winter

Prepare for cold weather, meaning sturdy snow boats, a nice cozy coat, and of course a hat and gloves. Because you are heading to a winter wonderland, you want to be comfortable while you’re taking in all of the fun activities that Leavenworth has to offer in the winter.

Leavenworth WA Winter Weather And Snowfall Report

LEAVENWORTH WEATHER

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Leavenworth WA In Winter: Our Favorite Winter Activities

If you’re looking to make the most of winter in Leavenworth and are in search of other winter wonderland and adventure vacations, you’re in the right spot. We’re ready to share some of the top winter activities in Leavenworth.

1. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Leavenworth’s reindeer farm is nestled in the Cascade foothills and only a mile from Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village, making it a perfect thing to do with the kids.

The most popular months to visit are November and December, so be sure to book your reservations early! Not only does your ticket include time with the reindeers, but you’ll also get some hot chocolate, cider, and cookies.

If you visit the Reindeer farm before Christmas, your kids will be delighted with a special guest appearance, SANTA! We recommend booking early because tickets do sell out quickly.

2. Nordic Skiing

Leavenworth, offers easy access to Nordic skiing with a total of 16 miles of trails spread across three different venues, all located within a five-mile radius of downtown.

• The Icicle River Trails are an excellent location for first-timers who want to enjoy the region’s beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for nordic lessons this is the place to go.

• The Golf Course offers a variety of intermediate trails along the Wenatchee River. You’ll experience wide sweeping bends with fantastic views of the Cascades.

• The Ski Hill has more advanced Nordic trails. These trails wind through stunning woods and return to the historical Ski Hill Lodge. Ending your day of skiing at the lodge with an après-ski cocktail is the perfect way to end a day of skiing.

Additional Nordic Skiing And Hiking Trails Around Leavenworth

• STEVENS PASS NORDIC CENTER
• LAKE WENATCHEE STATE PARK
• PLAIN VALLEY SKI TRAILS

3. Take A Walk Along The River Walk

An excellent way to spend a chilly day is to walk along the river, which offers views of the river and snow-capped peaks. The Waterfront Park Trail is one of Leavenworth’s best-kept secrets.

The paths meander along the Wenatchee River and through peaceful riverbank woodlands. For information about how to get to the River Walk, click here.

4. Enjoy Skiing And Winter Activities At Leavenworth Ski Hill

The local ski hill has a ton to offer those who want to play in the snow. The Leavenworth Ski Hill features 4 trail systems of perfectly groomed corduroy and rope tow-served ski runs. These slopes are great for newbies or a relaxing day on the hill, and the costs are far more reasonable than bigger ski areas like Steven’s Pass.

A. Leavenworth Tubing in Snow At LT Michael Adams Tubing Park-Ski Hill

Snow tubing is exciting for the whole family, and it’s a fun thing to do with kids in Leavenworth. Take advantage of the rope tow that’ll pull you up in your rented tube before you joyfully descend down the hill.

This is a fun way to take in an afternoon in Leavenworth. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about your child not liking it.

☞ Good To Know: The ski resort provides a free one-time ride before purchasing a ticket. Isn’t it great?

B. Have A Hot Toddy At Leavenworth Ski Hill Lodge

If skiing isn’t your thing, but you’d like to experience what it’s like to hit the slopes without the chill of being outside. Head over to the Leavenworth ski hill 2 miles from downtown and enjoy a hot beverage in their historic ski lodge.

C. Snow Bike AKA Fat Tire Bike At Leavenworth Ski Hill

With the growing popularity of biking, it’s not surprising that the local Leavenworth ski hill offers fat tire biking trails. Many people are familiar with using fat tire bikes on sandy paths, but in towns like Leavenworth, a fat tire bike is a perfect way to get around with a lot of snow.

If you’re looking to rent a fat tire bike, check out Downtown Bikes in Cashmere, WA, just a short 15 min drive from Leavenworth.

When And Where You Can Ride Your Fat Bike At The Ski Hill

• On the snowshoe trails all the time
• On the Nordic ski trails every evening of the week from 6p-10p

☞ Good To Know: During winter operations, a season pass or a day ticket will be required. Season passes are available online, and day tickets available at the Ski Hill ticket booth or at the fee box in front of the ticket booth.

