Featured photo credit: Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
In Leavenworth, Washington, the festive lights shine far beyond the Christmas holiday season. They greet the new year and invite locals and visitors to join in a multitude of winter activities at Bavarian Icefest on January 13 and 14.
Play games like Frisbee Sweep, Ice Cube Scramble, and Smooshing. Throw snowballs. Ride a sled. Go ice fishing. See ice carvers and snow sculptors shape beautiful frozen creations. Take a snowshoe tour at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Check out the snowshoe demos at Ski Hill.
Enjoy the antics of aerialists and fire dancers. Watch the Apple City Roller Derby’s Annual Bavarian Bruisefest at the Leavenworth Festhalle. Listen to live music at the Icicle Creek Center for the Arts.
Kids can search for nutcrackers at the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. See pictures of some nutcrackers in the collection.
Stay for the fireworks show, the grand finale.
Plan on arriving early if you’re driving to Leavenworth, because the town is a popular tourist attraction in winter and parking is limited. Expect to walk several blocks to the festival after you find a parking spot.
Dress warm and in layers, because most activities are held outside.
Go to the Leavenworth’s Bavarian Icefest website for more information and to download a complete schedule in PDF.
