When most people picture Leavenworth, they imagine its charming Bavarian-style village, covered in snow like a scene from a Christmas postcard. And while that’s completely accurate, Leavenworth in winter offers so much more than that!
Beyond its storybook streets, this town is packed with winter activities for all kinds of travelers. You can have a magical experience at a reindeer farm or get your adrenaline pumping on an alpine coaster. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or want to go on an exciting adventure, Leavenworth has something for everyone.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Leavenworth in winter to make your trip there unforgettable!
8 Amazing Things to Do in Leavenworth in Winter
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Located just outside Leavenworth, this family-owned and operated farm is run with genuine passion and is evident in every detail of the experience.
Our visit to the reindeer farm began with an introduction and a safety video, where we learned about the farm, some fun facts about reindeer, and the important rules for interacting with them. After that, we stepped into the reindeer pen, where a herd of reindeer eagerly awaited our arrival.
The reindeer were just as excited as we were to meet them because we brought their favorite thing: food! Each visitor received a cup of food for the reindeer and they loved us for it.
The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing time feeding the reindeer while staying safe. They were also happy to help guests capture great photos, and even went out of their way to do so!
The reindeer farm also has other animals like horses, turkeys, and camels! It was my first time seeing a camel and that was the cherry on top of an already magical experience.
The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is one of the top things to do in Leavenworth, and because of that, it is often booked out weeks in advance. So make sure to book ahead if you want to do this activity!
Alpine Coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park
The Tumwater Twister at Leavenworth Adventure Park is Washington’s only alpine coaster—and it’s an absolute blast to ride.
The coaster is located on the mountainside just outside of downtown Leavenworth. It’s so close that you can spot it from the road!
Before hopping on the coaster, we watched a quick safety video. The staff then helped us board, making sure we were securely buckled in. Once we gave the thumbs-up, our coaster started its climb up the mountain.
Surprisingly, the ride up was almost as enjoyable as the way down. It was a slow and scenic ascent, giving us time to take in the mountain views. But once we reached the top, the real fun began—the coaster released, and we raced down the mountain!
Controlling the coaster is simple. There are handles on the sides: push forward to accelerate, pull back to brake. The coaster handles default to the stop position, so if for any reason you let go the coaster will stop for safety.
We kept our handle somewhere in the middle for a smooth and steady glide. If you’re feeling daring, you can push forward the entire way for a high-speed descent!
On the way down, a camera snapped a photo of us in action, which we purchased afterward. An awesome memory of an awesome ride.
Icicle Ridge Hike
Leavenworth is surrounded by incredible hiking trails, but few are as convenient as the Icicle Ridge Hike. The trailhead is located just outside of town, so it’s an awesome choice for a quick outdoor escape.
One of the best things about this hike is that you don’t have to walk the entire trail to enjoy its views. The trail climbs steadily up the ridge, and within just 20 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with stunning overlooks of Leavenworth and the valley below.
We hiked about 1 mile of the Icicle Ridge Hike just to get outside and burn some energy. It was an awesome way to get off the main tourist path and into nature. Even as a short hike, the scenery made it well worth the effort.
Hiking in winter? We recommend using ice cleats so you don’t slip on the icy trail.
Sleigh Ride
If wandering Leavenworth’s charming streets isn’t enough to get you into the holiday spirit, how about taking a sleigh ride through a snowy winter wonderland?
Before visiting, I didn’t even realize sleigh rides were a real thing. I thought they only existed in Christmas songs! But in Leavenworth, sleigh rides are very much a reality.
Several ranches in the area offer sleigh rides during winter, with both private and public options. Private rides give you the sleigh all to yourself, while public rides let you share the experience with other groups. Either way, it’s a magical way to soak in the season.
There are 3 ranches that offer sleigh rides in Leavenworth:
We opted for a public sleigh ride at Eagle Creek Ranch, and from the moment we checked in, the atmosphere was pure cozy. While we waited, we warmed up by a wood-fired stove while sipping on hot apple cider, feeling like we had stepped into a scene straight out of Yellowstone.
Before long, it was time to get up on the sleigh to begin our ride. Our sleigh driver gave us thick blankets to bundle up under, then we set off!
Our sleigh was pulled by Finn and Gunnar, two Percheron horses. The sleigh glided through the ranch along snowy trails and weaving through trees. All we had to do was sit there and take in the wintry landscape.
It was peaceful and quiet, just the sound of the sleigh cutting through the snow. As we rode, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to live out here, surrounded by nothing but nature.
After the ride, we had the chance to meet Finn and Gunnar up close. They were incredibly friendly and loved being pet. A fun ending to a magical experience!
Stroll the Streets of Leavenworth
Strolling down Leavenworth’s Front Street feels like stepping into a postcard. Every building is meticulously designed with little details that make you wonder if you’re in real life or a fairytale.