D. Ski Jumping At Leavenworth Ski Hill

Are you an adrenaline junky, or do you have a kid who’s looking to take their ski skills to the next level? Ski jumping may be the perfect way to burn off a bit of energy. Once the snow flies, ski jumping is the weekend treat at “D” hill, behind the Leavenworth Ski Hill Lodge.

☞Good To Know: On-site coaching is available by appointment. Beginners typically begin with a ride down the landing hill and progress to the 15-meter jump before graduating to the 27-meter leap. After each run, you return to the top using a rope tow! To learn more, click here.

5. Sledding In Leavenworth-One Of The Best Leavenworth Winter Activities

A. Sledding in Downtown

Another great thing to do in Leavenworth with kids is sledding, a wintertime favorite for both young and old. There are a couple of different options for places to go sledding. If you’re looking for something in the heart of the Bavarian village, I recommend the park right downtown.

It’s free, it’s easy to get to, and you can grab a bite to eat at München Haus when the kids (or adults) get chilled.

B. Sledding And Tubing In Leavenworth At The Golf Course

If you’re looking for a bit more in your sledding adventure, head over to the local golf course to get your sled on! If you don’t have your own sled, you can purchase one on-site, but of course, you’re welcome to use your own if you have one.

• The fee is $10 per person ($31 per family – max 2 adults).
• You need to bring your own sled or purchase one on-site.
• The sledding hill is open from 9:30a – 4:00p.

C. Stevens Pass Sledding In Leavenworth

Stevens Pass opened an area at their Nordic Center for free family sledding and snow play. The Nordic Center is about 6 miles east of the ski resort at the top of Stevens Pass.

There are no rope tows, so you’ll be walking up and down, but it’s a great way to keep warm. You’ll also need to bring your own tube or sled.

The hill is intended for kids under the age of ten, so your thrill-seeking big kids may need to grab their skis and be dropped off at the resort en route to the sledding hill.

Cost: FREE

6. Leavenworth Sleigh Rides

Get your jingle on with a Leavenworth Sleigh Ride.

You’ll have a wonderful time riding in a horse-drawn sleigh across open fields along the Icicle River, with the magnificent Stuart Mountain Range in the backdrop for your photos.

7. Go Snowmobiling In Leavenworth

Explore Leavenworth from a different perspective with a guided snowmobile tour! Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours take you on a guided tour through the Cascade Mountains as you cruise past snow-covered fields and frosted trees.

You will have your own guide that will take you on an experience like no other. Leavenworth Snowmobile Rentals provides access to some of the best trails in the Pacific Northwest.

This is a perfect way to get out and experience some of Washington State’s finest backcountry winter views.

Don’t worry if you don’t have the warm and cozy clothes to head out on your snowmobile adventure because you’ll be suited up in snowmobile suits, boots, gloves, and helmets (available free of charge if needed)

8. Visit Wenachee State Park

Lake Wenatchee State Park is tucked in the Cascade Mountains and offers a variety of winter activities for people of all ages.

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snow camping, and making snow angels and snowmen are all popular things to do at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

Lake Wenatchee State Park is jam-packed with activities that everyone can enjoy. If you want more info about things to do at Wenatchee State Park, click here.

☞ Good To Know: A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass, visit the Discover Pass web page.

A. Winter Camping At Wenatchee State Park

If you’re looking for a snowy adventure to test your ability to handle the snow, why not try some snow camping at Wenatchee State Park.

Each winter, Lake Wenatchee State Park transforms one of its day-use areas into a campground.

The groomed ski and snowshoe trails, along with the sledding hill, offer lots of winter fun.

If the cold gets to you, head over to the kitchen shelter to make some delicious s’mores, and you can also enjoy a warm shower in the heated restroom.

Campsites are available for $20 per night, with an additional $10 charge for each extra vehicle, plus the requirement of a Sno-Park permit.

Read Next: You may be interested in our top tips for Winter Vanlife if you’re traveling in winter in your campervan.

Not Into cold weather winter vacations? Check out our favorite warm weather vacations in the US

9. Ski At Stevens Pass– Our Favorite Leavenworth Ski Resort

Steven’s Pass is calling your name if you enjoy hitting the slopes and getting fresh powder. When you combine some of Washington’s finest snow and terrain with a beautiful Bavarian village, you get an unforgettable winter experience.

