Best US towns to visit for Christmas? This popular Washington spot made the list
A Washington town known for its twinkling lights and holiday spirit is one of the top cities in the nation to visit for Christmas, according to HGTV.
The cable network recently released its list of 50 Favorite Small Towns to Visit for Christmas, showcasing a single destination per state.
“Practically every American town celebrates Christmas in some way, but these small towns all across the country stand out for holiday traditions and vibes that are worth a trip with the family,” HGTV contributors Joe Sills and Meredith Rosenberg wrote in a Nov. 17 article.
“Each one delivers major holiday spirit, from magical sleigh rides to impressive light shows,” HGTV said, promising a “storybook Christmas filled with candy canes, hot chocolate and Santa.”
Here’s where to go in Washington:
Where is Washington’s best town to visit for Christmas?
Leavenworth, a city of about 2,600 people in central Washington, is the best destination in the Evergreen State for celebrating the holiday season, according to HGTV.
“Leavenworth takes Christmas seriously,” HGTV said, describing the town as “impossibly picturesque with its Bavarian buildings set against a mountain backdrop.”
According to HGTV, the city “goes next level” with its Christmas lighting festival, which features more than half a million lights.
“During the weekend, you’ll also find Santa holding court at the local gazebo, hand bell choirs, carolers, sledding, live music and a tent selling hot spiced gluhwein and hot chocolate,” HGTV said.
In 2023, Leavenworth was crowned the coziest winter destination in the nation by New York Travel Guides, the Tri-City Herald previously reported.
The travel guide company cited the city’s “many options for winter fun, including skiing, taking a sleigh ride, enjoying authentic Bavarian food, strolling the town’s beautiful streets and Christmas shopping at unique stores.”
Leavenworth is about a two-hour drive east of Bellingham, and about 2.5 hours by car from Tacoma.
See holiday lights, Nutcracker museum in Leavenworth
Holiday lights shine during Leavenworth’s Village of Lights from Thanksgiving through February, with Christmastown concerts, photos with Santa Claus and other events scheduled through Wednesday, Dec. 24, according to the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.
At dusk, the self-described “Bavarian village” is transformed into a magic wonderland of lights,” LeavenworthChristmasLighting.com said.
You can browse at the authentic shops, dine at local restaurants or simply admire the thousands of colorful lights.
“Free to enjoy, this Bavarian snow-globe scene is magical anytime — though January and February offer quieter, snow-dusted strolls,” the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce said.
Other attractions include the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, 735 Front St. in Leavenworth.
“Everyone finds something special, from the toddler who laughs with glee when Mickey Mouse comes into view, to the most discerning world traveler who discovers antique specimens the quality of those displayed in the most prestigious museums of London, Paris, and New York,” the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum said on its website.
During the holiday season, the museum offers daily nutcracker hunts for all ages.
“This activity is extremely popular, bringing families back year after year,” the museum said.