The Perfect Christmas Weekend in Leavenworth, WA: Sleigh Rides, Reindeer, Lights & More

Join us on an unforgettable journey to Leavenworth, Washington, where the Christmas spirit comes alive like nowhere else. In this video, we explore the perfect Christmas weekend in Leavenworth. Picture this: snow-covered streets lined with cozy alpine-style buildings adorned with twinkling lights and the air filled with the scent of freshly baked gingerbread. Get ready to embark on sleigh rides through picturesque landscapes, meet adorable reindeer, and immerse yourself in the holiday cheer that permeates every corner of this festive wonderland. I hope you enjoy exploring Leavenworth as much as we did!
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[@CactusAtlas]

Your dad is amazing. I have to imagine that sleigh ride and singing will be a lasting memory for your kids. Every grandpa should be like this. This one gave us the feels!

[@popshiking]

@CactusAtlas You are kind! It was extra special being with the little one on the sleigh ride. Makes even songs like Jingle Bells more meaningful for them.

[@MillionMileDrive]

Not just a Christmas town, it's a great place to visit in the summer as well

[@ThroughMyLens]

I would love to go back and hike in the summer!

[@rhondaz356]

That's so cool. It's all so *magical. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, family adventure with us.👏🏻☃️🎄❄️👏🏻

[@ThroughMyLens]

It really was, I couldn't stop myself from just saying magical, it was the only way to describe it haha

[@raebirchall7896]

We are from the UK and we visited Leavenworth a few years ago after an Alaska cruise in the summertime and it was a great place to visit then but it looks really magical at christmas and the hotel we stayed at with the blue lights looked gorgeous. Brought back some happy memories of our visit.

[@fff2009]

Leavenworth is so magical during the holidays and it's definitely on my wish list to visit. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@ThroughMyLens]

I hope you can visit in the future!

[@jymnmeier3527]

This was the first video of yours in which I have visited a place before you have. We did everything you did and it was like handing someone a gift anticipating their reaction. Seeing everyone enjoy this winter wonderland was quite the gift especially POPS getting his sleighride wist. Much love to you all

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you have experienced the town as well. It was such a special trip to see the lights and to get pops on the sleigh ride. Thanks for watching!

[@popshiking]

@jymnmeier3527 Yep! It was something I have wanted to do for a long time and finally got around to it.

[@jymnmeier3527]

@@popshiking You could feel the joy through h screen

[@angieparks1874]

This video got to me at just the right time! I’ve been so sad and your family is a blessing to watch and enjoy. I’m convinced I need to hit Leavenworth very soon. It’s on my next trip list! Thank you Josh, Pops and the rest of your clan! What a joy… I’m feel like I’m there with you all. Wonderful photography, wonderful filmmaking, wonderful family. Have a blessed Christmas!!🙌🏼

[@ThroughMyLens]

So kind of you to say, I am so glad you enjoyed watching the trip. We appreciate the support! We are glad that the video brought you a little happiness.

[@mariamercy7317]

Hi Angie, your words touched my heart! I visited Leavenworth last September 2022 and fell in love with it. This video is heartwarming! Merry Christmas to you too and a Blessed, Healthy and Happy New Year 2024 🙌

[@popshiking]

@angieparks1874 So happy we were able to cheer you a bit! Happy Christmas to you too!!

[@NAZARENEWATCHMEN]

Numbers 6:24-26 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

[@user-cn6de7xe2o]

So cool! I've always wanted to visit Leavenworth. They have a live webcam there for the season and I've been watching and "dreaming" 😀

[@ThroughMyLens]

I love the webcam, it is so fun to see what the city looks like!

[@rockinroxxi3710]

Leavenworth is on my bucket list. Nice to see your whole family enjoying the coolest little Christmas town 🤶🎄🎅

[@ThroughMyLens]

I hope you can visit one day, it really is a fun spot!

[@noahcount7132]

Great Christmastime oriented adventure for the entire 3-generation family, and Amy's braids were fully in tune with Leavenworth's Bavarian atmosphere. 👍🎅

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha I didn't even think about her braids matching haha. Yea it was a fun memory for all of us to have for sure

[@AmbientWalking]

Wow! This is so amazing! Thank you for capturing it so well!

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@kelsey809]

What a beautiful place and a happy video! Your pops must’ve been the happiest man on earth with that sleigh ride. 😊👍

[@popshiking]

@kelsey809 I can't deny I was really into that ride. The only thing that might have made it better if it was twice as long! Something I have always wanted to do. Sometimes very simple things can mean a lot.

