Full Breakdown
Power Outage Disrupts Leavenworth's Christmastown Festival
12/13/2025, 10:33:34 PM
Widespread Power Outage and Weather Damage
Leavenworth, Washington, known as the Christmas capital of the state, has faced significant disruptions due to a widespread power outage and severe weather conditions. The outage, which began late Wednesday, left the town's half-million Christmas lights dark and most businesses closed, particularly around Front Street Park. As of Saturday morning, power was restored to the town, but restrictions remained in place, and Highway 2 was closed across Stevens Pass due to mud, trees, and rocks obstructing the roadway. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has not provided an estimated reopening time, complicating travel to the area.
Impact on the Christmastown Festival
The power outage and adverse weather have led to the cancellation of Leavenworth's Christmastown Festival for the weekend. The city's iconic "Village of Lights" display, a major attraction for the festival, suffered damage from extreme winds and debris, prompting city officials to assess the situation. Chelan PUD reported that over 3,500 customers were affected, primarily in Leavenworth, as crews worked to clear downed trees and restore power. Despite the setbacks, some local businesses have attempted to maintain a festive atmosphere, with generators allowing limited operations and creative solutions for customer payments.
Restoration Efforts and Community Response
Chelan PUD has prioritized restoring power to critical services, including Cascade Medical, with a sequential restoration plan starting from the Leavenworth substation. Rachel Hansen, Senior Communications Strategist for Chelan PUD, indicated that a significant number of customers were expected to regain power by Friday night. Mayor Carl Florea emphasized the community's safety and recovery, highlighting the resilience of Leavenworth's "Willkommen spirit." Cleanup efforts are anticipated to continue through the weekend, with hopes for the return of Christmas lights next weekend.
Criticism and Opposition
While many residents understand the challenges posed by the storm, some expressed disappointment over the festival's cancellation. Visitor Justin Myers noted the disappointment but acknowledged the difficulties faced by the community. Local businesses, such as The Addition, have made efforts to keep their doors open, albeit with limited resources, to provide a space for visitors to enjoy the town despite the circumstances.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Officials have stated that the restoration of power and the repair of the Village of Lights display are top priorities. Hansen confirmed that crews are prepared to ensure the lights are operational for the following weekend. The Chamber of Commerce is actively assessing damage and coordinating efforts to restore the festive spirit in Leavenworth.
Verbatim Quotes
“Our restoration plan is to work outward from the Leavenworth substation, so that restoration will happen sequentially, neighborhood by neighborhood.” — Rachel Hansen, Senior Communications Strategist, Chelan PUD
“It’s a little disappointing, but we certainly understand the crap that they’ve had to go through,” — Justin Myers, Visitor
“Normally this weekend is just people thriving out in the streets, and we just wanted to keep a little bit more holiday spirit and allow people a space to come into.” — Alissa Autenreith, Owner of The Addition
