United States

Leavenworth

A Bavarian-style mountain town in Washington's Cascades, about two and a half hours east of Seattle.

The Christmastown events run from 27 November to 24 December 2026. The lights are on every day from Thanksgiving through the end of February, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Watching is free. The Chamber no longer switches the lights on at a set time on weekends, because the crowds got too big. December is very busy. Weekends fill fast, and midweek parking is easier.

A free shuttle runs from the Willkommen Park and Ride behind Safeway, from about 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Link Transit Route 22 between Leavenworth and Wenatchee is fare free. Street parking in town is banned from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. between 15 November and 15 March.

A day trip by train does not work. Amtrak's Empire Builder reaches Icicle Station at 8:17 p.m. from Seattle, and the train back leaves at 7:18 a.m. An Amtrak bus leaves Seattle at 8:50 a.m. and arrives at 12:10 p.m. By car, Sea-Tac is 130 miles and 2 hours away. Chain and traction tire rules can go up on Stevens Pass from November to April. The fine for skipping chains when they are required is $500.