[@kelsey809]

👍😊👍 Happy holidays to you and your family!

[@dw908]

What a nice Christmas video with the family. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so kind, glad you enjoyed it!

[@PcGamerify]

The town looks straight out of Elf or Grinch hahaha. That looks absolutely beautiful.

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha it really does feel like that!

[@paultucker1272]

Wow! Almost too perfect! It could almost be a film set! Happy Christmas to you all 🎅🎄🧑‍🎄

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree, it felt like a Hallmark movie haha

[@revhortonsteve]

You did Leavenworth right. I live in seattle but have a place near town. Weekdays are the best to explore. I NEVER go into town on weekends. Maaaaaybe Sunday night when everyone has left. You made my town look great!

[@ThroughMyLens]

I can't imagine on the weekends trying to find a place to park. Weekdays were incredible though. Such a lovely spot

[@kellycarroll6829]

Blessings to your family for Christmas 🌟

[@ThroughMyLens]

Same to you!

[@chigginskeywest]

Frankenmuth, Michigan for Christmas 🎄 towns. Enjoyed this video.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you! Will look into that one!

[@wanderlust62]

What fun! I don't know much about Washington state, and this is definitely a destination for the holidays. (Sunny's got it together, purple is the best!)

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha yea I had never been there for the holidays but it was such a fun trip!

[@realalaskaliving]

Wonderful video. My bf and I laughed at the part where your mom was saying how reindeer aren’t aggressive and then two start fighting behind her😃 love it! We had driven through there quite a few years ago but didn’t spend a night. Told my honey we need to go back sometime. Merry Christmas to you and your family:)

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks so much for watching it and I am glad you got a laugh at the reindeer, it made me laugh too 😂 You got some pretty magical Christmas up in Alaska I bet!

[@mixeddrinks8100]

oh wow nice... NICE... Really need to experience a xmas in a place where it actually snows.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree, it actually felt like Christmas instead of how it feels here in Southern California haha

[@michellebush5957]

Great video. Leavenworth has been on my bucket list for Christmas for the past few years. Hopefully next year! Living in Florida, Leavenworth is like a fairy tale world i'd love to visit, right out of a Hallmark movie. I look at the Leavenworth webcam all the time and now will save your video for more inspiration.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree, it is so different than how Christmas is in California as well. It was fun to experience and I hope you can visit!

[@jenford7078]

That WAS magical! Such a nice family and when I am out in Montana next year I am asking my son to make taking a trip there happen! Pops voice is beautiful and I think he was tearing up describing the sleigh ride❣

[@ThroughMyLens]

I hope you can visit, it was a fun town. Yea, it was on his bucket list so completing it was emotional for him

[@popshiking]

@jenford7078 Yep you caught me getting a bit emotional about the sleigh ride!

[@natlovell122]

What an amazing place to spend Christmas! I’d also recommend checking out the Tenaya Lodge, just south of Yosemite for Christmas. We take our kids every year bc they just go all out and it feels like such a special Christmas environment. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Oh that sounds like an awesome trip, I love that area

[@dianas514]

Another great video! I’ve never heard of this town but looks like a neat place to visit at this time of year. Looks absolutely magical and another place to add to my bucket list. Thanks very much for sharing your family’s wonderful experience with all of us. Wishing all of you a wonderful holiday season.

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@daviotkelly1267]

Of course Pops was the one to start the songs😊 beautiful family ❤

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha he is always singing!

[@-All5ofus-]

I can't wait to turn on the live cams in Dec. I'm in Southern Oregon, and as beautiful as our surroundings get during the winter ( especially Crater Lake ), there's def something magical about this beautiful Christmas town! Thanks for bringing a more personal touch to your experience!! Merry Christmas!!

[@ThroughMyLens]

So glad you enjoy it as well! I would love to visit Crater Lake in the winter too

[@violetbf3773]

I’m so glad the whole family got to enjoy this amazing place. 🙌🏽

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was so fun to have everyone there with us!

[@JaniceStewart863]

Oh, my heart, when your daughter said, "this is so much fun!" Such a beautiful video! Loved seeing your whole family together. Merry Christmas! (You asked for recommendations, and I'll mention Helen, GA. Wonderful Christmas experiences, and really nice people)

[@ThroughMyLens]

Wasn't that so cute, I will def treasure that clip 😄 Another recommendation for Helen, GA, sounds like I know where I need to go next year

[@BetsyDudash]

I live in Wenatchee, about 20 miles south of Leavenworth, and 100% agree with your recommendation to visit midweek. And you're absolutely right about Munchen Haus sausages--I've been known to swing in there after a client meeting for a quick lunch. I'd also recommend a visit to Lake Wenatchee, weather permitting. It's a beautiful drive and a magical place all year.

