Just over two hours’ drive from Seattle is the town of Leavenworth, Washington State’s own version of a Bavarian village. This former logging town faced grim economic prospects in the 1950s — a rerouted train line had cut off its primary industry, eliminating jobs and eventually eroding the population. But a decade later, some visionary town council members decided to reinvent Leavenworth as a German-style mountain town — instead of exporting timber, they started importing tourists. The result of the council’s calculated move — and strict zoning laws — is a charming reproduction of an Alpine village, replete with eaved and stuccoed chalet-style buildings and a calendar full of events involving lederhosen. It’s the perfect place to spark your holiday spirit, with concerts and performances in the Gazebo and Festhalle and, of course, strolling carolers, and holiday characters all month in December. For more information, call 509-548-5807.