Leavenworth makes changes to December lights festival

LEAVENWORTH, Wash. — The city of Leavenworth announced changes to its annual holiday lights festival, which is scheduled to take place in all December.

Renamed the “Festival of Lights,” the festival still promises over a half-million lights, hourly entertainment at the gazebo and more activities to be announced.

The “flipping of the switch” on Saturdays and Sundays has been eliminated to help reduce crowd sizes.

However, the lights will be on every day of the week, and entertainment at the Gazebo and the Festhalle will happen more frequently, even until 8 p.m. on weekends.

Additional changes include spreading out parking availability and making better use of public spaces.

Holiday characters will still be available for pictures, wandering carolers, more kids activities, roasting chestnuts, Santa photos and more.

More announced activities include:

• New lighting displays and a fun scavenger hunt.
• Santa costumes from around the world on display and in town.
• Gingerbread House competition benefiting local nonprofit organizations.
• A chance to win a Leavenworth-themed Christmas tree loaded with gifts.
• Letters to Santa.
• Kids lebkuchen heart gingerbread necklaces.
• Holiday movies for the kids.
• Festive gift-wrapping station.
• Krampusnacht (Krampus night).
• Free locally made ornament while you shop mid-week.
• Monthlong Advent Calendar giveaway with daily prizes.

Leavenworth says in its press release that plans and entertainment are still being finalized.

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