The Leavenworth Christmas Experience
The Leavenworth Christmas experience is an event that takes you back in time and across the sea. Or so it would seem when you take your first steps into this quaint little village. You may not have heard of it, but there is a place in Washington state that is fun to visit every season of the year.
Way up in the Cascade mountain range, the scenery is exquisite. Lofty peaks climb high into the sky, quick flowing streams loudly gurgle and are teaming with fish. And high hidden meadows are abundant with springtime wildflowers. Nestled among these natural treasures you will find the little town of Leavenworth.
In Years Past
In years past, it had been a common hunting ground for the Chinook and Yakima Native American tribes, to name a few. Wildlife was very abundant in the area. Salmon were caught in its creeks and enjoyed on family hearths and plentiful hunting meant there was meat in the pot for supper. But eventually the lure of gold and other precious commodities brought settlers to the area and the beginnings of a small town was founded.
The Big Build and The Big Deflate
Life was good and the town was thriving but not more so than when the railroad came along. After that, this little town bloomed into the place to be and the community was growing, prosperous and happy. That is, until one fateful day the railroad decided to re-route their rail line. Almost overnight the towns hard won prosperity came tumbling down. Trade was severely curtailed and many moved away eager to find a new prospect for a better life. It looked like all was lost for this little village sitting on the eastern slopes of the Cascade mountain range in Washington.
Ingenuity and Inventiveness
But then the residents did what humans are best known for. They used their ingenuity and inventiveness and came up with a brilliant idea. After many years of struggles they decided to transform their town into a Bavarian village and Leavenworth was born. Can you imagine such an undertaking? Talk about dreaming big! Of course this was no small task, but with determination and perseverance the deed was eventually done. This gave birth to Leavenworth as it’s known today.
Summertime Events
When you see this town, don’t expect to see anything resembling a traditional US suburb. Instead get ready to feel like you were whist away to Bavaria, Germany. The remodeled store fronts and authentic costumes lend to the feeling that you have stepped across the ocean.
Summer festivals, wine tours, geocaching, river rafting and of course, shopping are just a few of the events that are available to enjoy. All with the panoramic mountain peaks in the background! Hiking through forested trails and bird watching is a relaxing way to spend your day. You may even spot a bald eagle or many of the other species of bird or mammal that live in the area. But if you think that sounds good, wait until you hear with is in store for the Christmas time visitor!
Winter Time Events
So that brings me to the part I love the most, the Leavenworth Christmas experience. Just picture it! The heat of summer is long gone and winter has settled onto this sleepy little town. Snowflakes soft and silent flutter down on rooftops and carpet the forest floor. It is a white wonderland, more breathtaking than even in summertime. There’s a nip in the air and your breath comes out in puff of white smoke. Bundled in your coat, scarf, mittens and winter cap you are all set for the weather. Now you’re ready for your first taste of the Leavenworth Christmas experience.
One of the funnest ways to start this adventure is to take the Leavenworth snow train. Alki tours out of Seattle Washington offers a one day train ride each Saturday in December to the Bavarian village. It boasts a continental breakfast, on board entertainment and a personal appearance of Santa.
Enjoy The Train Ride
You can kick back and relax while this chartered Amtrak train zips down the rails and enjoy with enthusiasm the lovely scenery as it rolls by without a care in the world. Yes, and that means you don’t have to drive in winter conditions! During this scenic tour you will rise high into the mountains and through the Cascade tunnel which is the second longest tunnel in the world. Do you think they blow the horn when inside? That would be cool! There’s even more available on this train ride that I won’t go into here. Check it out as it is a Christmas memory in the making.
Then just when you’ve felt like you’ve already had a Christmas experience, you arrive at Leavenworth for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
An All Out Experience
The town goes all out to draw you into the Christmas spirit. You can take a sleigh ride, join in with the carolers singing their holiday tunes and taste real chestnuts roasting on open outdoor fires. It’s a Christmas card come to life.
But if you think that the lighting of the Christmas tree is awe inspiring wait until you see how the entire village lights up the night sky with their many thousands of twinkling lights throughout the whole town.
Planning on staying for a few days? There is great lodging available, but I would book early to make sure there is an available room when the time comes. This is a very popular attraction in Washington and many people attend each year.
And of course if you like skiing you will find great slopes for this outdoor sport. When done, head over to the Ice Fest and enjoy a colored ice cube hunt. They also host dog sled races and top of the evening with a firework display in the night sky.
Yes, the Leavenworth Christmas experience is one trip you won’t soon forget and will become a cherished family Christmas memory that can be retold around the dinner table for years to come.