How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Leavenworth, WA in Winter

To get to Leavenworth from Seattle, you can either drive, take the train, or even fly.

By Car

By car, the drive is approximately 120 miles and takes about two to three hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Before heading out, you can check road and weather conditions here. The drive through the Cascades has been voted one of the most scenic drives in the United States, so this is a great option for taking in the scenery.

By Train

I made my way to Leavenworth from New York and didn’t feel like renting a car. So I opted for the 3.5-hour train ride from Seattle. The train to Leavenworth doesn’t leave until 4:55 pm, so if you get in early, you’ll have time to explore Seattle! After that, make your way to King Street Station and hop on the Amtrak Empire Builder towards Chicago. You’ll get off at Icicle Station, and then either Uber or take a taxi into town. Uber wasn’t the fastest when I was there, so I used Leavenworth Shuttle and Taxi to get to my hotel. The shuttle fare should be a flat $11 rate per person, but check their website for updates on fares and schedules!

If you do decide to take the train, just remember that there’s only one train in and out of town every day. So if you miss your train out of Leavenworth, you’ll be there for an extra day. The train back to Seattle leaves at 7:18 am, so you’ll get there around noon.

By Plane?

You might see that flying into Leavenworth is an option while doing your research. I don’t think this option makes much sense. The closest airport to town is a smaller regional airport, Pangborn Memorial Airport (EAT) in Wenatchee. It’s a 45-minute flight from Seattle Tacoma Airport. However, flying into EAT still leaves you 30 minutes away from the town of Leavenworth. The hassle of connecting flights and the need for additional ground transportation makes driving or taking the train from Seattle a more efficient and scenic choice.

Where to Stay in Leavenworth, WA

I can’t recommend the place I stayed at in Leavenworth because it was unfortunately gross (think… flying roaches gross). But if you do visit, you should aim to stay in the downtown Leavenworth area. This way you are within walking distance to most main city attractions. Most of the best restaurants and hotels are located near the city center downtown, so it’s the most convenient option and will allow you to make the most of your time here.

If you do decide to stay downtown during the holiday season make sure to book your accommodations early.  Leavenworth is one of the most popular Christmas towns in the United States, and things tend to sell out quickly in the winter months. The same goes for parking, which is why I don’t recommend driving into the city!

There are gorgeous accommodation options outside of the downtown area. There are several lodges and Airbnb options up further north. However, they are tucked away in the woods, less accessible, and not always well-lit. They’re also not within walking distance from the restaurants and main attractions, so I’d only recommend these if you’re traveling with a group or if you rent a car.

Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA in Winter

There’s truly something for everyone on a Leavenworth winter vacation. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Leavenworth, WA in winter.

Explore The Village of Lights

Every winter the Village of Lights in Leavenworth is illuminated with over half a million lights from 6 AM until 11 PM every day. They run from Thanksgiving through the last day of February. Head over to Front Street Park, which is Leavenworth’s recreation center. It’s located in the heart of the city center and gives you access to all the events and entertainment happening that day. From here you can grab some hot cocoa and admire the town’s charm. From the end of November through Christmas Eve, there’s live music in the gazebo almost daily, which is free to enjoy!

In January, Christmastown at the Village of Lights transforms into the Winter Karneval. It includes the infamous Christmas lights, ice carving, fireworks, and more! You can view the month-long schedule here.

Visit Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

If you plan to visit during November- December, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a must. It’s a unique experience that’s perfect for visitors of all ages and was one of my favorite things when I visited. It includes a 20-minute educational presentation, where you learn all about the reindeer. Then 20 minutes in their enclosure where you can hand-feed them, and the staff will help you take photos. It also includes an optional meet and greet with Santa is included with your ticket, which is great if you plan on bringing your kids (or just for you… no judgment).

This is one of the most popular things to do in town, so you need to book your ticket as soon as possible. They’re $40 each ($5 for guests less than 3 years old). This is a family-owned business and they are committed to the conservation and recovery of caribou through their partnership with The Caribou Conservation Alliance. The animals looked happy and well-cared for, so this was worth every penny to me!

Explore the Nutcracker Museum

The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is home to the largest collection of nutcrackers in the world. It sounds like a very niche interest, but most people who visit have a great time. They have all kinds of nutcrackers, including some of celebrities. There’s definitely an opportunity to get some unique gifts here. These people take their nutcrackers very seriously. The entry ticket is $5 for adults and can be paid for on-site. The museum is interesting and is located on Front Street, near many other cute, Christmas shops.

Visit Lake Wenatchee State Park

Boasting beautiful cross-country skiing trails and designated snowshoe trails, Lake Wenatchee State Park transforms into a haven for winter sports every year. To visit this state park, you’ll need a Discover Pass, which is $10 for the day or $30 annually. You can buy it at the park, or online. But they also have some days which are free entry, which can be found here.

The park also offers guided snowshoe hikes if you’re a beginner and worried about getting around. There are also a limited amount of free snowshoe rentals. Check it out here.

Visit Stevens Pass Ski Area

Stevens Pass is one of the most popular ski resorts in the North Cascades. Featuring 52 trails, 13 lifts, and 3 terrain parks, it offers every winter sport you can imagine. It even has a Nordic Center where you can experience Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. They cater to all skill levels and have a range of guides available depending on your skill level.

Hike Icicle Ridge Trail

If the weather is good to you, you can hike the Icicle Ridge Trail. It’s a 4.8-mile out-and-back trail that’s considered challenging with a lot of switchbacks. The best time to hike it is generally between April- October. I hiked it in December with no issues… other than that it was really cold. Also make sure you have solid hiking boots with good grip, because the ground is very slippery when wet. It might just be you and the localsl at this time of the year, but this was a great winter adventure with gorgeous views. Definitely worth it if you’re into hiking!

For something a bit easier, consider a hike around Icicle Gorge Nature Loop.

Tips for Visiting Leavenworth, WA in Winter

Follow these tips to get the most out of your trip to Leavenworth!

Visit On Weekdays If Possible

I spent four days in Leavenworth, and there were noticeably smaller crowds on Monday and Tuesday than over the weekend. Visiting mid-week will allow you to soak in the town’s unique charm with fewer crowds and fewer kids.

Visit Outside of the Busy Holiday Weeks

Remember that the Christmas lights can be seen from Thanksgiving through February. This gives you ample time to enjoy them without having to endure the crazy holiday crowds.

Check Weather Conditions

If you choose to rent a car, be sure to check the WSDOT mountain pass reports for the latest travel conditions.

Pre-Book Your Shuttle to the Train Station

There’s only one train back to Seattle daily, and it departs from Icicle Station at 7:18 am. Don’t bank on calling an Uber to get you there at 6:50! Ubers can take 15 minutes or more to arrive and sometimes cancel last minute. The safest way to guarantee making it to the train station on time is to pre-book the shuttle through Leavenworth Shuttle and Taxi. They are very familiar with the train schedules, and will likely have a bus of people going to the same place you are. They’ll give you a pick-up window, and you can relax knowing it’s all taken care of.

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In short, Leavenworth is one of the best US towns to experience in the winter. With its Bavarian charm, festive events, and majestic mountains, it’s a destination that will fulfill your need for a German Christmas market, no passport required. I hope this guide inspired you to book the trip! For more travel inspo, be sure to check out more of my blog!