Half a million lights, snow-capped peaks, and Bavarian charm—this January, celebrate Leavenworth’s Winter Karneval! Enjoy ice carving, fireworks over MLK Jr. weekend, and new entertainment all month long. Lights sparkle daily through February!

Saturday, January 3rd, 2026

1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dia de los Reyes celebrates the cultural tradition found across Latin America that symbolizes the end of Christmas and is celebrated in Germany as “Dreikonigstag”. We will enjoy traditional Mexican foods, guided nature walks at Wenatchee River Institutes campus, gifts for children, dance and musical performances, and storytelling. We hope participants will leave inspired to continue to get to know, care for, and celebrate the diverse social and natural aspects of our communities.

For more information visit Wenatchee River Institute’s website.

Saturday & Sunday, January 10th and 11th, 2026

Feel the heat at Winter Karneval with mesmerizing Fire Dancing performances lighting up the weekend in front of the Gazebo! Watch as skilled performers spin, twirl, and choreograph flames into breathtaking displays of light and motion against the crisp winter air. With multiple shows throughout each day, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family, warm up by the glow, and experience the thrill of this high-energy spectacle. It’s a can’t-miss highlight that brings both heat and excitement to the heart of our Bavarian village.

Saturday & Sunday, January 17th and 18th, 2026

Noon – 3:00 pm @ Front Street Park

During Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, artisan carvers will be staged around town, creating works of art that embody the Leavenworth spirit. As the carver works, the sculpture seems to come to life right before your eyes. The sights and sounds of the carving process, combined with the mesmerizing beauty of the finished product, make for an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you with memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime.

Sunday, January 18th, 2026 at 6:00pm

There is something so memorable about standing outside on a cold winters evening in downtown Leavenworth surrounded by half a million lights decorating the park and welcoming a vibrant and well orchestrated show of pyrotechnics over town. Every year, on Sunday evening of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend we celebrate with an our annual fireworks show over town, there is not a bad seat in the house for this fun show!

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, January 23-25th, 2026

Friday–Sunday: Times vary per establishment

Fasching is like a German Mardi Gras — a lively, light-hearted celebration filled with costumes, revelry, and a little bit of mischief before the quieter season of Lent begins. Rooted in centuries-old European tradition, Fasching (also known as Karneval) is all about community, creativity, and embracing the joy of winter with color and flair.

In Leavenworth, we bring that festive spirit to life on the last full weekend in January with a spirited Pub Crawl through our Bavarian village. Don your carnival mask, gather your friends, and stroll from stop to stop enjoying specialty drinks, festive eats, and playful surprises at participating restaurants, bars, and pubs. Along the way, look for themed cocktails, limited-time menu items, giveaways, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

It’s a vibrant way to shake off the winter blues, support local businesses, and experience a little Old World tradition — right here in the mountains.