"On the first day of Christmas..."

On the first day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… ONE large Christmas store!

The largest Christmas store in the world to be exact! Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland celebrates Christmas 361 days a year, but it is even more magical at Christmastime. With over 50,000 trims and gifts to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect addition to your Christmas collection!

chicken dinner

On the second day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... TWO places to eat world famous chicken!

Even though dining arrangements may look a little different right now, both Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth are still serving up their world famous chicken dinners to-go! While you’re picking up this iconic meal, don't forget to take a peek at the bakeries and stores in the lower levels of both restaurants. You might just find a delicious sweet treat to accompany that juicy German chicken.

On the third day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… THREE places to pick up a bag of specialty popcorn.

If you like your popcorn salty, sweet, or unique, Kernel Benny’s, The Popcorn Wagon, and Frank’s Muth have you covered! It’s the perfect treat to give, share, or snack on while cuddling up to your favorite Christmas movie!

Elf Tip: A Christmas Movie Christmas, filmed in Frankenmuth, is now streaming on Hulu!


On the fourth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... FOUR tours around town.

Did you know that Frankenmuth is 175 years old? A tour at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, St. Lorenz Church, or Michigan Heroes Museum will give you great insight into some of the history within the 2-square-miles of Michigan’s Little Bavaria. And if you’re looking for a Christmas tour - the Christmas light tour is the perfect option for your friends, family, and you!

Elf Tip: Consider purchasing a gift certificate to one of the historical locations for the history buff in your life.

On the fifth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... FIVE dollars off of $25 at select stores throughout town.

Pick up the Peppermint Perks card at the Visitor’s Center and save $5 off of $25 at over 30 select retailers and restaurants throughout town! Act fast, the card expires when the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve.

On the sixth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… SIX locations to find a fun present for kids.

If you're on the hunt for a fun and festive toy for the children on your shopping list, head to Toyberg and Mother Earth’s Toy Jungle to begin the search. Next, check out Enchanted Forest or For Bare Feet if you’re looking for something a little more unique, like sparkly fairies or a build-your-own-bear. And we can’t forget about those furry children on your list! Hello Cats ‘n’ Dogs and Wild Birds Unlimited have you covered for the best pet presents.


On the seventh day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... A SEVEN minute light and music tree show at Zehnder Park.

This magical 40ft tree in the center of Zehnder Park will fill the air with the sweet sound of Christmas multiple times a day! Shows last 7-minutes and happen each day at the following times: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm, 7:30pm, 8:30pm, with a bonus show at 9:30 on Friday and Saturday.

On the eighth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... EIGHT places to pick up the perfect gift for my house.

Whether you’re looking for the final holiday touches for your home or just searching for a gift for someone else’s home, these stores have you covered! From furniture and decor, to clocks and hardware, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect gift among these shops: Fenton Home Furnishings, Frankenmuth Clock Company, Frankenmuth Florist, Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Front Porch Quilt Shop, Gill-Roy’s Hardware, Rustic Seasons on Cass, and Frankenmuth True Value Hardware!


On the Ninth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… NINE reindeer to help pull Santa’s sleigh.

While we may not have nine reindeer like ol’ Saint Nick, we do have two here in Frankenmuth! Grandpa Tiny’s Farm is home to TWO reindeer - named Blue and Sivia!

On the tenth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me... TEN gnomes from around Michigan’s Little Bavaria.

While you’re out and about, stop by the Visitor’s Center to pick up a gnome hunt. Wind in and out of shops (safely, of course!) to find a gnome hidden within. Once you find 10 gnomes, head back to the Visitor Center and receive a prize!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… ELEVEN stores and products all about Michigan.

Frankenmuth is known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, and we are proud of that! From Michigan-made wine to Michigan branded clothing, and from Mid-Michigan specialties to the Upper Peninsula's tasty treats – these eleven stores and products remind us just how great it is to be a part of the great Mitten State. Stop by these shops during the holiday season to stock up on all the Michigan products you can think of: Amazin’ Mitten, Black Star Farms, Cherry Republic, Frankenmuth FunShips, Grand Traverse Distillery, Great Lakes Olive Oil Company, I Love Frankenmuth, Mid-Michigan Coin and Jewelry, Pasty Haus, St. Julian Winery, and The Michigan Shoppe.


On the twelfth day of Christmas, Frankenmuth gave to me… TWELVE places to get hot chocolate before going on the driving light tour!

Before you begin your drive for Little Bavaria’s ‘Little’ Light Tour, stop by one of these twelve locations to pick up a cup of hot chocolate to sip on while you enjoy the ride: Cass River Bar and Grill, Harvest Coffeehouse, Kernel Benny’s Popcorn, La Crepe du Jour, McDonald’s, N’Orlins Beignets & Coffee, Pasty Haus, Sugar High Bakery, Tiffany’s Food & Spirits, Tim Hortons, Willi’s Sausage Co., and Zak & Mac’s (Main Street, weekends).

Elf Tip: Driving tour maps can be picked up at several locations around town including the Visitor’s Center!

Whether you’re visiting for an afternoon or a weekend, Frankenmuth is full of fun, festive activities to take part in during the holiday season.

Don’t forget to view the special holiday offers from our small businesses, like seasonal treats or special deals. And you never know, you may even run into the jolly ol’ fellow himself while walking around!

About the Author

Lydia Wilder

Lydia is the Director of Operations and Service for the Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau.