Of the many times I have traveled to Leavenworth, I’ve spent my days enjoying a healthy mix of adventure and relaxation regardless of the time of the year. It is one of the best places to hike and finish the day with a Bavarian beer. But Leavenworth in winter is one of the best times to go.

If Leavenworth sounds familiar to you and you’re not sure why, it could be because it is the access town to one of the most coveted trail lotteries in the United States, the Enchantments. When I completed the enchantments in 2021, I stayed overnight in Leavenworth the day before the backpacking trip and grabbed a beer in town the day I finished the trip. It was great sitting on an outdoor patio after a grueling summer backpacking trip.

However, it really is the winter season that brings out the best of Leavenworth. The miles of trails for Nordic skiing, the live music, and the holiday lights bring a whole new meaning to the phrase, “Winter Wonderland.”

If you’re looking for Leavenworth Activities in Winter, this blog post is for you! I’ve got everything you need to know in order to plan your adventure in this post.

Just a heads up! This post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Your Winter Guide to the Most Magical Spot in Washington: Leavenworth

In this complete guide to Leavenworth, WA, in winter, I will share some of the best things you can do in and around the town of Leavenworth. Leavenworth is located in the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest, so if you’re driving from Seattle, you’ll have to drive over Stevens Pass. While visiting in the winter is magical, make sure you check road conditions.

Use this guide to help you put together your perfect itinerary for a day or long weekend in Leavenworth in winter. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and get to planning!

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Prepare for your Leavenworth Trip

One of the things I love about visiting Leavenworth is that, unless you want to stay overnight, there is little planning involved. But here is a short list of things to consider prior to visiting.

• 🏨 Book your accommodations well in advance – Find the best hotel deals for Leavenworth here.
• 🎉 Want to do a tour? – Book your activities in Leavenworth ahead of time.
• ✈️Traveling from out of state? The best airports to fly into are SEA TAC (2hours and 30 minutes away), Plainfield(2 hours away), or Spokane International (3 hours away). Check flight deals here!
• 🚘 Getting to Leavenworth – There are multiple ways to get to Leavenworth: bus, train, or car. If you’re renting a car, check out these deals. Information on travelling by bus and train is below.

Leavenworth Winter Temperatures

What you want to do in Leavenworth will determine what you’ll need to wear to prepare for the winter temperatures. To give you an idea of the winter temperatures in Leavenworth, reference the table below.

Road Conditions

Getting to Leavenworth requires most people to drive over Stevens Pass and Nordic Center. The road conditions in the actual city of Leavenworth throughout winter are relatively good with frequent plowing. However, check the road conditions on Steven Pass in advance.

Getting to Leavenworth by Bus or Train

There are multiple options for travelling to Leavenworth without a car. If you travel by bus or train to get to Leavenworth, I would recommend scheduling an overnight so you’re not rushed. There is only one route from Leavenworth back to Seattle for both options.

Take a bus from Seattle to Leavenworth. This route will take just under 3 hours to get to the city, and there are a couple of departure times you can schedule based on your itinerary. Find bus tickets here.

There is an Amtrak Route to Leavenworth that begins in Seattle. There are fewer options for boarding when you take the train, but it is a magical experience, especially if you take the train in the winter. Plan your train trip here!

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Leavenworth Activities in Winter

There are SO many amazing things to do in Leavenworth that will be fun for you and everyone you go with. Here are my top recommendations for some of the best things you can do in Leavenworth, WA, in winter!

Snowshowing or Nordic Skiing at Lake Wenatchee State Park

Lake Wenatchee is one of my favorite Washington State Parks, so it comes as no surprise that this beautiful area is even more gorgeous in winter. With groomed cross-country skiing trails and designated snowshoe trails, this state park transforms into a winter wonderland. Pay attention to the designated cross-country/nordic ski trail signs; these trails are for cross-country skiing only.

Whether you’re just stopping in to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Wenatchee or spending the morning traipsing through the snow, it’s a Leavenworth must-see in winter.

Cost: Parking areas this time of year require a Sno-Park Pass. They are $25 for day use and $50 for a season pass. For more information, click here.

Time: 1 hour +

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

Nothing screams holiday season quite like reindeer do, which is why you should add the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to your to-do list. This visit includes a guided tour of the reindeer farm with knowledgeable staff. It is a great place to learn about the reindeer’s habits and habitat. Just outside of downtown Leavenworth, it is a great spot to go before heading to Front Street.

