We’re lucky enough to experience all four seasons to the fullest in Washington. And while some people aren’t fond of our winters, many other Washingtonians take full advantage of the beautiful snow and are fortunate to enjoy a winter wonderland in Washington state. If you ever want a true Washington winter wonderland experience, visit one of these seven places.

1. Walla Walla

Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
The Walla Walla Valley looks phenomenal when it's dusted with snow. And the city loves to celebrate the season. December 1-3, 2023, is Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend, a celebration of local wine and the holiday season.

Get a closer look at Walla Walla in winter:

2. Winthrop

Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
Winthrop Washington Facebook
Admittedly, it's not easy to see Winthrop in the winter. The North Cascades Highway is often closed due to treacherous weather. But if you can get there, you'll love how beautiful the snow-capped Methow Valley looks.

3. Cle Elum

Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA
Suncadia Resort Facebook
Cle Elum is the place to be when the weather is cold... especially at Suncadia Resort. it offers a seasonal outdoor ice rink, a tree-lighting celebration, and a host of other seasonal activities that will awaken your holiday spirit. Plus, the mountain views from the resort are fantastic this time of year.

Get an aerial view of a snowy Cle Elum:

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4. Spanaway

Spanaway, WA, USA
Clover Connections/Google
For over two decades, Spanaway has hosted Fantasy Lights, the largest holiday drive-thru display in the Northwest. As you drive, you can listen to holiday tunes on 95.3 FM.

5. Spokane

Spokane, WA, USA
VisitSpokane Facebook
Spokane really gets into the holiday spirit -- just visit River Park Square in December and you'll see for yourself. But it's the surrounding snow-capped scenery that makes it so magical.

6. Chehalis

Chehalis, WA 98532, USA
Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
The annual Santa Parade in Chehalis is always a blast. In case you need a little more holiday cheer, you can take a Polar Express or Santa Steam Train through town.

Check out the nearby Chehalis Canyon in all its wintery glory:

7. Leavenworth

Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Visit Leavenworth WA Facebook
We definitely saved the best for last. When it comes to Washington winter wonderlands, nothing will ever top Leavenworth, which keeps its Christmas shops and Nutcracker Museum open all year (and the Gingerbread Factory, too).

Which of these places do you think is the best Washington winter wonderland? Let us know in the comments. It’s beginning to look a lot like… well, you know. Will you spend any time taking a road trip to some of our Christmas towns this year?

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More to Explore

Unique Attractions in Washington

Will Suphan | December 09, 2023

What are the most unique attractions in Washington?

The most unique attractions in Washington include:

  • Sequim Hot Air Balloon Rides. Get on board a hot-air balloon and see the stunning views of Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Forest. 
  • Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens. Located in Greenbank, these gardens are filled with vibrant colors and are a wonderful and calm place to enjoy nature.
  • The Fremont Troll. Lurking under the Aurora Bridge in Seattle is a huge sculpture of a troll crushing a VW Beetle in its hand.
  • Roozengaarde. This is a beautiful garden full of various varieties of roses and it smells as lovely as it looks.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in Washington. 

What are the most charming small towns in Washington?

The most charming small towns in Washington include:

  • Republic. This is an old mining town that was founded in the late 1800s and is known for having lots of fossils to dig up.
  • Poulsbo. This town is largely decorated in an old Norwegian style with Viking murals and is basically a Little Norway.
  • Edison. This is one of the tiniest towns with roughly 130 people and went from being a timber town to an artists’ town.
  • Winthrop. This little town is full of Old West style and the old-timey shops and restaurants are full of historic charm.

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Washington. 

What are the most charming general stores in Washington?

The most charming general stores in Washington include:

  • Chelatchie Prairie General Store in Amboy. This market has dry items, prepared goods, and various pantry staples.
  • Port Gamble General Store. This is not just a general store but also a cafe. The whole place exudes country charm.
  • DuPont General Store. Get your necessities here as well as a delicious soup of the day and fresh, fragrant flowers. 
  • Spring Street General Store in Friday Harbor. This San Juan Island store has excellent goods and locals get their growlers filled with craft beer.

Learn more about the most charming general stores in Washington. 

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