Hello and welcome to episode 24 of the Ready Set Depart Podcast. We are so glad you’re here!

Are you ready to take a Bavarian trip without a passport? Then we have just the destination for you!

Just over 2 hours from a major airport sits the perfect Christmas village at the base of some amazing mountains that will remind you of your favorite Hallmark movie!

Leavenworth, Washington is the most adorable mountain town that has so much for your family to do that you might make this an annual winter destination.  

You may remember that we talked about summers in Leavenworth in episode 17, but this time we're talking all about snow, sauerkraut, and Santa …. And reindeer. 

We’re sharing everything you need to know about winter in Leavenworth. The best things to do with kids, how to pack for that real winter cold, what to eat, what surprised us the most, and what we’d do differently next time.

First of all, let’s talk about the essentials.

Where is Leavenworth? Leavenworth is just over two hours east of Seattle. You will take I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, going past Issaquah and Cle Elum, through some amazingly beautiful mountains. Note that if it snows a lot, Snoqualmie Pass often closes for both safety and to trigger some avalanches so you don't get stuck in one so keep that in mind when you're traveling. 

There is also an Amtrak train from Seattle’s King Street Station to Leavenworth’s Icicle Station. The trip takes about 3-½ hours and Icicle Station is about a mile from downtown Leavenworth but we hear the ride is beautiful! Things are constantly changing so definitely take a look at the Amtrak website for more information. (Note that this is no longer called the Snow Trail but is run by Amtrak.)

What can we expect the weather to be like in the winter? Like a lot of places, that depends on the year but the average temperature in November is a high of 44° and a low of 28°. December's average high is 34°, with a low of 21°. And January sees average highs of 34° and lows of 20°. The snowfall varies as well but the average is just over 92 inches with the snowiest months being December and January.

When we were there in February, it got down into the teens at night. We took this as a great chance to do a science experiment. We filled a plastic (don't use glass) cup with water and left it out on our deck overnight. It got down to 16° that night so in the morning, we got to see if the water in the cup was completely frozen. It was almost completely frozen but there was still a bit of very cold water in the middle. 

Where should we stay in Leavenworth? In the winter, we suggest you stay close to downtown. Being able to park your car in a covered parking lot - make sure that's an option when you're booking - and walking for most, if not all of your time there will make it that much more fun! 

Front Street is where most of the action is in Leavenworth. That’s where the majority of shops and restaurants are. Plus a sledding hill that we’ll talk about in a bit. Believe me, the sledding hill was the highlight for Trooper and it will be for your kids too!

What should you wear when you visit Leavenworth in the winter? One word - layers. If you are going to be outside for an extended period when it's cold, start with a base layer that is warm and moisture wicking. Then add as many layers on top as needed. The great thing about layers is that you can take them off as you warm up. You never want to get sweaty when you're in very cold weather. 

A packable puffer coat is invaluable when you want to stay warm in cold places. This is also where compression packing cubes come into play. You'll be amazed how small you can pack one of those coats and then when you get to your destination, you pull it out and fluff it up and bam, you have a warm coat! If your coat isn't as squishable as that, you can always wear it on the plane and store it in the overhead bin. 

I love my puffer coat but I think a great, warm scarf will help you feel even more cozy. My family often jokes with me that they can tell how cold it is outside. It’s below freezing if my coat is zipped and my scarf is tied tight. It’s freezing if my scarf is untied but still on the back of my neck. And it’s getting pleasant outside if my coat is unzipped and my scarf is in the bag.

A good pair of snow boots will help your feet be nice and toasty the whole time. There are … well, they’re basically snow tires for your boots - they're sometimes called cleats, sometimes traction, sometimes crampons, but whatever they're called, you put them on your shoe and they help you have better traction on snow and ice. 

But, for us, the most important thing to keep yourself warm in the cold is a good hat. You can lose up to 10% of your body heat from your head so keep your head and ears warm!

Why would you want to go to Leavenworth in the winter?

In case you haven't listened to episode 17 where we talked about all the why's and how's, I’ll give you a short version. In the 1960’s Leavenworth decided to become a Bavarian village since the mountains surrounding the town were always being compared to the Alps. And they did that one thing well! Every building in the town now looks like it has come straight from Germany! Even the grocery store. 

It was at the same time that they started festivals to attract people to their little bit of heaven in the mountains. And that's where the Village of Lights: Christmastown came from. And what a festival this is! Just imagine this. You’re in an adorable mountain village with snow all around AND Christmas lights on everything that will hold still long enough to get Christmas lights! 

From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, you can not only enjoy the beautiful lights throughout the town, but also music, visits from Santa, crafts for the kids, and even alpenhorns. There are horse drawn sleighs that take you on a tour of the town and a sledding hill that elicits giggles from young and old alike. It is very popular, especially on the weekends, but well worth the trip. 

However, they leave the lights on until the end of February so if you're ok with fewer people, and honestly, fewer restaurants open in the middle of the week, this is a GREAT time to visit. 

But, on the weekends, even January has its fun in Leavenworth. From ice carvers to fireworks, they definitely know how to keep you coming back! And their website - leavenworth.org - is full of information and fun things to do!

What are the highlights of the town of Leavenworth?

Well, the first one is going to come from our favorite kid on podcast Trooper! After a little hiatus, he's back to share with you and your kids his favorite part of going to Leavenworth in the winter. 

Sledding

Note: Sledding is best for kids ages 3 and up. Teens will race each other. And adults will pretend they aren’t racing, but they really are.

Where’s the best place to eat?

For German food and Bavarian Vibes:

Ludwig’s German Restaurant

Are you looking to find some great schnitzel with noodles, or even Trooper’s favorite fish and chips, Ludwig’s is a great stop. We got to sit at the front table where we could people watch in the warm restaurant while we ate. It was perfect.

