The city of Frankenmuth, Michigan has a unique German charm and is renowned for fabulous, though slightly gluttonous, fried chicken dinners. But, a trip to Frankenmuth should always be punctuated by a visit to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.
Christmas Shopping at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
Passing through Bronner’s front doors the ear is struck by the gentle murmur of familiar Christmas tunes, setting the shopping mood, be it December or the dog days of August.
With an area equivalent to 5.5 football fields, Bronner’s has the distinction of being the largest Christmas store in the world. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, if it’s related to Christmas, they have it. The array of tree ornaments could make a person dizzy. Looking for Santa in a kilt? They’ve got it. How about a chocolate chip cookie? They’ve got it. Pop-up camper...got it. Tractor...got it. Any interest, occupation, hobby or lifestyle, Bronner’s will have something that fits. They also sell a wide range of licensed ornaments for those who are enthusiastic about a specific character or product.
Bronner’s provides free personalization on a number of their ornaments, a unique service that is offered both in store and online.
They have left no Christmas stone unturned. They sell a wide variety of Christmas trees, an assortment of lights that range from classic to kitsch and all the bits and pieces for a metropolis of a miniature village. They also have a selection of Santa suits and, recognizing the importance of the Christmas countdown, the most beautiful advent calendars anywhere.
The folks at Bronner’s take the message ‘keep Christ in Christmas’ very seriously. In fact, that’s the reason behind the unusual capitalization in CHRISTmas Wonderland. They are renowned for their selection of nativities and other religious decor and gifts.
The Bronner’s Christmas Spirit
Spend a lot, spend a little, or spend nothing at all, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is worth a visit for the ambience alone. They have gone to great lengths to establish perennial Christmas spirit and it begins before you set foot in the building.
Bronner’s sits on 27 manicured acres. Christmas Lane boasts a half mile festive panorama of over 100,000 lights. There are a variety of displays, including the nativity, Santa and his reindeer and the Christmas float.
The location is also home to the Silent Night Memorial Chapel which is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, where the carol was sung for the first time in 1818.
There is no charge to visit the grounds, there is plenty of parking and the lights are twinkling all year long.
Bronner’s is over-the-top and if you’re not into Christmas, it’s probably not for you. But, if you love Christmas, or if you love watching people go to extremes, you need to visit the largest Christmas store in the world. It’s just a fun, fabulous place to be.
