Leavenworth Christmastown festival cancelled as historic flooding and power disruptions hit Washington, U.S.
The Leavenworth Christmastown festival was cancelled after historic Washington floods triggered widespread power outages across Chelan County. Over 5 000 customers across the county, accounting for more than 11 000 people, were left without power due to the impacts of a major atmospheric river (AR). Power is expected to be restored for most customers by the evening of December 13, 2025, while debris cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to continue until next weekend.
Tree and powerline damage near Leavenworth on December 12, 2025. Credit: Chelan County PUD
The city of Leavenworth cancelled the Christmastown festival due to the impacts of a powerful atmospheric river (AR) that brought significant flooding and strong winds to the city this week.
Around 5 000 customers in Chelan County, Washington State, were left without power on December 11 due to the powerful AR. This included the entire city of Leavenworth, which was one of the hardest hit by the rains.
About 4 200 people remained without power by the evening of December 12, with the Chelan County PUD estimating restoration to be completed by 18:00 local time on December 13.
The Christmastown festival is famous for its holiday light displays, which will not operate this year due to the power disruptions and flood damage.
“The lack of power expected through Friday, and the resulting recovery needed through this weekend, means that the Christmastown events at the Gazebo and the lights in Front Street Park won’t be returning in force until next weekend,” city officials said in a press release.
Multiple parking lots have been damaged, limiting parking space and restricting access for those visiting the downtown area to visit local restaurants, food vendors, and other services.
Many roads and state highways have reportedly been blocked by debris from the flooding, restricting relief efforts in the area.
Flooding is expected to remain a concern as the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers continue to flood the city. The heavy rainfall that triggered the flooding was associated with a major AR that brought historic floods across Washington. The heavy rainfall caused multiple rivers to rise to record levels across Washington State.
Meanwhile, another strong AR is forecast to reach the Pacific Northwest on December 14, bringing a prolonged period of precipitation to Washington, Oregon, and northern California through mid-week.
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Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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