Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

If Christmas is your holiday, Bronner's is your store. Dominating the south side of Frankenmuth is this massive store. Billed as the world's largest Christmas store, it encompasses 7 acres and holds over 50,000 holiday ornaments, trims, gift items and collectibles such as Hummels and Precious Moments. Not only are there lighted displays on the grounds there also are in-store displays of shiny lights and tinsel, flying reindeer, parading penguins, saucy snowmen and 500 Nativity scenes. Also available are decorations for other seasons, such as Halloween and Easter. While sensory overload hits quickly, we were surprised at how much fun we had. The floor clerks are friendly, patient and more than willing to go out of their way to help you find what you're looking for. Some of the items can feel a little generic (there's an entire area dedicated to the same glass ball with different scenes). Arranged by theme (and color), you'll find all the flamingo ornaments in one section, the sports ornaments in another. Catalog orders and on-line shopping are available; there's a snack area (Seasons Eatings) serving, among other things, Christmas cookies year-round; and special events are held throughout the year including visits with Santa and the Easter Bunny and ornament artist signings. It's a fun-for-all-ages environment, but be warned that there are lots of breakable things within the reach of little fingers.