Cost: $40 age 3+, Free for children 0-2

Time: 1 hour or more

Check out the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm Tours Here

Live Music

One of the best things to do in Leavenworth in the entire town, is to stay near the town square for live music. In the winter months, Leavenworth has live music in the pavilion at the Front Street Park. It is free and magical. The pavilion is across from the blocked-off street from the Gingerbread Factory. The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce schedules multiple artists a night, too. So if you’re looking for live entertainment, this is your chance! Enjoy the Christmas lights, live music, and magical atmosphere!

Be on the lookout because sometimes Santa Claus can be found close to the pavilion.

Cost: FREE

Time: NA

Find Live Music Events Here

Sledding Hills

For some more winter magic, add sledding to your itinerary! You can bring your own sled or purchase one at some of the local shops. There are a couple of places you can go sledding in Leavenworth, in addition to the small sledding hill at Front Street Park. One option is the 150′ sledding hill in Lake Wenatchee State Park. The second option is at the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club. The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club offers sledding and tubing hills, groomed cross-country ski trails, downhill skiing, and ski jumps.

For something even more unique, you can even rent fat tire bikes here.

Cost: Free, 0-$40 prices vary based on activity at LWSC

Time: 2 hours+

Leavenworth Sleigh Rides

The Leavenworth Sleigh Rides are a great way to get outside in the winter season. This romantic horse-drawn sleigh guided tour brings you through snowy meadows and eventually to a warm barn that serves hot apple cider around a fire. This is the best activity to get into the Christmas spirit, but it can be done all winter!

Bring blankets and your camera for this beautiful activity. Icicle Outfitters and Guides also do sleigh rides.

It is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth. Be mindful of that when planning your winter Leavenworth itinerary!

Cost: $225

Time: 1 hour

Check out Sleigh Rides in Leavenworth Here

Plain Valley Ski Trails

If you’re looking for groomed XC ski trails or for lessons, the Plain Valley Ski Trails are a great place to go. As a nonprofit, proceeds from skiing at Plain Valley go to funding barrier-free ski programs for youth. The park is located north of Leavenworth along the Wenatchee River.

Cost: $25

Time: 2-4 hours

Check Out Passes and Lessons Here!

Wine Tasting

Whether you want to go on a guided Leavenworth Wine Tour or go wine tasting, there are so many wineries to choose from. My favorite winery in Leavenworth is Icicle Ridge Winery. They have multiple locations throughout Leavenworth, but my favorite location is their Log Home Winery. In the winter months, they host a guided snowshoe trip around the winery, which ends with a world-class dinner and wine pairing.

If you’re looking for a winery in downtown Leavenworth, some other wineries include Patterson Cellars and Goose Ridge Estate. Each has tasting rooms for wine tastings in Leavenworth.

Cost: Varies

Time: 2+ hours

Nutcracker Museum

If you love Nutcrackers, this is for you. If you don’t love Nutcrackers, you will after. This small museum is a perfect way to break up your day between adventure and leisure. With over 9,000 Nutcrackers to look at, you really only need an hour of time at the museum to look at the antique nutcrackers, read the history of nutcrackers, and spot some cheeky nutcrackers. Located directly on Front Street, it is easy to just stop in.

Cost: $5 per person

Time: 1 hour

More details about the Nutcracker Museum here

Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours

For an adventure with a little more excitement, check out Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours! Snowmobile tours are among the best ways to see the Leavenworth area in the winter months. I’d recommend doing a snowmobile tour over Leavenworth snowmobile rentals because the tours have access to some epic trails and even do some night tours. Several tours are available, but if you have time, consider the Sno Cone tour so you can look out over Lake Wenatchee.

Cost: $255

Time: 3 hours

Book Your Tour!

Gingerbread Factory

The Gingerbread Factory is one of the most popular destinations in Downtown Leavenworth in winter. With elaborately decorated gingerbread houses and gourmet cookies, it’s no wonder there is always a line to order. Waiting to order is just as magical as looking at the bake case. While you wait, there are gingerbread houses to look at. If you love the cookies and don’t want to drive all the way to Leavenworth in winter for them, you can also order them domestically!

Cost: $5+

Time: 30 minutes or more

Scavenger Hunt

If you’re going to Leavenworth with a group of friends, add a Private Scavenger Hunt to your list of things to do, regardless of the time of year. This scavenger hunt is a lot of fun as it brings you to the best places in Leavenworth. Grab a beer, stop in the hat shop, and follow the hunt map around town. For the scavenger hunt, you’ll be provided with a map and a virtual guide. You will need a phone with internet access.

Cost: $22 per person

Time: 2 hours

Reserve Your Scavenger Hunt Here!

