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

[@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.

[@LaoSoftware]

@@popshiking Now the kids will make the journey back to Leavenworth when they get older. Good childhood memories for them.

[@PcGamerify]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha it really does feel like that!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@AmbientWalking]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@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!!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@dw908]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so kind, glad you enjoyed it!

[@LindaSolis-b9s]

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!

[@kellycarroll6829]

Blessings to your family for Christmas 🌟

[@ThroughMyLens]

Same to you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@Lohengrin1850]

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

[@CamisNana]

Add Coeur d Alene, Idaho to your Christmas bucket list. Your little ones can take a cruise across the Lake to the “North Pole” to hear Santa read your name that you are on the good list. Beautiful Christmas town!

[@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

[@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

[@-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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@sandraoettle1476]

Ah thank you! I grew up in the 80s in Everett, Washington. We popped over Stevens Pass frequently for spectacular day trips. Leavenworth holds wonderful childhood memories for me. Especially the sledding hill. Wheee! It was fun see the town through your family's eyes!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@chigginskeywest]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you! Will look into that one!

[@wellslj]

The kids liked the puddles! I visited Leavenworth about 40+ years ago & would love to visit again. It's on my bucket list for sure.

[@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!

[@FannyOmaha]

I think your Dad fell in love with Leavenworth, just like I did. I am constantly tearing up watching your video. I fell in love so much that I am planning to move there from Florida.

[@juliejensen7370]

Thank you for sharing, and for your sweet spirit❤.

[@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!

[@donnanichols6838]

I've wanted to go to Leavenworth for Christmas for a long time. I've been through it, but not during Christmas time. ...it's a very charming little town. I hope one day, I will get the opportunity to go for Christmas. ❤🎉 merry Christmas everyone, and holiday greetings to those who celebrate other holidays. 🎉❤

[@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!

[@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!

[@TheBritot]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jesbaez5229]

This is the best video about Leavenworth I could find. We're from Baja and hopefully will be visiting soon. Now we have a better idea of what to do. You have a great family amigo, family is all. There's nothing better in life than these moments. Thank you for sharing.

[@daviotkelly1267]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

haha he is always singing!

[@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

[@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

[@ursinidaho]

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

[@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.

[@richjaneRN]

I realized that I was smiling while watching this video esp during the sleigh ride when you guys are singing. Looking forward to visit this place once settled in Spokane. ❤

[@tessiethompson7303]

Myself and my family went there when it was so crowded. Alot of waiting in line but we had a blast. Good food and loved all the lights.

[@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!

[@nikidijawen]

can see you all had so much fun, kids so cute.

[@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 !

[@augustavaughan6506]

Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@ThroughMyLens]

You are so welcome!

[@travelertrome8449]

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

[@ruthwoodin550]

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

[@Curt.dammit]

Never once heard someone describe gingerbread cookies as mouthwatering, but hey to each his own.

[@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

[@dimakelly]

glad to see youre dad back

[@ThroughMyLens]

Yea, we had the whole crew for this one

[@mainstaykitchenandhome9284]

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

[@christyfossa]

OMG! Your video gets even better! Your dad is amazing!

[@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 🎄

[@Dax4You]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem!

[@TubTechGuru]

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

[@nancycamaquin6648]

Beautiful video!

[@ThroughMyLens]

Thank you very much!

[@freespirit1776]

Leavenworth rocks, I love it up there.

[@anchja]

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

[@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.

[@nami-vlog]

Simply stunning! Thank you for showing us these beautiful moments. Your videos inspire us to explore and appreciate the world. Greetings from @nami-vlog! 🌍💜💜💜👍

[@11474]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

No problem, glad you enjoyed it!

[@christinerolle3876]

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

[@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.

[@parr1338]

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

[@joyinthenw2652]

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

[@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!

[@jaer5]

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

[@sallymiller4973]

I've always wanted to go, now I want to go even more!

[@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!

[@starsrhi2335]

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

[@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.

[@caterlinachung185]

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

[@janjones4224]

Merry Christmas! Thanks for taking us along.

[@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!

[@alonacaraos5075]

Great family bonding, thanks for sharing.👍👌

[@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.

[@ElizabethClemens-c2h]

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

[@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!

[@lisha1535]

That was so enjoyable to watch. thanks for sharing

[@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!

[@parfenyj]

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

[@ThroughMyLens]

Merry Christmas! We had such a fun time

[@brendabrewster5146]

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

[@doloresbowen5460]

Thank you for this wonderful video!

[@meyskesubandri3555]

Thank you for sharing, we are planning to go visit there this week end with my family and friends, who come visit from indonesia 😊

[@disco07]

Wonderful family! Have fun in wonderland.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@pennybutler418]

Wow this looks incredible. As someone from Australia, it would be SO magical to spend it in the cold and snow. Christmas here every year is so hot 🥵 This place is definitely going on my bucket list for my family!

[@chrispetersen4863]

Amazing! On my bucket list.