When the railroad bypassed this Cascade Mountains town in the 1920s, Leavenworth nearly became a ghost town. Local business owners gambled everything in the 1960s, borrowing money to rebuild their main street as a Bavarian village. The Leavenworth Christmas Market is the payoff of that bet, drawing three million visitors a year to a town of 2,300 people.
Leavenworth Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Confirmed
Christmastown dates: 27th November to 24th December 2026
Lights: 26th November to 28th February 2027
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Leavenworth Washington
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Location: Front Street Park and Leavenworth Festhalle.
Opening times:
Food vendors: 10am to 7pm.
Lights: 6am to 11pm.
Admission: Free.
Santa: Leavenworth Festhalle until the 23rd December.
Live entertainment: Christmastown at the Gazebo.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, some options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. The Link Bus is free.
Reason to visit: Bavarian-style winter market in the US.
Recommended tour: German-theme self-guided walking tour.
Specialities: German-inspired treats, bratwursts, pretzels, apple strudel, glühwein, local craft beers and artisanal cheeses.
Where to stay: Bavarian Lodge is located directly across from the event.
Convenient Hotels
When visiting Leavenworth, staying in the town centre, near Front Street, makes it easy to access the festive activities. Places around Waterfront Park also provide a pleasant stay with scenic views of the Wenatchee River. I recommend the Bavarian Lodge for its charming Alpine decor and proximity to Christmastown.
Explore the full guide to the best Christmas markets in the USA.
Event Location
What to Expect
The quaint Bavarian-style buildings and snow-capped mountains form a pretty backdrop for twinkling lights and beautifully decorated trees. The Christmas Market is at the heart of Leavenworth’s festive celebrations, where the region’s Bavarian heritage meets festive traditions. In Leavenworth, the event is known as Christmastown.
Stalls brim with unique handcrafted items, from intricate ornaments to cosy winter garments, providing ample opportunity to find unique holiday gifts. Food lovers will appreciate the variety of German-inspired snacks and warm drinks. The event also hosts live performances by local musicians and entertainers at the gazebo.
Food at the Stalls
- Apple Cider: Hot spiced cider from local producers.
- Bratwurst: Traditional German-style sausages.
- Glühwein: Hot mulled wine.
- Bavarian Pretzels: Larger and softer than the American counterparts.
- Lebkuchen: German baked treat similar to gingerbread.
- Beecher’s Handmade Cheese: Perfect for a festive cheese platter.
- Roasted Nuts: A classic snack.
- Local Craft Beers: From the region.
- Apple Strudel: The central European dessert.
What to Buy
- Handmade Nutcrackers: Each nutcracker tells a story through its unique design and craftsmanship.
- Ornaments: Reflecting Leavenworth’s Bavarian theme.
- Local Honey: Sourced from Washington State.
- Wooden Toys: Crafted by local artisans.
- Jams and Preserves: Handmade from regional produce.
- Baskets: Handwoven using intricate weaving techniques.
- Wine and Craft Beer: Support the local industry.
Sustainability Tips
- Accommodation: Opt for hotels or lodges that use renewable energy sources for their operations.
- Food Waste: Be mindful of your food consumption at the markets and restaurants.
- Supporting Local: Make your market purchases count by buying from local artisans.
- Sustainable Food: When sampling the local cuisine, aim for dishes with less meat and more plant-based ingredients.
- Transport: The city centre is relatively compact, making it ideal for walking, and bike rental services are readily available for longer distances.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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