Breweries in Leavenworth

You can’t go to a Bavarian Town without stopping at a brewery for a German-style beer. Whether you want to drink beer out of a mug or a boot, you’re in for a treat. There are so many different breweries to choose from in downtown Leavenworth. Some of my favorites include Icicle Brewing Company, Blewett, and Rhein Haus. My favorite beer garden is Rhein Haus. If youre not a huge fan of beer, you can also check out the Leavenworth Cider House!

Beer gardens in Leavenworth are extremely popular on a sunny day in the summer, but in the winter months, the beer gardens have large fireplaces lit and are decorated with holiday lights. So as long as you’re dressed for the cold, beer gardens are still a must-do.

Shopping

Among the breweries and restaurants are some great places to go shopping. If you want taffy or candy, check out Village Alps. If you’re looking for a unique, custom hat, stop at the Hat Shop. My two favorite boutiques in Leavenworth include Post Handpicked Goods and Mountain Modern Supply Co. Last time I was in Leavenworth, my partner and I took turns buying each other ornaments from Kris Kringl, the ornament shop that. isopen year-round. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned mercantile, Plain Hardware is just outside Leavenworth. You can rent cross-country ski gear and grab a coffee there!

There are so many local businesses to shop at; I highly recommend spending some time shopping in this Bavarian town.

Relax at The Springs

The Springs in Leavenworth are the perfect place to experience ultimate relaxation. The Springs has a number of hot pools, a cold plunge, and a large sauna. It is the perfect place to go year-round if you can bear the cold, walking from the dressing rooms to the hot pools!

Sessions last between 1.5 and 2 hours, and the location of the springs is about a 5-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth.

Cost: $45

Time: 1.5+ hours

Book a Session Here!

Leavenworth Adventure Park

A must-do activity for families in Leavenworth is getting a ticket on the Alpine Coaster at the Leavenworth Adventure Park. The coaster brings you up into the mountains so you can look out over Leavenworth and the Wenatchee River. The Adventure Park also has a climbing wall, but the main draw is the coaster you will see as you drive into Leavenworth from Highway 2.

If you want to ride the alpine coaster, you will want to book your ticket in advance during the busy season. It is not uncommon for the coaster to sell out.

Cost: +$20

Time: 1 hour

Reserve Your Spot Here!

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Where to Stay in Leavenworth

Leavenworth has some of the best places to stay in Washington! If you’re looking to stay near the main strip of Leavenworth, you’ll likely need to rent a hotel, of which there are plenty. If you want a more secluded atmosphere and don’t mind a short drive into town, there are plenty of vacation rentals to choose from.

When I have visited Leavenworth, I’ve done it all. Hotel Stays, Cabin Stays, Camping, and Dispersed Camping. Here are my favorite stays in Leavenworth, along with additional options to meet your needs.

Enzian Inn

Enzian Inn is one of the most popular places. tostay in Downtown Leavenworth. It offers modern amenities while staying true to the town’s Bavarian theme.

If you’re staying at Enzian Inn, I recommend spending at least two nights to get the most out of the amenities that the hotel offers, like the outdoor pool, hot tub, and racquetball. Can’t make a reservation at the Leavenworth Golf Course? No problem, Enzian Inn has a golf simulator.

Check rates for your stay here!

Bavarian Lodge

One of the most beautiful hotels in Leavenworth is the Bavarian Lodge. Right across the street from Front Street, you’ll have easy access. tothe city!

They have the best cinnamon rolls for breakfast, and their on-site restaurant is also very good.

Check rates for your stay here!

Riverfront Chalet

The location of the Riverfront Chalet is one of my favorites. This house was extremely clean with a beautiful outdoor area.

If you plan on spending some time at your vacation rental, this is a great spot to hang out and enjoy the river.

Find an open weekend here!

Other Great Weekend Destinations in Washington…

• Weekend Itinerary for Seabrook, Washington
• Westport, Washington Weekend Itinerary
• Weekend Hike Guide to Orcas Island
• Day Trip to Bainbridge Island
• Leavenworth in the Summer Time

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Pack It Up

One of the fun things you can do in Washington in the winter is visit the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. A winter trip over the mountain pass, pending weather conditions, will be one of your favorite memories. Leavenworth has great food, amazing beer gardens, and great trails like the Icicle River Trail.

Beginning Thanksgiving weekend, Leavenworth transforms into a magical Christmas town. Winter really is the best time to visit Leavenworth. Even in January and February, you will still find winter magic in this city. While there will not be lots of Christmas-specific activities planned in the city, you will still find a winter wonderland.

I hope this guide helped you prepare for your own trip to Leavenworth! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments!