One annual tradition has become a favorite for both visiting friends and locals alike. The lighting ceremony in the small Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington has been named one of the best holiday festivals in the nation.

Early on, city sidewalks and shops are filling up with crowds of eager spectators preparing for the big event. Buses full of excited visitors begin lining the streets of town, some traveling hundreds of miles to enjoy the festival. In fact new for 2006, Leavenworth has added Sunday evenings to their weekend lighting schedule. Upon arrival guests are welcomed by seasonally decorated specialty shops and restaurants, appropriately covered with a blanket of glistening new snow.

For a quick warm-up, visiting guests’ crowd around one of several fire pits or heaters scattered throughout the Bavarian village. Or maybe try some roasted chestnuts offered by one of the vendors camped along Front Street. The Gingerbread Factory keeps the holiday spirit alive year round with freshly baked and frosted cookies. At nightfall, the crowd is standing shoulder to shoulder and in the distance illuminated stars begin to make their way through Front Street. One by one, buildings come alive with thousands of twinkling lights and colors. All eyes turn to the park as a countdown leads up to complete the lighting ceremony.