Leavenworth fights to save its Christmas village after storms sever Highway 2

Leavenworth, Wash. — A powerful storm and the resulting flooding have placed Leavenworth, the Cascade Mountain town known for its Bavarian-inspired Christmas ambience, in a race to preserve the holiday season. The weather damaged about 49 miles of Highway 2, with a lane collapsing into the rapids near Tumwater Canyon and forcing the route between Leavenworth and Skykomish to close.

An atmospheric river event delivered a torrent of rain and high winds to the region, leaving thousands without power and prompting officials to cancel the Village of Lights, a centerpiece of the town’s December calendar. The disruption comes as Leavenworth relies on the holidays for a substantial share of its annual revenue, with December accounting for roughly 40 percent of yearly tourism income.

The near-50-mile stretch along Highway 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth is expected to remain closed for months, officials said, turning a quick drive that once took under an hour into a roughly four-hour detour for travelers. Governor Bob Ferguson warned that continued bad weather could extend the disruption and complicate cleanup efforts as crews work to stack sandbags, clear debris, and assess damage under difficult conditions.

Local business owners said the shutdown is already taking a toll. In Leavenworth, the Gingerbread Factory restaurant closed for three days after the storm, delaying cookie shipments and gingerbread houses that are shipped nationwide. “It was very painful financially,” owner Heidi Forchemer told the Daily Mail. “Our business really shines during the Christmas season, as we ship cookies and gingerbread houses all over the country. With the extended power outage, that really put us behind, but our hardworking elves have really stepped it up a notch.”

In Skykomish, Louskis Deli — famed for its Reuben sandwiches — said revenue was down 60 to 70 percent from last year, forcing cutbacks in hours and raising questions about whether staff can be paid through the coming weeks. Cascadia Inn reported being nearly empty all week, a stark contrast to the region’s normally brisk winter season as crews brace for more wintry weather.

Officials have urged residents and visitors to stay off closed roads as cleanup continues. The Washington Department of Transportation posted a public reminder to respect ROAD CLOSED signs and noted that people have been seen cycling and recreating near closures, which complicates work for crews trying to stabilize the canyon and restore traffic.

Electricity has since been restored and holiday lights were turned back on in Leavenworth, though downtown areas reported only light activity as the town works to recover. Stevens Pass Ski Resort remained closed due to highway damage, and some residents feared post-storm conditions could hinder recovery efforts as more unsettled weather is forecast for the month.

Leavenworth officials say the lights will stay on through February, and business leaders hope late-winter shopping and post-holiday tourism can help recoup losses. “Leavenworth is a jewel in the crown of the Cascades, and we hope many people will come and visit soon,” Forchemer said, expressing cautious optimism about the town’s prospects as crews continue repairs and weather cooperates.