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NOTE: This event has sadly been cancelled until further notice, but the information has been left for your reference below based on prior years’ events.
Every Thanksgiving weekend, the adorable Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Washington cranks up the magic with its splendid Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market), which brings the magic of Germany’s famous Christmas markets to the Pacific Northwest.
In this Leavenworth Christmas Market guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about experiencing the wonders of Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt for yourself.
NOTE: The information below is compiled for your convenience from official sources, however this is still a Christmas market we haven’t been to personally. To help us improve this guide, let us know in the comments if you have any insider tips to add, and we hope to visit soon to give you a first-hand scoop of what to expect.
When is Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt?
According to the official website, the Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt dates:
- Nov 29 – Dec 24
Read our full list of Christmas market opening dates in the USA for more.
Where to Stay for Leavenworth’s Christmas Market
Wondering where to stay while exploring the Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt? Here are some accommodation options:
- Budget: Click here to check reviews and availability
- Mid-Range: Click here to check reviews and availability
- Luxury: Click here to check reviews and availability
Where to Find Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
You’ll find the market stalls of Leavenworth’s Christmas Market at Front Street Park and also in the Leavenworth Festhalle.
Of course, you’ll also be able to find plenty of Christmas magic outside of these areas throughout Leaveworth, where the town usually goes all out with Christmas decor and lights.
What to Eat at Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
One of the best parts of any Christmas market is the food, and Leavenworth is no exception!
While perusing the market stalls, be sure to keep an eye out for German Christmas market classics like…
- Glühwein – Hot wine mulled in spices
- Sausages of all kinds
- Kartoffelpuffer/Reibekuchen – Potato pancakes
- Heiße Maroni – Roasted Chestnuts
- Bretzl – a big soft pretzel
What to Buy at Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
Leavenworth’s Christmas Market is also a great place to get some shopping done. If you want to pick up souvenirs as you would from a traditional Christmas market, some must-buys include…
- Handmade ornaments
- Moravian paper stars
- Handcrafted gifts like candles
Extra Tips for Visiting Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
If you’re planning to visit Leavenworth at Christmas time, here are some additional tips to be mindful of.
Be mindful of the market’s opening times
According to their website, the opening hours of Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt are as follows:
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Time your visit for the lantern workshop/parade
On Friday and Saturday, kids can stop by a special Lantern Workshop in the Festhalle where they can purchase a lantern to decorate with a variety of crafty supplies.
Afterwards, they can even walk in a parade with their lanterns (at 5pm), led by Mr and Mrs. Claus towards Leavenworth’s central gazebo, where the famous Christkind awaits!
The Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt lantern workshop is open during the following hours:
- Friday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where to Find More Info on Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt
For the most up to date information about this year’s Leavenworth Christmas Market, we recommend you visit their official website.
Help us improve this Leavenworth Christmas Market Guide!
Do you have a pro tip about Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt? A particular souvenir you loved, or a delicious treat you tried? Let us know in the comments what your insider tips are for Leavenworth Christkindlmarkt so we can help improve this guide for all future visitors.
My family attends this festival every year. Many of towns offer bus rides to Leavenworth, WA to view the Christmas Lightning Ceremony each Saturday. That is the best. Parking is so hard to find and big lots are full of buses during the day. We also go every Christmas Eve. Again parking is a problem. Go early as the stops close early. Ghost town by 6 or 7pm. But at night on Christmas Eve it’s magical to be the only ones on the streets.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing your experience, Vicki. 🙂