8 Winter Festivals In Washington That Are Simply Unforgettable

One of the most popular and well-known Christmas events in Washington also happens to be one of our most incredible winter festivals. On weekends in December, the city of Leavenworth is transformed into a fantastic winter wonderland, complete with dazzling light displays, festive downtown decorations, special events, and a daily Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Visit the Leavenworth website for more info and to plan your winter trip!

For almost 30 years, the Chelan community has gathered for its annual Winterfest, which brings the magic of winter well into the new year. This weekend of ice sculptures, fireworks, live music, kids’ activities, and other winter-themed events that prove Lake Chelan isn't just a summer destination. A special bonus for the adults: the incredible ice bar. Talk about magical!

Winterfest typically takes place at the end of January. You can learn more about all of the events and happenings on the official Winterfest website.

The First Night Festival is an all-ages, family-friendly New Year’s Eve event that takes place in cities across America. Tacoma was actually the first city west of the Mississippi to host it, and now lots of people brave the cold weather to ring in the new year together. You'll find the World's Shortest Parade and live music, plus plenty of food vendors available to help get the year off to a delicious start!

Editor's Note: As a non-profit-run event, First Night recently took some time off to reboot. Although the event seems to be back up and running, keep an eye on the official First Night website for updates.

Say hello to brighter days this winter by taking a waterfront stroll on the shortest day of the year! Every winter, the entire Snohomish community comes together to line the River Trail with over 500 lanterns for a magical evening of illumination. People come from miles around to enjoy the icy river and sunset views, walk the lantern-lined trail, wish one another Merry Christmas, and look ahead to longer days and sunny skies in the new year. What a sweet, simple way to celebrate the season!

Follow the Snohomish Winter Solstice Walk Facebook page to get all the details.

Leavenworth just keeps bringing the magic! Celebrate the season with a weekend of family fun at the Bavarian Ice Fest at the Winter Karneval. The undeniable beauty of the Cascade mountains and the magical ambiance of this Bavarian-inspired village are truly showcased here as the Karneval lights remain lit. But lights are just the start! (This is an ice festival after all.) This fabulous weekend in Leavenworth has activities for the whole family: live ice carving, a snow sculpture competition, snowball toss, ice fishing, fireworks, and plenty of competitive ice-themed games make this one of the "coolest" places to be in January!

Visit the Leavenworth website for more info on all of the town's spectacular winter happenings.

Northwest Winterfest, held at the Spokane Fair & Expo Center, has been called "the Pacific Northwest’s brightest & largest illuminated lantern display and cultural celebration." This dazzling, one-of-a-kind festival runs all throughout the holiday season, and stretches across all five buildings of the Expo grounds. Dive into the holiday traditions, art, and cuisines of a variety of cultures, while also experiencing the magnificent colors and nostalgic cheer of our own holiday season. Complete with live music, warm drinks, and plenty of gorgeous lights and light tunnels, of course! A highlight is the hundreds of hand-painted tree lanterns. But the best part? Northwest Winterfest is fully indoors, self-guided, and totally accessible, making it perfect for the whole family.

Grab tickets and learn more about this incredible winter festival in Washington on the official Northwest Winterfest website.

It seems that Leavenworth really loves to celebrate winter. The Timbrrr! Winter Music Festival is a two-day event that combines live music with winter sports. Enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and tubing by day and live performances by night.

Editor's Note: While the Timbrrr! Winter Music Festival will not be taking place this year, new and exciting endeavors are planned for the future. Stay tuned!

Over 40 years strong, this incredible festival just keeps getting better! From the delightful 19th Century model trains at the Winter Train and Village to the massive light displays, live entertainment, carolers, and brilliant New Year's Eve celebration, there's a lot to love at Seattle's original Winterfest! Go ice skating, check out the live performances and enjoy every special moment with your family and friends. Don't miss this one!

To learn more about Winterfest, visit the Seattle Center website.