Leavenworth Village of Lights (Christmastown) 2024 in Seattle

The snowy mountain village of Leavenworth, located approximately two hours away from Seattle, attracts thousands of people in late November through late December. They gather on Front Street to celebrate the Advent season by singing songs, trying delicious food, and marveling at half a million lights. Leavenworth brims with old-fashioned holiday magic each weekend night in December.

Holiday Entertainment Program

Also known as the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival, Village of Lights offers no shortage of entertainment, perfect for all ages. The Gazebo at Front Street Park welcomes visitors to cheerful performances of choirs, music ensembles, and carolers. On the weekends, Santa and the kids' favorite holiday characters, like Rudolph and Mrs. Claus, visit the Gazebo and the Festhalle to bring joy to the children's faces. Strolling carolers parade through town, singing the classics of the holiday genre. In Festhalle, you might even have the chance to see the original Leavenworth Christmas song.

During December, starting from December 5th, some visitors can be seen wearing goat-like, furry costumes, with horns and cloven hooves. This marks the beginning of the Krampus tradition, which isn't included in the official program but is a beloved activity among festivalgoers. Other entertainment includes handbell choirs, marching bands, Kid’s Crafts, Santa Costumes from around the world, gift wrapping, a gingerbread house, selfie stations, and photo ops. Fun outdoor activities include skiing, tubing, sleigh, dogsled rides, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

Christmas Lights

In the past, Leavenworth hosted a grandiose lighting ceremony, during which hundreds of people flocked to the town, eager to see the Christmas lights illuminate all at once. Today, the Alpine village embraces a more relaxed approach, keeping the festive lights on from Thanksgiving through February. If you'd like to witness the sights of Christmastown with less hustle and bustle, consider coming in January and February. While you may still catch a glimpse of snow, the crowds will have already thinned out. The lights are on from 6 am until 11 pm daily.

Food & Beverages

Food vendors are available at the village every day. While children are sledding in Front Street Park, adults can stop by a Gluhwein Tent and snack on roasted chestnuts. The restaurants in this Bavarian village also offer a wide array of delightful food items, ranging from traditional German cuisine to Italian and South American delicacies.

Schedule & Location

The festivities will span all throughout the village, but the majority of entertainment takes place in the Gazebo and the Festhalle. The performances at the Gazebo are set to unfold from 4 pm to 8 pm on Fridays and from 11 am until 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Santa Claus arrives at the Front Street Gazebo at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Photo ops with Santa and other characters are available from 2 to 3 pm at the Gazebo and from 3 to 4 pm in the Festhalle on Thursdays and Fridays.

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can take a photo with Mrs. Claus at the Gazebo at 12-1:30 pm, and at 2-4 pm in the Festhalle. The Festhalle welcomes visitors for its entertainment program from 12 to 4 pm from Sunday through Thursday and from 12 to 6 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.