Located within two national forests, Stevens Pass caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all levels with seasonal activities, including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking.

Stevens Pass is a unique experience because you can ski or ride under the stars at night skiing when the sun goes down. Suppose you’re looking for something fun to do with your evening. In that case, I highly recommend an evening of skiing followed by Hot Toddie at Steven’s pass lodge or maybe even enjoy overnight camping at the resort.

For those who don’t want to drive to the mountain, you can book a shuttle that takes you from downtown Leavenworth up to Stevens pass. For more information, click here.

10. Leavenworth Adventure Park

Leavenworth Adventure Park’s motto is “rain snow or shine“. The park is located just a short walk from downtown Leavenworth, right at the entrance to Tumwater Canyon.

You can easily find it at the intersection of Icicle Road and Highway 2.

Inside the park, you’ll discover four main attractions: the Tumwater Twister Alpine Coaster, Alpine Ascent Climbing Wall, Bavarian Bungee Bounce Trampoline, and Gems of The Enchantments Mining Sluice.

Good To Know: Be sure to check their schedule online as it varies throughout the winter.

11. Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum

The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum has one of the largest selections of Nutcrackers in the US; with over 7,000 nutcrackers of various shapes and sizes, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience for tourists.

People from all around the world come to see this unusual collection. They walk away a bit more educated after learning about the nutcracker’s history.

12. Snowshoeing- A Great Leavenworth Winter Activity

Snowshoeing is a beautiful way for the whole family to have some fun and get in a bit of exercise during the blustery cold season.

Snowshoeing will take you out into the open, allowing you to breathe fresh air while floating on freshly fallen snow for a bit of exercise and enjoyment. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

If you’re looking for a snowshoe tour, a popular one is the Snowshoe/Wine Adventure. This tour allows visitors to take on an epic snowshoeing adventure and indulge in a light lunch and local wine tasting.

Popular Snowshoeing Areas

• Lake Wenatchee State Park
• Plain Hardware & Plain Valley Ski Trails
• Wenatchee River
• Stevens Pass
• Leavenworth Ski Hill

For up-to-date information about snowshoeing in Leavenworth, check out this website. If you need rental equipment, click here for the various outdoor shops that offer rentals.

13. Enjoy A Tasting At Blue Spirits Distillery

If you’ve been a regular visitor to Leavenworth over the years, you might remember the Blue Spirits Tasting Room situated right on Front Street.

However, Blue Spirits has moved to a new location that provides more room, allowing for great outdoor patio seating live music most weekends, and ample parking space for everyone.

So if you ask me, this is the perfect spot to taste rum, vodka, tequila, & whiskey. Not only does the distillery serve top-shelf liquors.

But you can also get a charcuterie board and other tasty dishes while cozying up next to the outdoor fire tables in the winter.

14. Enjoy Craft Beer In Leavenworth

After an adventurous winter day in Leavenworth, there’s nothing better than a drink or two at the brewery. Our favorite brewery in Leavenworth is Icicle Brewery, with its savory snacks such as warm Bavarian pretzels, cheese plates, soups, and of course, its beer.

Icicle brewery offers interesting and consistently good beers. Our favorite is the Bootjack IPA, a PNW style brew with some citrusy hops. The Icicle brewery also has outdoor patio seating and even a fire table or two for those chilly times.

2 Other Great Breweries That We Enjoy:

• Blewett Brewing Company
• Doghaus Brewing

15. Ice Climbing

Are you an adrenaline junky looking for a heart-pumping adventure? Look no further than ice climbing. Ice climbing in Leavenworth isn’t for the faint of heart.

In fact, it’s rated one of the top 10 Ice Climbing Destinations in the nation. For experienced climbers, come check out these pristine ice conditions as you scale the ice falls and embark on a new and unique adventure in Leavenworth.

For more information about the 5 best places for ice climbing in Leavenworth, check this out.

16. Gingerbread Factory

No Leavenworth winter adventure would be complete without checking out the Gingerbread Factory. The famed Gingerbread shop is what you’d expect it to be: a sweets lover’s dream come true.

The Gingerbread Factory is packed with activity during the holiday season, making thousands of gingerbread houses and cookies by hand. I guess we could say that they’re giving Santa’s elves a run for their…sprinkles.

