Christmastown 2026
ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, VILLAGE OF LIGHTS: CHRISTMASTOWN PREPARES TO SPREAD MAGIC AND CHEER ACROSS THE BAVARIAN-THEMED MOUNTAIN TOWN OF LEAVENWORTH, WASH.
A Storybook Month of Holiday Music & Cheer from Black Friday through Christmas Eve
(LEAVENWORTH, Wash.) – Each year from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, the Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth magically transforms into the Village of Lights: Christmastown, a storybook destination bursting with holiday spirit. Widely regarded as one of the country’s top holiday traditions, the town comes to life with more than half a million twinkling lights illuminated daily, Old World traditions including holiday characters, carolers, and roasted chestnuts, and a setting reminiscent of a snow globe encompassing downtown and Front Street Park.
From Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2026, this year's celebration comes to life around a common thread: music. The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2026 Christmastown Concert Series at the Festhalle, kicking off with a family movie night screening of “Elf” on Nov. 28, bringing festive music, laughter, and holiday cheer for all ages. These ticketed shows are separate from Christmastown at the Festhalle, which is free to visit during the day. Tickets are sold at the door only.
Whether for a cozy weekday retreat or a festive weekend getaway, Christmastown is packed with activities for all ages, including live music, holiday characters, strolling carolers, kids' crafts, Santa photo ops, and roasting chestnuts. The entire town sparkles with authentic Christmas traditions and cheer.
What to Know
● When: Christmastown runs Nov. 27 through Dec. 24, 2026. The village lights are illuminated daily from6 a.m. to 11 p.m., from Thanksgiving through the end of February.
● Christmastown at the Festhalle (free): The Festhalle is open daily as a free warming station with kids’ crafts, letters to Santa, story time, photos with Santa, a gingerbread house display, selfie stations, and Christmastown merchandise for sale with free gift wrapping. Hours are Sunday through Thursday fromnoon to 4 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. (closing at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve).
● Gazebo and Downtown (free): Live music, strolling carolers, and visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and holiday characters at the Gazebo stage and Front St. Park.
● Christmastown Concert & Movie Series (ticketed): On select dates from Nov. 28 through Dec. 22, the Festhalle hosts a full lineup of separately ticketed evening shows. General admission ranges from $5-$15, while babies in arms are free. Concert tickets are sold at the door only. Popcorn, snacks, beer, cider, wine, and hot cocoa will be available for purchase at each show.
Ticketed Concert & Movie Lineup at the Festhalle
Movie Night: “Elf”, rated PG
Saturday, Nov. 28, 7 p.m. | $8 general admission; babes in arms are free
Kick off the season with a big-screen showing of the beloved holiday comedy “Elf”, starring Will Ferrell. The whole family can enjoy the story of a human raised as an elf at the North Pole, with popcorn and hot cocoa in hand.
Merry Christmas from Leavenworth
Saturday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. | $5 general admission; babes in arms are free
This concert celebrates Leavenworth's original Christmas song with a performance by songwriter Eric Link alongside local musicians Erin McNamee, Seth Garrido, Corban Welter, and the Leavenworth Alphorns, plus other holiday favorites. Local groups including the Leavenworth Village Voices, the Marlin Handbell Ringers, and Cascade School students will also perform.
The Jewel Tones Motown Christmas Show
Saturday, Dec. 12, 8 p.m. | $15 general admission; babes in arms are free
This all-female vocal trio is inspired by Motown and features hits from The Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and more. This show is best suited for ages 6 and older.
Manuela Horn & Her Slay Belles
Sunday, Dec. 20 & Tuesday, Dec. 22, 5–6:30 p.m. | $15 general admission; $5 kids 12 & under; babes in arms are free
Part music, part comedy, all festive fun. Enjoy sing-alongs, holiday parodies, an indoor snowball fight, kids' crafts, and even surprise visits from Santa or the Grinch. The show is especially appreciated by kids of all ages.
More Christmastown Experiences
Beyond the concert series, Christmastown offers a month of holiday activities throughout town and at the beautifully decorated Festhalle, including:
At the Festhalle
● Santa costumes from around the world on display
● Santa visits daily through Dec. 24, with Santa photos at the Gazebo
● Daily story time
● A gingerbread house competition benefiting local non-profits, with entries on display through Dec. 24
● A writing station for Letters to Santa
● Holiday crafts for kids
● A free gift-wrapping station
● Selfie stations to capture your favorite holiday moments
● Festive drinks, including hot chocolate served in charming Christkindlmarkt boot mugs, and seasonal treats for purchase
Downtown at the Gazebo and Park
● Free live music on Friday evenings and weekends
● Santa visits daily through Dec. 24, with Santa photos (also at the Festhalle)
● Mrs. Claus and holiday character appearances at the Gazebo on weekends, noon–4 p.m
● Holiday food vendors in the park daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m
● Strolling carolers every evening, 5 to 7 p.m., Dec. 1 through 23
● Free Christmastown shopping bags when you shop midweek at participating Chamber member businesses
About Christmastown / Village of Lights
Each winter, Leavenworth sparkles with the magic of the season, transforming into a Bavarian-style holiday wonderland illuminated by more than half a million lights from Thanksgiving through February. As visitors stroll through town, festive music, whimsical holiday characters, and joyful celebrations bring the village to life for families, friends, and holiday lovers of all ages.