Frankenmuth, Michigan
Bronner’s (wikipedia.com)
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas store and a Michigan retail institution. Established by local resident Wally Bronner in 1945, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland has grown into a three-hundred thousand square foot behometh, boasting the largest and most diverse selection of Christmas paraphernalia on the planet. Upwards of two million shoppers visit the store annually. In 1976 the state of Michigan designated the store as an Embassy for Tourism.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland sprawls over a huge site. The store itself is a fanciful jumble of interconnected buildings tied together by festive Swiss-chalet style architecture. Massive figures of Santa Claus and snowmen stand guard outside amidst clusters of evergreen trees. A charming, life-size crèche adorns the façade of the store’s pick-up/drop-off area. And for those visitors who wish for a touch of real Christmas amidst the rampant commercialism, the Bronner’s have adorned the property with a near-perfect replica of the Silent Night Chapel as it stands in faraway Salzburg, Austria.
Bronner’s (bronners.com)
The store interior is a seemingly endless maze of Christmas goodies illuminated by countless holiday lights. Hundreds of figurines can be found representing all facets of the holidays, from the Nativity to Santa Claus and many more. Virtually anything conceivably Christmas-related is available here, including countless items which can be personalized. Bronner’s also sells other holiday items when in season.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is located on the southern edge of Frankenmuth about ninety miles north of Detroit. It is open January through May, Mondays-Thursdays & Saturdays 9:00am-5:30pm; Fridays 9:00am-9:00pm; Sundays Noon-7:00pm; and June through December, Mondays-Saturdays 9:00am-9:00pm; Sundays Noon-7:00pm. There is no charge for admission. Web: www.bronners.com (official website of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland)
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