7 Magical Small Towns In Washington To Visit This Winter
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!
Breaking through the lush fall foliage, the snow has just begun to rain down on Washington. While you might want a little more powder to hit those slopes, there's something else you can do to get into the spirit of the holidays. — Visit the many magical Christmas towns in Washington.
If you're a Christmas lover and can't wait to kickstart the festivities, here are some of the best places in the Evergreen State where you can jingle all the way!
Leavenworth
Location: Leavenworth, Washington 98826
Why You Should Go: The Bavarian village in the lap of Washington's peaks takes its holidays seriously. Its free Christmas Tree Lighting Festival draws thousands of people from across the country, so does its mulled wine, snow sleds, reindeer farms, and horse-drawn carriage rides. 'Sleigh' is the word.
Lake Chelan
Location: 216 East Woodin Avenue Chelan, WA 98816
Why You Should Go: Nestled among the snow-capped mountains and the glacier-fed waters of Lake Chelan, the town's Winterfest is packed with ice sculptures, massive beach bonfires, spectacular fireworks, and even a cozy cocoa crawl!
Stanwood
Location: 216 East Woodin Avenue Chelan, WA 98816
Why You Should Go: Supposed to be the largest Christmas festival in the entire Pacific Northwest, you'll want to stroll through the beach town's million light displays and snag some mini donuts that they are known for. This year's festivities kick off on November 29.
Spokane
Location: Across Spokane
Why You Should Go: The Lilac City lights up for the holidays with traditions old and new. Get into the spirit with a FREE horse-drawn carriage ride as you gawk, awe-struck at dressed up window displays that begin from Crescent, an 1800s' department store. Their tropical conservatory twinkles too.
Shelton
Location: 414 Franklin Street Shelton WA 98584
Why You Should Go: Thanks to its countless Christmas tree farms, it's blessed with the title "Christmas Town USA." They are even attempting a Guinness World Record for the most number of trees in one place this year!
Bellingham
Location: Across Whatcom County
Why You Should Go: As the sun sets a little early, this spot welcomes the stars with lights equally bright. The Fairhaven Winterfest sees carriage rides and holiday markets. The town's old city hall has over 20 themed Christmas trees for inspo.
Seattle
Location: Across Seattle
Why You Should Go: There's 'snow' place like home! Whether you want to see light shows with a million lights, skate at a rink Downtown, get aboard a lit-up party ship, stumble into a room full of teddy bears, you'll feel like you're in a giant snowglobe.
Get your fuzzy knits on, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!