Quick Trip to Leavenworth, Washington

Ed and I decided to do a quick overnight trip to Leavenworth, Washington’s ‘Bavarian Village’ which is great in summer, but absolutely magical at Christmastime.

We went down to celebrate my birthday and pick up some extra Christmas ornaments at Kris Kringl, a Christmas collectibles store but got way more than we bargained for.

Leavenworth expanded their Christmas Lighting Festival into Sundays this year. At 4:30 they had a light up ceremony during which everyone sang “Silent Night”, and between 6 and 6:30 pm there was a pre lantern parade show with Christmas carols, in which kids with lanterns followed the wise men and the star to the Festhalle. There was also a living nativity complete with characters from the Bethlehem stable scene as well as goats, a donkey, and chickens.

No wonder Leavenworth was selected as one of 5 towns in the United States by Good Morning America for their “Light Up The Holidays Special”. With holiday music, the aroma of chestnuts roasting filling the air and happy festive people all around, you’d truly have to be Grinch not to feel the wonderful spirit of Christmas in Leavenworth.

Check out the Leavenworth web cam (after dark) and check out how pretty it is. You can also check out our pictures on Flickr.