Experience the magic of fall and winter in the Bavarian-themed village, with renowned festivals, half a million lights, and authentic traditions
(LEAVENWORTH, Wash.) – Leavenworth celebrates the arrival of fall and winter with the return of Oktoberfest, followed by three other unique holiday festivals showcasing over half a million lights throughout the charming Bavarian-themed village. Combined, Village of Lights: Christmastown, Winter Karneval, and Love from Leavenworth provide more than three months of celebration as the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce invites visitors to these nationally recognized festivals. As the colors of fall emerge and the first snowfall arrives, this alpine town offers a truly magical experience – from the picturesque surroundings and outdoor activities to the festive celebrations and promotions. Among the highlights:
Oktoberfest – Oct. 4-5, 11-12, & 18-19
As the Larch trees begin to change color, Leavenworth’s annual Oktoberfest celebration – recently named one of the country’s top 13 outdoor festivals by Outside Magazine – returns Oct. 4-5, 11-12, & 18-19. The Bavarian village’s beer gardens located at the Leavenworth Festhalle and Front Street Park host three stages chock full of scheduled entertainment, plus an area for adults to enjoy lawn and leisure games. Festival-goers will enjoy vendors, food, and beer, as well as a larger Kinderplatz area complete with a 62-foot Ferris wheel, root beer garden, and lots of free games for the kids. New this year, guests are encouraged to preload special commemorative wristbands for more efficient cashless payments. Interested Oktoberfest-goers can purchase wristbands, tickets, and official festival merchandise in advance and view the entertainment lineup on the official Leavenworth Oktoberfest website https://leavenworth.org/
Village of Lights: Christmastown – Nov. 29-Dec. 24
Get in the holiday spirit with the celebration that helped put Leavenworth on the map – Village of Lights: Christmastown. From Nov. 29 through Dec. 24, every day feels like Christmas with activities including live performances, Santa and holiday characters, kid’s crafts, a story corner, and a fully decked-out town with beautiful lights every night of the week. To maximize your Christmastown experience, consider visiting midweek to avoid more popular weekend dates.
Village of Lights: Winter Karneval – weekends in January
The celebrations don’t stop once Christmas is over. Village of Lights: Winter Karneval – recently named by TimeOut as one of the top three winter carnivals in the USA – is held every weekend in January. Winter Karneval pays tribute to the centuries-old German tradition commonly referred to as ‘Fasching’, a celebration of merriment dating back to the thirteenth century. With live ice carving, fireworks, performances, and a Fashcing pub crawl, visitors can experience authentic traditions while the snowcapped mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
Village of Lights: Love from Leavenworth – February
Throughout February, Leavenworth brings a romantic atmosphere to celebrate love with candlelit dinners, cozy lodging, and shopping promotions under a canopy of Valentine-themed lights. Snuggle up to that special someone and enjoy the “Love from Leavenworth” celebrations including outdoor adventures with unmatched views, local wine and chocolate pairings, and love-themes giveaways.
For more information about visiting Leavenworth during the winter festival season, visit www.leavenworth.org/festivals.
About Leavenworth
Just two hours from Seattle and nestled at the eastern base of the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth offers year-round festivities, themed attractions, and outdoor recreation for every season. Home to renowned festivals like Oktoberfest, Village of Lights, and Maifest, this charming Christmas town features Alpine-styled buildings, themed shops, and restaurants serving authentic German dishes. Transporting visitors to Western Europe, locals are committed to the town’s tourism and are known for their strong sense of community and friendliness. Due to its location, the Alpine village is a mecca for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, snowshoeing, and skiing. Featuring premier lodging and nationally ranked attractions, Leavenworth is a sought-after destination year-round. For more information and to learn more about how to visit Leavenworth responsibly and sustainably, visit www.leavenworth.org/give-a-