[@laughingatlife7100]

Hey Josh , Pops and family. Finally you're up in my neck of the woods. Leavenworth is such a beautiful place to visit. I'm so glad that you took a sleigh ride 20 mi out of town, much better views 👍. I have been to Leavenworth at least 10 for Christmas and I still had so much fun with you. Pop's singing reminded me of my Dad🫶. Happy holidays everyone 🎁🎊❄️.

[@popshiking]

@laughingatlife7100 First of all I love your handle! Maybe it is something with old guys and singing. My father sometimes sang when we were driving long distances especially at night. "Show me the way to go home" was his song. My grandfather always was whistling which is another old guy thing that we might be losing.

[@doreenlatimer6379]

Thx for the Leavenworth experience. Fun time for the family. Neat seeing Caribou. Puddles and snow are always highlights for kids.

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha right? How can you beat puddles and snow!

[@diamondbackking4141]

This is what dreams are made of 😊 ! Who wouldn't be jealous? This is epic ! Definitely one of your best vlogs ! A perfect Christmas ⛄ town ! Keep up the good work....great family too !

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thanks so much, you are very kind! We had a lot of fun with this one

[@Lohengrin1850]

This video is lovely, thank you for sharing this with us. The Nutcracker museum is SO COOL!!

[@candicespencer2021]

Frankenmuth Michigan is a Christmas town I have always wanted to go to! Leavenworth was beautiful and it was fun seeing your whole family enjoying it! Merry Christmas!

[@bigjimslade6250]

Great family video that you all will treasure forever. I’ve watched the live cam in years past but had no idea how many fun places to visit were there. It was really nice to see everyone having such a good time. 😊

[@ThroughMyLens]

I agree, I will be watching this video every Christmas now haha. The live cam is so fun as well!

[@hikingmansteve]

Josh, glad you and the Mrs. were able to stop at Icicle Brewing....one of my favorite breweries in the state. Their Dark Persuasion German Chocolate Cake Ale is scrumptious. SR

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was great! Good beer and such a cool spot!

[@rephaelrechitzky9763]

Josh, this was a beautiful place. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Same to you!

[@ruthwoodin550]

My friend & I were just at Leavenworth down from BC two weeks ago. Thanks for sharing - I loved feeding the reindeer

[@kathryntwitchell1026]

My husband and I so enjoyed visiting Leavenworth, WA again with your family! Thank you so much. I used to love soft bagels dipped in mustard sauce when my family visited Solvang, CA, too. We are now subscribed

[@jonathantitus2629]

Gee thanks; I'm 59 years old and we already have a long list of travel destinations planned and we have already been to Leavenworth, but that was in June and now we must plan a December trip, but because of work it will have to wait until I retire, so you have really complicated my life...But seriously we loved the town when we visited in the summer and have discussed a return trip, so I guess we can add a winter escape to our summer one. You are all neat people and I loved seeing the whole family. You embrace the beauty of people, places, experiences, food, LIFE. Thank you for sharing this journey with all of us. May you be blessed with a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to more videos that spark remembrances or inspire future travel even IF I will have to live to 100 to see 'em all.

[@elliscrane]

I'm in Seattle and have only made it out to Leavenworth once (in October). Your video was wonderful!!! I'm definitely going to head back for the holidays and actually stay overnight. Thank you so much for such a fun video! And Icicle Brewing is phenomenal!

[@michelevasquez9015]

Oh my gosh, I love Leavenworth. Our first time in the winter, we stayed downtown at the Bavarian Lodge and ate repeatedly at Mozarts (as it was the end of Covid and they made space for our group). Muchin Haus is soooo good too. Day two, we did the horse drawn sleigh ride in the snow by Icicle creek ❤ Went back on a girls trip in the spring, and hit the putt putt and did a variety of hiking.

[@nancycamaquin6648]

Beautiful video!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you very much!

[@christinerolle3876]

Thank u Josh and Family for sharing.We have the chestnuts roating back home in the Philippines during christmas.❤😊

[@mariamercy7317]

Awwwww, Beautiful Leavenworth! I was blessed by visiting your lovely town last year, Sept 2022. I loved it! Wouldn't mind living there. God bless you all and Merry Christmas 🎄

[@TheBritot]

Absolutely beautiful and magical. Thank you for sharing ❤❤❤❤

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@travelertrome8449]

What an absolutely wonderful, heartwarming episode! So good to see the entire family. This is the spirit of Christmas!! 🎄🎄

[@ursinidaho]

It's so nice to see Families having fun together ❤️

[@susanelliott8901]

That's so beautiful with all the lights. Almost makes me miss living in Canada during the holiday season (I moved to Mexico because I am not that fond of snow and cold).