But the Bavarian-style buildings in Leavenworth aren’t just for show—the town’s planning committee actually consulted a German architect to ensure their designs were as authentic as possible. Because of that, their timbered facades and balconies make you feel like you’ve been transported straight to the Alps.
In the winter, the magic is turned up a notch with the Village of Lights, which lasts through February. Twinkling lights cover nearly every building, making it feel like a real-life Christmas village.
As you wander through town, you’ll pass Front Street Park and its iconic gazebo. There’s often something happening there, from live music to festive performances.
When we visited on a quiet Sunday evening, we stumbled upon a trombone band playing, creating the perfect laid-back atmosphere for a winter stroll. If you visit during a busier time, expect even more energy and entertainment filling the streets.
Wondering what’s going on in Leavenworth? Check out their Calendar of Events
As you stroll through downtown Leavenworth, you’ll come across an ton of shops—from little gift boutiques to clothing stores and outdoor outfitters.
But if there’s one store you absolutely have to visit, it’s Kris Kringl.
Stepping inside Kris Kringl feels like entering a year-round Christmas wonderland. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth stopping by just to wander around their two floors of holiday ornament displays. I’ve never been anywhere else like it.
Snow Tubing at Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
Snow tubing is one of those activities that requires absolutely no skill to have an awesome time.
First, you get pulled up a hill in a tube, then you free-slide down the hill. It sounds simple but it is so much fun!
The snow tubing park at Leavenworth Winter Sports Club has a neat system that makes the experience easy. You purchase a snow tubing ticket that’s good for six runs, then get in a tube. An operator clips you into the rope tow system to pull you up the hill. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
Once you reach the top, the operator releases your tube, and off you go free-sliding down the hill! Trust us, it’s so fun that you’re going to want to go for all six runs!
The snow tubing hill is about 100 feet high and has the potential to gain so much speed that they need to put down carpets under the track to keep everyone sliding at a safe speed.
If you decide to go snow tubing, you’ll be standing on the snow while waiting in line. I recommend wearing insulated boots so your feet don’t get cold.
Waterfront Park
Just behind the streets of Leavenworth is Waterfront Park, a riverside park where you can take a break from the village streets and wander through nature instead.
The park has flat, easy trails that wind along the Wenatchee River, passing through riverbank forests, and leading over a bridge to Blackbird Island.
On our last morning in Leavenworth, we took a stroll through Waterfront Park to see a different side of the town.
But in the winter, walking through Waterfront Park… wasn’t just a simple walk in the park. The grounds were snowy and icy, so I recommend using ice cleats if you want to walk through here in the winter.
My favorite part about Waterfront Park is that you can stroll through it as slow or as fast as you want. The park has tons of little benches where many people just casually hang out. It’s a quick escape from downtown Leavenworth, with river and mountain views just minutes away.
Nutcracker Museum
We’re usually not big on museums, but the Nutcracker Museum is one of those spots that you can’t miss when visiting Leavenworth.
This quirky museum houses over 9,000 nutcrackers—from ancient stone tools used by aborigines, to metal hand nutcrackers, and of course—the iconic wooden character nutcrackers we all know and love!
The Nutcracker Museum is the kind of place you can spend either 5 minutes or 5 hours in. It just depends on how deep you want to go. We spent about 40 minutes there admiring all the cute caricatures in wooden nutcracker form.
We also learned about the history and craftsmanship behind these nutcrackers. One highlight was watching a video that showed how nutcrackers are made in Germany. It was an interesting touch that gave context to nutcrackers and the culture surrounding them.
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
Leavenworth has many hotels within walking distance of its main strip. Of these, the Bavarian Lodge is consistently rated one of the top places to stay in Leavenworth and stays consistent with the town’s signature Bavarian style.
We stayed at Blue Elk Inn. It’s located a little outside of the main town, which we appreciated for its quieter atmosphere. The rooms were spotless, and the hotel had plenty of free parking with large stalls.
Every morning we woke up to free breakfast before heading out and stopped by the inn’s cozy lobby for a cup of coffee in between our adventures. The staff was friendly and helpful, and we’d absolutely stay there again on our next visit to Leavenworth.
Here’s where you should stay if you’re looking for the absolute top-tier accomodation in Leavenworth. It’s a place called Post Hotel. It’s modeled after European-style spa retreats.
Post Hotel is the only hotel of its kind in Leavenworth, and for that reason, it’s often booked months in advance. If you have a bigger budget and want the best, Post Hotel is without a doubt THE place to stay in Leavenworth.
Where to Eat in Leavenworth
München Haus
Munchen Haus was by far my favorite German-style meal in Leavenworth. And the best part is, it’s one of the most affordable!
They are known for their bratwurst which is perfectly soft and juicy. It was the best sausage we had in Leavenworth! But it’s more than just a sausage. They also have a variety of free toppings, which include onions, sauerkraut, sliced jalapenos, relishes, and more. They even have 14 different mustards!