17. Alps Candy Store Candy Wonderland

One thing you’ll notice while visiting Leavenworth is there is no shortage of sweets and treats! Alps Candy is a two-story shop on the way to Leavenworth right along the Wenatchee River. It offers a wide variety of items produced in small batches. You’ll find an impressive selection of Hot Sauces, BBQs, Mustards, and Syrups.

Additional treats you’ll find at Alps Candy Store are:

• Fresh butter and sweet cream fudge, available in over 20 flavors!
• Hand-dipped chocolates-including barks, clusters, turtles, Graham Cracker Sandwiches, and Marshmallows on a Stick.
• Brittles using the same recipe since 1945!
• World-Famous Peanut Butter Crunch

18. Go Holiday Shopping-A Favorite Leavenworth Winter Event

There’s no better place to check off your holiday shopping list than in Leavenworth. Whether you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift for a loved one or looking for a new kitchen accessory, you’ll find what you’re looking for at one of Leavenworth’s boutiques or shops. With so many shops to choose from, it may be challenging to know where to start.

I’d recommend checking out Kris Kringl for charming ornaments, holiday decorations, and nutcrackers.

Another great place to check out is Jubilee Global Gifts; this is a non-profit stop with products made by artisans from around the world. You’ll find all sorts of beautiful gifts such as clothing, jewelry, candles, home goods, and more!  

If you enjoy artesian cheese and need a quick pit stop, I’d recommend hitting up The Cheesemonger, where cheese lovers unite! The Cheesemonger offers a wide variety of specialty cheeses from all over the world.

Read Next: Christmas in Leavenworth: The Best Place In WA To Spend Christmas

19. Drink Mulled Wine

Mulled wine is one of those beverages that are perfect for drinking in the winter months when you’re looking for a toasty yet spiced-up beverage to warm your bones. And, of course, there is no better place to enjoy a glass of glühwein (glow/mulled wine) than in Leavenworth.

Take a break from your holiday shopping or admiring the Christmas lights and stop in one of the many places that serve this one-of-a-kind drink.

20. Eat Sausage Or Bratwurst

Duh….. You’re in a Bavarian village, so do as the locals do and grab yourself a sausage or bratwurst. The best place to do so is at München Haus Sausage Garten.

It’s a lovely outdoor beer garden warmed by fire pits and lamps. After you order your brat or German sausage, you head over to the condiment bar and top it with sauerkraut and various mustards.

Events And Festivavals In Leavenworth

• Bavarian Ice Festival (January – Martin Luther King Jr. weekend)
• Timbrrr! Music Festival (January)
• Taste of Leavenworth (April – First weekend)
• Maifest (May – typically Mother’s Day weekend)
• Bavarian Bike & Brew (June – First weekend)
• Kinderfest (July – 4th of July weekend)
• Autumn Leaf Festival (4th weekend in September)
• Leavenworth Oktoberfest (October – First 3 weekends)
• Christkindlmarkt (November – Thanksgiving weekend)
• Christmas Lighting Festival (December – First 3 weekends)

What Time of Year Is Best For Visiting Leavenworth

We’ve visited this charming Bavarian town every season, but something draws us to Leavenworth in the Winter. Perhaps it’s the snow-covered Cascades or the Bavarian village all dressed up in lights. Regardless of what we think, Leavenworth is a year-round tourist destination that offers something for everyone.

Winter In Leavenworth

Known for its Christmas-lighting ceremonies, Bavarian Ice Festival, and endless snow activities, Leavenworth is a magical wonderland in the winter.

Summer in Leavenworth:

With hot summer days and plenty of sunshine, summer in Leavenworth is a great time to float down Icicle Creek, head to Freund Canyon for some mountain biking, or enjoy some whitewater rafting.

Spring In Leavenworth:

When the snow begins to melt and wildflowers start to bloom, it marks the best time to head out on some of Leavenworth’s top-rated hikes. Spring in Leavenworth is a great time to get out and explore before the summer heat begins to set in.

Fall In Leavenworth:

Fall brings out the beautiful change of colors in the trees and the cooler crisp air.

This is the perfect time to make a trip to Leavenworth because you’ll encounter fewer tourists unless, of course, you go during the famous Leavenworth Oktoberfest, which brings in tourists from all over the world.