Kris Kringl celebrates 40 years with story contest

LEAVENWORTH — Kris Kringl, known for being the shop "Where It's Christmas All Year Long," is celebrating four decades of holidays and traditions with a story contest, Christmas in July and an anniversary celebration.

 “We've watched Leavenworth evolve into the incredible destination it is today, and we're grateful that Kris Kringl has been part of that journey. In many ways, the store and the town have grown up together," said current owner Jessica Evans, whose parents acquired the store 40 years ago.

Since 1986, the family-owned business has brought Christmas cheer to downtown Leavenworth all year long. The Christmas shop specializes in gifts, ornaments, and home décor, with personalization options and featured brands including Department 56 Villages, Christopher Radko, MacKenzie-Childs, Mark Roberts, Jim Shore, and Fontanini.

Over the past 40 years, the Christmas shop has been a Front Street fixture, welcoming generations of visitors and helping families create traditions of their own. To commemorate the milestone, the store is highlighting the memories made within the shop’s walls. 

"I can't tell you how many times a customer has shared a memory of visiting our store as a child to pick out an ornament, and now they're bringing their own children to create those same memories," Evans said. 

The Christmas store is holding a story contest, inviting customers to submit their favorite memory of Kris Kringl and Leavenworth for a chance to win $1,000 Kris Kringl in-store shopping credit. These stories can include family traditions, celebrations, memorable visits, or meaningful moments connected to the store and the community.

"The charm and atmosphere inside Kris Kringl have been part of countless anniversaries, holiday traditions, and special moments over the years,” said Evans. “We want to invite people to share those stories and celebrate the memories we're honored to have been a part of.”

Customers are encouraged to submit their story through Sept. 6. A panel of judges will review the entries and select a winner, with the winning story announced during the Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Festival Sept. 25-27. 

According to Kris Kringl, one entry per family can be submitted, and entrants must be 18 years of age or older. The winner must agree to allow their story to be shared with local media and featured on Kris Kringl’s website and social media channels. Photos are encouraged, but not required. Submissions can be emailed to elves@kriskringl.com, or sent via mail: 

Kris Kringl 40th Anniversary Story Contest
907 Front St.
Leavenworth, WA 98826

In the meantime, the storefront will be celebrating Christmas in July with holiday characters, door prizes, and double loyalty points throughout the month, beginning with a festive long weekend celebrating America’s 250th.

It will host its 40th Anniversary Celebration on Sept. 26, during Autumn Leaf Festival Weekend. The celebration will include giveaways and anniversary festivities with special guest designers and artists. It will also feature special guest Jenny Evans, this year’s Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves.

As Christmas nears, Kris Kringl will host its Merry Christmas event on Dec. 6, featuring Emanuele Fontanini of Bagni di Lucca, Italy, along with raffle drawings, Christmas cookies, and holiday festivities.

NCW News
Ward Media

Original article published by The Leavenworth Echo: "Kris Kringl celebrates 40 years with story contest"