I chose to top my bratwurst with onions, sauerkraut, jalapenos, dill relish, horseradish, and garlic and onion mustard and it was perfect! There is usually a line outside Munchen Haus during the busy season but don’t worry it moves fast!
Andreas Keller
Andreas Keller is a close second for the best German-style food in Leavenworth. First off, the vibes and decor inside the restaurant are very cute and well done. It’s a nice place and they seem to keep it that way.
But let’s talk about the food. We had the cordon bleu schnitzel and it was soo tasty! The meat was perfectly cooked, and Trey discovered one of his new favorite dishes, German pasta called spaeztel!
For dessert, we had their delicious apple strudel and it was hard to resist not ordering another one! If you’re looking for a nice sit-down restaurant to enjoy a German meal, Andreas Keller is the spot! If you come during the busy season I recommend getting on the Andreas Keller waitlist which opens daily at 11:30 AM.
Ludwig
Ludwig was not my favorite restaurant but it was still good. For the price, you get a lot more food than Andreas Keller.
We ordered the Gasthaus platter for 2 and it was HUGE! It came with 2 schnitzel, pork, sausage, and sides. The sausage was just alright but everything else was tasty! If you’re hungry, you will leave this place full! The restaurant also has a little stage area downstairs so it looks like it would be a fun place to hang out during Oktoberfest!
Rhein Haus
Rhein Haus is a classic known for their pretzels and beer! The interior is more modern and the outside has gas burners to keep you warm in the cold weather.
The thing to order here is the giant pretzel. Honestly, I’m not a fan of pretzels and can’t believe I spent $18 on one. The pretzel did come with 3 sauces: chocolate, cheese, and cream cheese, and they were good but again not worth the $18. Honestly, pretzels can be found all over Leavenworth so I would skip this place unless you’re looking to grab a beer with some friends.
Larch
Wow, what can I say about Larch? This was the best meal we had during our stay in Leavenworth and guess what – it’s not even German! Who would’ve guessed?
Larch was an amazing dinner spot with some of the most unique pastas. We ordered the casarecce pasta as suggested by our server and it was AMAZING! It’s served with a gochujang cream sauce, which sounds odd but it was absolutely divine.
In my opinion, Larch is a must-visit when in Leavenworth. Larch does seem to get busy so I recommend making reservations if you visit during the busy season.
Prusik
After having such an amazing meal at Larch, we had to check out Prusik, which is their sister restaurant. While Larch had a more intimate fine-dining feel, Prusik felt more casual. It’s a much larger open space with a full bar.
We ordered a couple of appetizers, one was the beef tenderloin kabobs that were glazed with a chimichurri sauce that was just incredible. Again, one of the best things we ate while in Leavenworth and surprisingly one of the best deals. The skewers were full of meat and cost $16, whereas we bought a giant pretzel at another spot for $18… I’m still regretting that pretzel lol.
The Gingerbread Factory
Another must-visit while in Leavenworth is The Gingerbread Factory. They are known for, as you guessed it, gingerbread cookies! We ordered the tiny tots, which are mini gingerbread cookies and they were delicious! The ginger was strong and refreshing.
However, my favorite thing was their frosted sugar cookies… the icing they used on those cookies was just too good! I’m usually not one for decadent things but Gingerbread Factory did it right!
What to Pack for Leavenworth
I won’t give you our entire packing list because that’s not necessary! Instead, below you will find some things that you may not have thought about when packing for a trip to Leavenworth during the winter:
- Insulated boots: When playing around in the snow, the first thing that will go cold is my feet, so I was glad to have a pair of insulated boots to keep my feet warm.
- Ice Cleats: If you are planning on doing any hiking or just strolling through Waterfront Park during the winter, I recommend using a pair of ice cleats for grip on icy surfaces.
- Face sunscreen: Most people don’t realize you can get sunburn during the winter too! When you’re all bundled up, oftentimes the only skin exposed is your face so we always use face sunscreen when outside in the snow.
- Gloves: Having a pair of winter gloves was so important for us to keep our hands warm. It just made walking around outside so much more bearable.
Our Leavenworth Google Maps Locations
When is the Best Time to Visit Leavenworth in the Winter?
If you want to avoid the crowds in Leavenworth during the winter, plan your visit for January or February, after the Christmas season. Leavenworth is a popular weekend getaway, so it’s also wise to plan your trip during the weekdays to skip the crowds.
When we visited Leavenworth on a weekday in January, there were no waits at any restaurants or activities, which made our experience there so much more enjoyable. Parking was easy to find, and the town felt relaxed and uncrowded.
For instance, we simply walked into the famous Andreas Keller restaurant for dinner and were seated immediately. Normally, people start lining up right when it opens at 11:30 AM, so visiting on a weekday was a major win.
However, keep in mind that some activities in Leavenworth may have limited hours during the winter off-season. For example, the alpine coaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check ahead and plan accordingly if you’re looking to do specific activities.
I hope our guide to Leavenworth in the Winter helped you out in planning your adventure. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸
