The Best Weekend Itinerary To Leavenworth

The holidays are upon us, and this year I’m trading the hustle and bustle of Seattle for a charming Christmas escape to Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village nestled in the Washington Cascades! Buckle up, because this trip is packed with festive fun and cozy vibes.

Train Ride to Holidayland!

My journey begins with a scenic Amtrak train ride from King Street Station. Imagine watching the snowy landscape roll by as you get into the holiday spirit. The train arrives at Icicle Station, the perfect jumping-off point for my Leavenworth adventure. A friendly shuttle service will be waiting to whisk me away to my cozy home base for the weekend, click here to check out pricing and make your reservation before your state.

Home Sweet Alpine Retreat!

Speaking of home base, I’ll be staying in downtown Leavenworth to make visiting easy. This charming spot boasts a standard room with a stunning river view balcony. Can you imagine waking up to crisp mountain air and a breathtaking winter wonderland panorama? Plus, breakfast is included, which is a win in my book! There’s even a pool for those who crave a post-adventure cool down (although, with the snowy theme, maybe a hot tub soak would be more fitting? Stay tuned to find out!).

Leavenworth Fun: From Sleigh Rides to Reindeer!

Now, for the real fun! Leavenworth is all about embracing the Christmas spirit. One activity I have my eye on is a magical sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Imagine snuggling up under a blanket and being whisked away on a one horse open sleigh. Leavenworth Sleigh Rides offers daily rides, so I’m sure I can snag a spot for this winter wonderland experience.

Picture this: crisp mountain air, a blanket of white glistening under twinkling lights, and the cheerful sounds of carols filling the air. Front Street Park sounds like the perfect place to soak up the festive atmosphere and maybe even build a snowman or have a snowball fight (adult snowball fights are totally a thing, right?) I can’t wait to explore the park, take in the beautiful winter scenery, and capture some magical memories in this winter wonderland.

Topping my Leavenworth itinerary is a visit to the Reindeer Farm! This festive hotspot offers up-close encounters with their reindeer herd (tickets sell out fast, so I snagged mine early!). Each ticket even includes an optional meet-and-greet with Santa in his sleigh – perfect for capturing those Christmas wonderland memories. After a fun presentation, you get 20 magical minutes inside the enclosure for feeding, photos, and reindeer interaction. But the fun doesn’t stop there! Explore the world’s largest reindeer gift shop, grab a bite at their concession stand (think reindeer sausage and lefse!), and warm up with a seasonal drink. Stay tuned for reindeer cuteness overload coming soon!

On Saturday evening Nov 30th, 2024 I’ll be offering mini sessions at Front Street Park to capture the lights for families wanting the ultimate Christmas card.

Back to Reality (with a Heavy Heart!)

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. My return trip to Seattle involves a convenient bus ride departing from the Wilkommen Park & Ride, which is just a short bridge hop from my hotel. This allows for a leisurely morning to enjoy any last-minute holiday cheer before heading back home.

I’ll be sharing more details and photos of my adventures in Leavenworth, so stay tuned! In the meantime, let me know in the comments below what your favorite things to do are in this winter wonderland village. Maybe I’ll add them to my itinerary!