München Haus

If you’re looking for bratwurst and beer, this is the place to go! They have yummy pretzels with cheese and a very good mac and cheese so there’s something for everyone. The seating is mostly outside but the heaters were lovely and warm!

For kid friendly food:

Gustav’s

At the end of Front Street, you’ll find Gustav’s where they serve just about everything from hamburgers to bratwurst. The staff is friendly and it’s a lovely place to stop.

Leavenworth Pizza Company 

If your kids, like mine, would rather eat pizza morning, noon, and night, then you are in luck! The Leavenworth Pizza Company is a great choice whether you eat there or take it back to your room. You'll love it!

For a sweet treat:

Gingerbread Factory

If there is a smell that evokes Christmas the most, it has to be gingerbread and the Gingerbread Factory in Leavenworth is full of that lovely smell. With your choice of lovely warm beverages and melt in your mouth gingerbread treats, this is a must stop location!

The Nutcracker Museum

Have you ever wondered about the history of nutcrackers? How about what one of the first nutcrackers looked like? Well, you’ll have that question, and so many more, answered at the Nutcracker Museum. It’s a great place to warm up, but remember that there is an entrance fee.

That and so much more can be found in Leavenworth but what about outside the town.

Things to do outside of Leavenworth

Leavenworth Reindeer Farm

If there could be a perfect place for a reindeer farm, Leavenworth may just be it. Just 1 mile outside of the town, you will find the most adorable place ever - the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. After learning a bit about reindeer and getting a chance to hold real antlers, you will be able to go in the paddock with the reindeer. You’re given a little of their favorite food to entice them to you but then there you are, along side Santa’s favorite animals. At least, I would guess they’re his favorite but I’ve never asked him.

You will notice how much smaller they are than you expected. You’ll notice how soft their noses are. And how well adapted to the cold they are. It is an all around amazing experience.

But, if you want to visit the reindeer, keep a couple of things in mind. During the holiday season, they get booked out MONTHS in advance so reserve your time as soon as you figure out the day. And remember that the antlers are very big, especially on the males, and they can’t feel if they accidentally hit you so keep an eye out.

I’ve also heard that Santa hangs out with the reindeer during the holiday season so if you also want a picture with him, it’s a great time to go!

Note: The reindeer farm recommends 12 and up for the tours. They will sell a limited number of tickets for the younger crowd. Trooper was 9 when we went and it was just fine, but you know your kids so if you don’t think they could handle being inside with the reindeer, then you might skip this one.

Leavenworth Sleigh Rides

I grew up with horses and loved going on a sleigh ride in the mountains every winter, so when I was poking around, I found the Leavenworth Sleigh Rides team and booked a tour without a second thought. It was a beautiful, if cold morning as we drove up the mountain for about ½ hour. The roads were snow covered, but well salted so it was an easy drive. The views were amazing as we drove along the river.

And then we got to the parking lot and the first thing that Brent and Trooper see is the Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours. They both look longingly as we walk past that building to the much more sedate Sleigh Ride building.

We got a private tour with our amazing tour guide who I cannot remember her name and Cash, the horse, who I can in fact remember his name. It was cold and beautiful and I had a great time!

And then we drove past where the snowmobiles go and both Brent and Trooper looked longingly towards the faster and louder machines.

While I would always choose a horse, I think snowmobiles are in the cards for the next time we go to Leavenworth.

Take a look at our website for a video of our ride. 

And if you are more like Brent and Trooper and need some speed in your life, the Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours is right next door. (And just note that the Snowmobile Tours provide most of the gear that you will need except for sunglasses and neck warmers.)

Skiing

Are you and your family skiers or do you want to be? Then Leavenworth should definitely be on your radar. From Nordic skiing to fat biking, and snowshoeing, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is the place to be. (This is also where the tubing hill is that Trooper talked about.) 

With so many outdoor activities, Leavenworth is the perfect place for families! And unlike Western Washington, the sun shines about 300 days a year so you can always do my favorite thing which is take a walk in the woods when it is sunny and cold!

Before we go, here’s what we talked about today:

• How to get to Leavenworth in winter — driving over Snoqualmie Pass, what to expect with closures, and taking the Amtrak train to Icicle Station.

• Weather and winter conditions — typical temps, how cold it really feels, and what surprised us on our own trip.

• What to pack — base layers, packable puffers, snow boots, boot cleats, hats, gloves, and how to stay warm without overpacking.

• Where to stay — why staying downtown is worth it, the value of covered parking, and which part of town gives you the most walkable experience.

• The magic of Christmastown — holiday lights, music, Santa visits, sleigh rides, crafts, and why January and February feel just as festive with fewer crowds.

• Trooper’s Intel — all things sledding, why the downtown hill is perfect for families, and the tubing park he’s already jealous you’re going to.

• Best places to eat — gingerbread treats, hearty German food, and kid-friendly options like pizza and mac and cheese.

• Don’t-miss indoor stops — the Nutcracker Museum and why it’s a fun warm-up break.

• Things to do outside town — the Reindeer Farm, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, and family-friendly winter sports like Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

• Tips for planning your trip — booking the reindeer farm early, mid-week dining realities, how to avoid crowds, and what we’d do differently next time.

Winter in Leavenworth feels a little like stepping into a Christmas card with twinkling lights, crunchy snow, cozy treats, and enough family-friendly activities to make everyone happy. Whether your kids are racing down the sledding hill, feeding reindeer for the first time, or sipping hot cocoa under the village lights, this is one of those trips where the simple moments stick. If you go, we’d love to see your photos or hear what your family loved most. Send them to us on Instagram. You can find us @readysetdepartpodcast. 

And as always, let’s keep making traveling with your family easier, one trip at a time. See ya next time.