Michiganders are serious about winter and even more serious about Christmas. In the quaint German village of Frankenmuth, you’ll find Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. Wally Bronner opened his first store back in 1954 and ad to move into successively larger buildings to accommodate his ever growing catalog of Holiday decorations. Eventually, he bought the current property in 1977 and built the massive store we know today. Though he passed away in 2008, his dream lives on and continues to thrive under family ownership.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Easily the largest Christmas store, Bronner’s has 2.2 acres of retail space, 50,000 Christmas items, and sells over 2 million ornaments each year. Visitors can wander for hours looking at over 300 decorated trees, each with its own theme and displays of items so you can create your own at home. Tucked away in the back is movie detailing the background of Wally Bronner plus a collection of over 1000 Hummel figurines. Luckily, there is a small cafe when you need a sensory break from all the lights and Holiday tunes.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland © Wagon Pilot Adventures
Bronner’s is even impressive from the outside where you’ll find three 17 foot tall Santas not so well hidden around the 27 acre property. The entry, 25 Christmas Lane, features over 100,000 lights and dozens of other decorations lining the drive up to nearly 1500 parking spaces. If you spend the night at neighboring Zehnder’s hotel and waterpark, be sure to request a room facing the Bronner’s parking lot and its amazing lights. Off to the side, visitors will also find the beautifully replicated Silent Night Chapel. Take a short walk over and spend a few peaceful moments to reflect on life before heading into town for one of Frankenmuth’s famous chicken dinners.
Bronners Christmas Wonderland credit Yelp
That is very impressive! If you need something for Christmas and can’t find it there, I think it’s probably your own fault! LOL!