Leavenworth Christmas Lighting is one heck of a good time. Watching a million lights come on with a few thousand of your friends is pretty special. Icicle TV talked to Mr. Goomsba and got the straight scoop on this weekend’s calendar of entertainment and events. The snow has started on cue and the final touches are being made. If you are visiting Leavenworth this weekend come prepared for winter fun!

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Friday-   There will be live music in the gazebo from 3:30- 8:00 PM today and St. Nicolas will be arriving by carriage at 4:15 to hand out treats to children. Please bring your kids down, as Friday is all about giving kids a special audience with the good saint. Santa will also be making an appearance to listen to wishes and take photos.

Saturday and Sunday-  Front street is now closed to vehicle traffic. Plan on walking if you are going to enjoy the festival. Music kicks off at 11:30 and runs off and on all day. The Opening Ceremony Parade starts at noon. Marching from the Festhalle to the Gazebo, Christmas characters will be roaming the streets to pose for photos and visit with everyone. The Lighting Ceremony itself starts at 4:15 PM. Show up early, be prepared for a weekend of cold winter weather and be ready to have fun! There will be food courts in the park and sledding for the kids. You can get all the details in the attached documents below. Icicle TV will be out and about filming the good times, so if you see some friendly folks shooting video be sure to smile!

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Christmas Lighting Tips:

If you are staying at a downtown hotel, park there and walk or shuttle to the festival if possible. There is paid parking at the lot next to City Hall and in the new parking lot across from the festhalle as well as charity booster paid parking in many of the businesses along highway 2. Be patient and expect people having fun everywhere.

Parents: There is a sledding hill in the park downtown for the kids. This provides for welcome fun for the youngest festival attendees, but beware that the top of the sled hill backs up to the highway, so safety first when hanging out on the sidewalk. Be aware that the highway is just that, a busy road full of cars. Keep an eye on the little ones and have a blast sledding!

Winter is here and temps are not expected to be warmer that 20 degrees all weekend. Dress warm from head to toe and pay attention to cold fingers, toes, ears and noses. Remember you can always warm up with a bit of retail therapy in our wonderful downtown shops and restaurants. There are usually warming fires burning along Front street as well.

There are public restrooms available in the downtown park as well as on the corner of Commercial and 8th street (across from the hospital). Please understand that many downtown businesses have limited or shared restrooms, so please consider the public ones.

We have included a downloadable festival brochure below or you can pick one up at the Chamber of Commerce or go to www.leavenworth.org. Leavenworth Christmas Lighting is indeed special, so have a great time everyone and thanks for joining us to welcome the holiday season!

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