FAQ’s

We no longer “flip the switch” at a certain time on weekends, which drew huge crowds vying to get to town for that one moment. Instead, we have adapted an “always on” approach so the lights are on everyday providing a much more enjoyable experience for visitors and local alike.

We always aim to have the lights on by Thanksgiving and keep them up through the month of February, you can check our light tracker here to see how we are doing this year.

On the weekend closest to December 5th which is Krampusnacht, a holiday celebrated in Austria and Germany, you may have seen Krampus with their very distinctive and detailed masks and costumes in town. In the folklore of Krampusnacht, Krampus is the dark opposite of the kindly St. Nicholas who rewards the children with sweets.

The Chamber of Commerce is not organizing a Krampusnacht event but you may very well see them in town interacting with families and businesses so please plan accordingly if this is a concern.

There are 3 available indoor restroom facilities open 7 days a week; one at the Leavenworth Festhalle, one at Front Street Park near the Maipole, and one at 8th & Commercial St. We will place porta-potties near these permanent restrooms, as well as two at the Festhalle on the corner of 10th & Front St, and two in the parking lot at the Visitor Center located at 940 US Highway 2.

December is typically busy! On Saturdays to help keep traffic moving, you will see traffic management teams out from Noon-8pm, if you plan on parking your vehicles, weekends tend to fill pretty fast, so plan accordingly.

Yes, the Link Bus runs for free out of their park and ride location behind Safeway, you can ride it in from the east, or park your car there and grab a shuttle to town from 11am-7pm (approx) 7 days a week.