Bronner's lit up at night, a Christmas market on Main Street, a carriage ride, and Zehnder's family chicken dinner. The most Bavarian two days in Michigan.
Frankenmuth in November and December is the reason the town exists. The outdoor Christmas market runs on weekends; Bronner's lights up after dark; and the whole village glows.
The slightly more upscale of the two chicken dinner institutions — across the street from Bavarian Inn, seats 1,500, family platters, and a bakery attached. Zehnder's has the better desserts (their carrot cake is legendary). Make a reservation in December; it books out weeks in advance during the Christmas season.
The outdoor Bronner's display runs 100,000 lights on a 1/2-mile illuminated trail — best after dark, obviously. The store itself stays open until 9pm. Give yourself 2+ hours. Buy your ornaments early so you have time for monogramming.
A quieter second morning before the drive home.
Tours run daily at 11am and 1pm. The original 1862 building has been restored and the brewing process is visible from the tour route. Sample four beers at the end. Good low-key start to day two.
Start with the chicken noodle soup and finish with the strudel. The lunch menu is slightly shorter than dinner and the wait is shorter. Park in the free Bavarian Inn lot off Weiss St.
Create a free Wanderer account to save “Frankenmuth Christmas” and access the full block library.
Join free — become a WandererNo credit card required
Flights, stays, and experiences — find the best options for your dates.
Compare hundreds of airlines. See the cheapest dates and book directly — no markup.
Search flightsPowered by Travel Payouts
Bundle your flight and hotel to unlock package savings — usually cheaper than booking separately.
Powered by Expedia
Compare prices across hundreds of hotels, resorts, and rentals — free cancellation on most.
Search hotelsPowered by Expedia
Museum tickets, guided tours, and day trips — skip-the-line access, most with free cancellation.
Browse experiencesPowered by Tiqets
Pre-book a private transfer — fixed price, meet-and-greet, no surge pricing.
Book a transferPowered by Welcome Pickups
Compare rental cars from top agencies — pickup at airports, hotels, and city centers.
Compare ratesPowered by Expedia
Whole homes, cabins, and condos — more space, full kitchens, and local neighborhoods.
Browse rentalsPowered by Expedia
Trip cancellation, medical coverage, and emergency evacuation — get a free quote in minutes.
Get a free quotePowered by Travelex