[@ThroughMyLens]

I bet there are some pretty magical spots in Canada in the winter for sure.

[@maryspiering1205]

What a beautiful family time. Appreciate you bringing us along and allowing us to share in your magical adventure. Summertime adventures include fabulous hiking into Colchuck lake, Winache River Rafting on a hot day, and enjoying German foods while admiring the beautiful mountains. We stayed outside of town along the Winache River and loved it. Definitely an all season place to visit !

[@SodoMojo22]

Born and raised in WA and made a few trips to Leavenworth in my time there. Now in CA for the last 17 years you've inspired me to make a trip back. It looks like in that time Leavenworth has upped its Christmas game....magical and memorable experience.

[@maryfettig3378]

The kids are getting so big! Great video with the family❤ have a blessed Christmas

[@ThroughMyLens]

It is crazy how big they are now! Merry Christmas

[@FR-sr9sy]

We live close to Leavenworth. Come back in the summer, it’s totally different. Hiking, Mountian biking, fly fishing, tubing… it’s crazy different.

[@Dax4You]

SO thanks for sharing! A great taste for what flavour Leavenworth has to offer!

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem!

[@anchja]

You guys are amazing. Thanks for bringing all the beautiful videos. God bless!

[@petermgruhn]

12:16 - Woah. The full range of Lindeman's. I've never seen that on a shelf.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I didn't even notice that!

[@KyleEldridge]

Yes! I've been hoping you'd go here for so long!

[@ThroughMyLens]

I was so happy to finally make it happen and to have all the snow that was there!

[@ivymatthews9887]

I nephew had his wedding weekend there in July but it was awesome little town.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I bet it would be a fun place in July as well, lots of great hiking!

[@augustavaughan6506]

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so welcome!

[@charmainereyes6480]

Love your video! Appreciate you and your family sharing your experience with us. You are so right...if there is a place to spend Christmas, this is the place to be! Someday I would like to take my family to this "Magical" place. Thank you!

[@cathleenlovette3088]

Really enjoyed this Christmas season video of Leavenworth with your family... Absolutely wonderful. Particularly enjoyed the sleigh ride, on that incredibly beautiful morning. Thank you, and Pops and family for sharing your good times with us. And, with my new big screen television...I feel like I'm there. Absolutely awesome!!!

[@popshiking]

@cathleenlovette3088 Big screen is definitely the way to enjoy a video like that!

[@davek3692]

I was there the week before Christmas. Tried to go last year but couldn’t get through the passes after flying from FL so this year I flew into Spokane and came from the east. Much better choice in my option since you don’t have to deal with the passes. Leavenworth was one of the best places I’ve ever been.

[@caterlinachung185]

Lovely family video and all of you have so much fun in Leaveworth...good food, amazing sceneries and great activities ❣️👍🫶

[@TubTechGuru]

Awesome video with beautiful family, especially those two little munchies are so adorable!❤️👍

[@betsy6046]

If you are ever near Ashville NC I would definitely recommend the Biltmore house when it is lighted for Christmas. We got an all day pass and did the full tour in the morning, had a late lunch and then as soon as it was dark went through again to see all the lights at our own pace. It is an amazing place. Definitely don't miss all the green houses during the day

[@brendabrewster5146]

What a beautiful video with you and your family! Definitely on our bucket list for next year!!

[@jaer5]

Singing Jingle Bells on the sleigh ride made the video! Thanks for all the information.

[@user-zw3oo4ss3l]

Great video as always! Plus the baby in the background falling off the sleigh at 16:08 made me laugh😂🙈

[@parr1338]

Great video. what memories were made in this fantastic place thanks for sharing

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

Spectacular video. Prefect Christmas town. I hope to experience a White Christmas one day. I love that you do these videos and trips with your family

[@kismetfast4674]

Looks the the perfect winter adventure.We've been there in the summer but the sleigh ride is cool....have to go again in the winter! We moved from No. California to Bellingham and have traveled locally on weekends to explore Washington and Oregon! So much to see! I know you mostly visit around the US but Vancouver, Canada is sooo close to the border of US! Check out Van Dusen Botantical Festival of Lights in Vancouver, BC Millions of Christmas lights. Great fun for the whole family!

