This little town just four hours outside of Vancouver transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland every year, and it was just named one of the best places to spend the holiday. Think snow-dusted streets that look like they were plucked out of Europe, horse-drawn sleighs, dreamy storefronts, and even a reindeer farm to add a little extra holiday magic. Enter Leavenworth , the charming small town in the heart of Washington state, tucked away within the Cascade Mountain's snow-capped peaks.
Known for its festive magic, it's no surprise this spot made it onto Condé Nast Travelers' recent list of The Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World . Alongside European towns with traditional holiday markets and wintry escapes, this small town is a quick getaway across the border for Vancouverites. The town was modeled after German alpine villages, so walking through it you'll feel like you've been whisked away to Europe.
The town gets fully decked out with decor and lights, and lots of Christmassy fun. The annual Village of Lights: Christmastown starts on November 28 and kicks off the holiday fun, with events like Christmas carolers, visits from Santa, light displays, and even chestnut roasting. The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is also nearby, so you can meet Santa's helpers in real life.
You can also just stroll around town though, stopping to try out some of the tasty treats from local bakeries, get a drink, and do a little holiday shopping. Grab your passport and get ready to .
