Winter & Christmas in the Valley
Whether you’re sipping cocoa under twinkly lights or watching your kids in a Christmas pageant, there’s no better place to celebrate the winter season than the Wenatchee Valley.
This guide rounds up the best holiday events, winter fun, and faith-filled traditions for families to enjoy from late November through Christmas and into the New Year.
Featured Holiday Events & Festivals
Leavenworth Village of Lights: Christmastown
Location: Downtown Leavenworth
Dates: Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve (lights stay up into February)
Details: Arguably the most magical place in Washington during Christmas. Enjoy daily lighting ceremonies, visits from Santa, carolers, sledding, chestnut roasting, and more.
Wenatchee’s Downtown Cookie Stroll
Location: Downtown Wenatchee
Date: First Saturday of December
Details: Collect delicious cookies and support local businesses! Learn more here.
Journey to Bethlehem
Location: 508 N. Western Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Date: December 4-6
Details: Take your family back in time to the night of Jesus’ birth, featurin live animals, immersive experiences, and 175 actors! Learn more here.
Numerica Festival of Trees
Location: Wenatchee Convention Center
Dates: Late November
Details: A beautiful indoor forest of decorated trees, wreath auctions, live performances, and family fun—all benefiting the Numerica Performing Arts Center.
Christmas in Cashmere
Location: Cottage Avenue, Downtown Cashmere
Dates: Early December
Details: Light displays, music, holiday shopping, bonfires, kids’ crafts, and Santa visits in a small-town setting.
Small Town Holidays
Location: Chelan
Dates: November 28—January 1
Details: Light shows on the lake, Santa sightings, holiday markets, and more!
Lake Chelan Winterfest
Location: Chelan
Dates: January 16-25
Details: Fireworks, bonfires, ice sculptures, wine walks, live music, and winter play. Great for a weekend getaway after the rush of Christmas.
Puyallup Winter Festival
Location: Puyallup
Dates: December 5-23
Details: Holiday train ride, tasty Christmas treats, photo ops, holiday markets, ice skating, and more!
Family-Friendly Activities & Traditions
Santa Sightings & Photo Ops
Wenatchee Santa — Our favorite North Pole native pops up all over the Valley! Here’s his schedule.
Brave Warrior Project — Check here for their Santa photo ops!
Wings ‘n Wishes Holiday Event; December 4, 6-8pm — Caroling, Santa, the lighting of City Hall, and more!
Teddy Bear Time; November 23, 10-11am— Storytime, Christmas treats, and a photo op with Santa! Learn more here.
Photos with the Grinch; November 30, 12-5pm — Professional photos with Christmas’ grumpiest character! Learn more here.
Santa at the Well’s House; November 29, 10am-2pm — Family photo op with Santa brought to you by the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center. Learn more here.
Winter Wonderland Party with Santa; December 13, 10am — Seasonal crafts, hot cocoa, and the big man in the red suit! Learn more here.
Cowboy Brunch with Santa; December 6, 9am-1pm — Hang out with Santa, have a tasty meal, and donate to a great cause! Learn more here.
Santa Photos at Firehouse Pet Shop; November 15, 10am-4pm — Fido gets in on the Christmas action! Learn more here.
Holiday Light Displays
Downtown Wenatchee & East Wenatchee – Business fronts decked out and walkable.
Neighborhood Tours – Check local Facebook groups for the best-decorated homes or organize your own “Light Tour Bingo!”
Nelson Family Lights Show — the former Cashmere Mill site, right next to 5431 Sunset Hwy, Cashmere, WA 98815, Christmas lights start Thanksgiving night! youtube.com/%40NelsonFamilyLights
Leavenworth Festival of Lights — A Valley favorite! Lights turn on on November 27 and glow until February 28
Tree Lightings & Community Events
Wings ‘N Wishes, East Wenatchee – This free community event is the perfect way to make memories and celebrate together.
Light Up the Park, Entiat – Food trucks, live performances, and no shortage of Christmas magic
5th Annual Christmas Cookie Showdown; November 29, 11am-3pm — Cookie decorating and a chance to give back! Learn more here.
Numerica Performing Art Center
Holiday Spice — The best holiday show in the Valley, featuring the area’s best performers saluting the season through dance, music, comedy, theatre performances, and more!
A Christmas Carol at the Riverside Playhouse — It’s been 15 years since a local production of “A Christmas Carol” was last staged (the previous production was by Leavenworth Summer Theater). Not recommended for kiddos under 5.
Tickets and more info: https://numericapac.org/calendar/
Tree Farms
Local stand in the Albertson’s parking lot
Faith-Based Christmas Events
Advent Programs
Some churches offer Advent wreath lighting, devotionals, and weekly events leading up to Christmas. Perfect for helping kids understand the meaning behind the season.
Local Happenings
Downtown Wenatchee — You don’t have to go far to find the best toys and gifts for everyone on your list.
Front St. Leavenworth — Wander into every store and get your shopping done in one day!
Leavenworth Reindeer Farm Gift Shop – Festive shopping with a reindeer photo op!
Pybus Holiday Market — One in November and another in December; all your favorite local vendors in one spot!
Wenatchee Valley Winter Market — The farmer’s market you know and love with a winter twist!
Bonus: Winter Adventures
While not strictly “Christmas,” these cold-weather activities add magic to the season:
Tubing at Echo Valley or Ski Hill (Leavenworth)
Ice Skating at Town Toyota Center (Wenatchee)
Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides in Leavenworth
Snowshoeing at Lake Wenatchee State Park
How to Use This Guide
Bookmark this guide and check back often—we’ll update it throughout the season as more dates and details become available. And don’t forget to follow @valley_moms on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly holiday updates!