[@christineduran1896]

Wow❤️❤️👍🏻. I never knew such a beautiful place existed in Washington for Christmas 🎄. Thank you for sharing this wonderful video with us ❤️. I hope one day I can visit there and experience everything you did❤️.

[@user-qd8fh6ng9j]

Absolutely love this .We are definitely planning a trip..Thanks for sharing

[@joyinthenw2652]

Perfect timing. We're headed there next week. Merry Christmas to you all!

[@janjones4224]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for taking us along.

[@rvcruising]

Awesome video! Merry Christmas!!! 🎄. We visited Leavenworth in August and it was lovely too.

[@ThroughMyLens]

I would love to visit in the summer, seems like some amazing hiking!

[@11474]

Thanks for a wonderful trip! Merry Christmas! ❤☃️🎄

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Saffron.Aerowyn_07]

Love when you include 'POPS' in your videos...your family is lovely & seems like you were all born to travel the world. Merry Xmas! 🎄🎅⛄

[@popshiking]

@Saffron.Aerowyn_07 We really have a good time traveling together!

[@mainstaykitchenandhome9284]

Born and raised in Seattle, and I've never seen Leavenworth so empty in December, even mid-week. I'm impressed!!

[@vrepair3070]

I know a bit out of the way, but Helen GA. Is a lovely Christmas town in the North Georgia mountains.

[@ThroughMyLens]

Will look into it, thanks!

[@starsrhi2335]

GOOD AFTERNOON - THIS WAS REALLY FUN.....THANKS FOR THE SHARE....MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR......LOVE.

[@parfenyj]

A whole lot of Christmas family joy in this one, so cool! Merry Christmas!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Merry Christmas! We had such a fun time

[@somite15]

We were just there on the 9th to the 11th my wife and daughter, son-n-law and grand daughter, it was beautiful town.

[@jimmy86990]

Looks like a great visit. Leavenworth is on our wishlist.

[@alonacaraos5075]

Great family bonding, thanks for sharing.👍👌

[@chrispetersen4863]

Amazing! On my bucket list.

[@lisha1535]

That was so enjoyable to watch. thanks for sharing

[@sharyn7454]

One of my greatest joys was spending a vacation in Leavenworth just before Christmas. We had a sleigh ride and then a cowboy B.B.Q with real cowboys. We even watched a wedding late at night at the gazebo. It was magical. I made many visits before I moved to New Mexico. I miss Washington.

[@magachis2278]

We so enjoyed our visit to Leavenworth! We were there in July so it was great to see what it looks like at Christmas! Thank you!

[@ThroughMyLens]

So awesome, I hope to go back in the summer as well!

[@nancyimbleau2023]

Im Glad you enjoyed your time i live in WA and have been there several times it has changed alot every time i had gone there i love that little town so relaxing and full of fun i had a ex relative that is no longer living that was born there in Leavenworth WA love all the little shops so much fun to walk through havent been there in awhile but hope to go there again soon love the GAZEBO IN THE PARK ALWAYS HAD TO WALK UP AND STAND UNDER IT IT ADDS TO THE PARK NEVER HAVE STAYED THERE IN THE TOWN AT ANY AIR B&B'S BUT THEY LOOK NICE INSIDE HOPEFULLY I WILL BE ABLE TO SOMETIME.

[@ArmandRoseTV]

We love Leavenworth. We're outside Seattle but we forget how magical it can be proably because it's so busy on weekends but thanks for sharing some of the lesser known things.

[@user-eg9om8ie2e]

Great place worth it 2hrs drive from Seattle.. I like the soft pretzels with sauerkraut

[@user-hx6ef9bt2m]

Very beautiful merry Christmas and a healty 2024 for poor and wealthy people ❤❤❤

[@kayleebeare]

Ahh thanks so much for sharing with us!! Leavenworth has been on my bucket list forever, but I had no idea it was a Christmas town. Thought it was most famous for October Fest! Thanks Josh! Happy holidays to your family

[@ThroughMyLens]

I know October Fest is big there as well but I always wanted to see it at Christmas

[@brendawhisenhunt8444]

I absolutely love it, your dad is so cool! Enjoyed his singing!

[@ThroughMyLens]

It was really fun to sing on the sleigh ride with him!

[@popshiking]

@brendawhisenhunt8444 You are very kind. Thank you!

[@gabriel1594]

Love your videos Josh, you are my main travel inspiration.

[@disco07]

Wonderful family! Have fun in wonderland.

[@sarahko2014]

Love this video! Merry Christmas to your whole family!!

[@relaxingvideosnorthwest3646]

Beautiful place! Thank you for sharing.