Winter Festivities in Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington is a fascinating town to visit anytime of year, but it really comes to life during the winter season. Once a logging town, Leavenworth was transformed into a Bavarian Village in the 1960's, it is as authentic as many Bavarian Villages located in the Swiss the Alps. On December the 6Th, 1969 Leavenworth celebrated their first of many Christmas Lighting Festivals. If you are looking for a unique and joyous way to spend the holidays this year, make sure to add Leavenworth, Washington to your list of holiday events. Below are two fun and exciting winter festivities in Leavenworth, Washington that you don't want to miss!

The Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival and Leavenworth Village of Lights!

The Village of Lights runs from December through mid January. Spend the day in Leavenworth while you enjoy roasting chestnuts, the holiday music from the gazebo and youngsters sledding in the park. You can visit Santa, take a sleigh ride or view the many holiday personalities that stroll along the street. At dusk everyone gathers together and sings "Silent Night" and then the lighting ceremony begins as the village and park are transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights.

Leavenworth Bavarian Ice Fest

The Leavenworth Bavarian Ice Fest runs January 16 and 17. It is a weekend of invigorating outdoor winter events. The great thing about Ice Fest is that you can be a spectator from the sidelines or participate and compete for prizes.

Some of the events going on at the Leavenworth Bavarian Ice fest are: Snow Sculptures is an event for adults, juniors, youth and mixed groups. You are allowed up to 5 people per sculpture and then the sculptures are judged. The great Frisbee sweep is a contest for Juniors and Kids. See who can sweep a Frisbee from one end of Front Street to the other. The ice cube scramble is a fun and exciting event for the children. Watch as kids and tots scramble to collect colored ice cubes that contain a surprise inside like: money, toys, or Icicle Junction tokens. Other events include: The snowball toss, the Bavarian mug relay, the swooshing contest, tug o' war and more!

During the weekend, visitors can also enjoy the Northwest Dog Sled Pulling Competition and the Winter Fun Fest 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, put on by The Winter Sports Club at Ski Hill. The fun fest includes all types of activities to try like: snowshoes, a snowshoe trail, obstacle course, games and more and admission is free for the event.

Finish off your winter festivities in Leavenworth, Washington on Sunday evening, with live music and a fabulous fireworks display over the village.

Leavenworth is approximately two and a half hours from Seattle, three hours from Spokane or Bellingham, and four and a half hours from Portland.

If you plan to visit the winter festivities in Leavenworth, Washington and will be staying overnight or the entire weekend, be sure to book a hotel reservation in advance as these winter events are very popular and rooms fill up quickly. For more information, places to stay and directions to Leavenworth, Washington visit:

http://www.icicleinn.com/festivals/icefest.htm