I never really enjoyed Christmas growing up. But thanks to my wife, over the many years we’ve been together, I’ve come to appreciate it a little more each year. This year, to celebrate our 11th anniversary, we decided to visit Leavenworth, Washington. It’s known for having one of the best Christmas atmospheres around here, so we thought it would be the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit.
Another reason we chose Leavenworth was because of the famous reindeer farm. It was a bit tricky getting tickets for the days we were there – everything was selling out fast! But after some persistence, we scored two tickets for a Saturday afternoon.
Leavenworth itself can be pricey when it comes to accommodations, so we found a more affordable solution. We stayed in Wenatchee, just a 30-minute drive away. There are plenty of hotel options there, all at much cheaper rates than in Leavenworth.
Leavenworth main street at Night
Leavenworth Christmas Decorations
Leavenworth is a tiny, Bavarian-style village that’s incredibly touristy. Its charming little downtown is full of restaurants, shops, and a festive atmosphere that makes it a must-see during the holidays.
While there isn’t a whole lot to do other than soaking in the Christmas decorations, eating at the local restaurants, or shopping, we didn’t mind. Since we’re not big on shopping and are trying to stick to a balanced diet, we spent most of our time simply walking around and enjoying the town’s cozy vibe.
One of the highlights for us was the stunning mountain views surrounding the city. The mountains are so close, and when we visited, there was just enough snow to make them look like something out of a winter postcard.
The city also brings Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters to life! They roam the streets around noon, stopping to take photos and greet visitors. We couldn’t resist snapping a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus – it was like a little moment from a holiday movie.
Taking photos with Mr and Mrs Claus
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Growing up in a tropical country in the southern hemisphere, Christmas was always hot – sometimes reaching close to 40°C! So, reindeer were never a part of our Christmas experience. Sure, we saw them in Christmas movies, but I didn’t even know they had names until I moved to Canada!
That’s why we were so excited to visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, even though the tickets were a little pricey. Getting tickets was a challenge since they were sold out for most of our dates, but being a software engineer, I couldn’t resist the urge to put my skills to work. I modified a bot to monitor ticket availability, and it paid off – we got two tickets!
The experience itself was fantastic. The whole tour lasted about 45 minutes, starting with a short video introducing us to the reindeer before heading to their enclosure.
When you approach the ticket booth, the first thing you’ll see are the camels. They’re free to visit – no tickets required. After that, you head to the reindeer, where you’ll find around 40 of them. It’s a truly magical experience, and seeing the reindeer up close really brings the Christmas movies to life!
Feeding a reindeer in Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
If you’re visiting during the busy season, keep an eye on their website for ticket releases, or be persistent like us – it’s worth it.
Food
While we’re not usually big on eating out, we couldn’t resist trying some of Leavenworth’s food spots. We ended up visiting three main places that stood out during our trip.
The Gingerbread Factory
Our first stop was The Gingerbread Factory, a cozy bakery known for its amazing baked goods. This place is super popular, so be prepared to wait – seriously, the line can get really long. We waited almost an hour, but it was worth it. Their cinnamon roll was the star of the show for us—huge, soft, and absolutely delicious. The bakery has a charming interior, with lots of holiday-themed decorations that add to the festive vibe. Pair your treats with a warm drink like hot cocoa or coffee for the full experience.
Andreas Keller Restaurant
Next, we tried the Andreas Keller Restaurant, a classic Bavarian-style eatery located right in the heart of town. It’s a must-visit if you want to immerse yourself in the German-inspired culture of Leavenworth. The menu is full of traditional dishes like schnitzel, pretzels, and pork hock, which I really wanted to try. Unfortunately, I wasn’t hungry enough for such a big meal, so I opted for the sausage platter instead – still a great choice, especially when paired with one of their German beers.
What really made this place special, though, was Gary, the accordion player. He’s incredibly talented and creates such a warm, lively atmosphere. He even came over to chat with us briefly, making the experience feel even more personal.
The Food Tent at the Main Plaza
Lastly, we grabbed a quick bite at the food tents in the main plaza. These pop-up stalls offer a variety of quick snacks and holiday favorites. I couldn’t resist the giant turkey legs I saw others devouring – they looked like something straight out of a medieval feast! It was smoky, juicy, and perfect for munching on while wandering through the plaza and admiring the Christmas lights.
Final Thoughts
Leavenworth was everything we hoped it would be – charming, festive, and full of holiday magic. Whether it’s taking in the beautiful mountain views, meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus, or feeding reindeer at the farm, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While the trip can get a bit pricey, there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable, like staying in nearby Wenatchee. If you’re looking for a place to get into the Christmas spirit, Leavenworth is definitely worth a visit!
Happy travels!