Sleigh bells, schnitzels and Christmas cheer in festive Frankenmuth, Michigan

As the holiday season is in full swing, few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like Frankenmuth, Mich. Known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," this charming town transforms into an enchanting Christmas village each December, blending Old World traditions with festive cheer. 

Twinkling lights, horse-drawn carriages and the enchanting aroma of roasted chestnuts, every corner feels like a scene from a Christmas card. Whether you're visiting Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland--the world’s largest Christmas store- or strolling through the snow-dusted streets lined with Bavarian-style shops, Frankenmuth offers a holiday experience straight out of a fairy tale.

If you've ever dreamed of spending a weekend in a charming European village, strolling through shops filled with old-world craftsmanship and charm, Frankenmuth brings that dream to life. Around every corner, "Little Bavaria" is full of delightful surprises.

Start your visit with a walk across the Holz Brücke, a covered bridge with 19th-century-inspired architecture that stretches over the Cass River, offering stunning views of the town and surrounding landscape. For an especially enchanting experience, visit in the evening when the bridge glows with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for a romantic photo.

While you can drive through the 239-foot, single-lane bridge, traffic often builds up, so plan accordingly. There’s also a covered pedestrian walkway with river views—but if heights make you nervous, you might want to avoid looking down! Don’t miss the historical markers on either side of the bridge, where you can learn about its unique construction and significance to the Frankenmuth community.

For breakfast, Oma’s Restaurant is a must! Located inside the Bavarian Inn Lodge, it’s just a short stroll from the covered bridge. Here, you can savor a hearty traditional German breakfast in a cozy Bavarian setting, with American and vegetarian options also available.

If you prefer a quick grab-and-go option, Frankenmuth has several charming coffee houses and bakeries offering sweet treats and freshly brewed coffee. Frankenmuth Kaffee Haus is well-known for its specialty coffee drinks and authentic German-style pastries, while SugarHigh Bakery is famous for its award-winning cupcakes and seasonal holiday treats—perfect for breakfast or a mid-afternoon indulgence.

No matter where you choose to dine, you’re sure to leave satisfied, ready to explore all the festive delights Frankenmuth has to offer.

Next, head to the Frankenmuth Historical Museum, where interactive exhibits will take you on a journey through the town’s rich history. The displays celebrating traditional German festivals might just inspire you to return for one of the many seasonal events–perhaps Oktoberfest--to experience them first-hand.

Instead of a history lesson, you can opt for a cruise on the Cass River aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat. Decked out in seasonal decorations, this Bavarian-style paddleboat ride offers a festive experience. Just be sure to bundle up; it’s winter on the river!

The Frankenmuth Woolen Mill is a must-visit. Established in 1865, it is Michigan's oldest operating mill. Take a tour of this historic building and watch as woolen goods are still produced right on site. While you're there, pick up a unique, warm, and cozy treasure to give as a gift perfect for that special person on your list, or to keep for yourself.

Continue along the river to the Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan's oldest brewery, where traditional flavors meet modern brewing techniques. It's a must-visit for beer enthusiasts, but you don’t have to be a beer lover to enjoy the full menu. From juicy burgers and bratwurst to a Bavarian-inspired bounty of traditional dishes, along with lighter options like salads and flatbreads, there’s something for everyone. And if you're wondering, yes, you can take an extra beer to go!

After a hearty meal and a few brews, you might feel the urge to take a nap, but don’t sleep through the festivities! A great way to wake up and recharge is by skating at the Zehnder Park Ice Arena. This “fully chilled outdoor rink,” located in downtown Frankenmuth, promises fun for the whole family. 

Forgot your winter gear? No problem! The rink offers skate rentals, concessions, a warming room, and even hats, gloves, and socks for purchase. And if you need a quick warm-up, you can always sneak away for another to-go beer from the brewery.

If spending the evening at urgent care for frostbite and sprained ankles isn’t part of your itinerary, you can play it safe with a leisurely stroll along Main Street. A free hop-on, hop-off shuttle runs throughout downtown all day, so you can explore without worry. Be sure to stop by the River Place Shops for a traditional small German village experience. This outdoor mall offers plenty to see and activities to keep the kids entertained. Plus, all the sidewalks in Frankenmuth are heated, so you won’t have to worry about ice or slippery slush.

For a full guide to Christmas events, visitFrankenmuth's Christmas Guide.

No visit would be complete without a stop at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy the giant Glockenspiel. It’s not only fun to say, but also a delight to watch. Standing 50 feet tall, the bell tower chimes every hour and on the quarter hour. Plan your visit for noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m., or 9 p.m. to see the tale of the Pied Piper, told through 14 beautifully carved wooden figurines. Each figure, made from wood from the Black Forest in Germany, stands four and a half feet tall and performs the story on a rotating stage beneath the bells. The sounds of the bells can be heard throughout the town, offering a perfect moment to appreciate this incredible display of German craftsmanship.

After the show, enter the Bavarian Inn Restaurant for a hearty dinner served family-style. The portions are big enough to pass and share among your group. You will want to share once the aromas of their juicy fried chicken, sauerbraten, spaetzle, schnitzel, and potato pancakes tickle your nose. Stay for the ambiance and the views of the river.

On your second day in Frankenmuth, the best has been saved for last. Setting aside plenty of time to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland might not seem like enough once you behold the vast awesomeness of this magical place. With more than 350 decorated trees spanning the 96,000-square-foot saleroom and 150 styles of nutcrackers, Bronner’s hosts over two million guests annually. Their artists personalize over 100,000 ornaments annually and ship them all over the world. Goods and decorations are represented from 70 nations, so there is a lot to see.

As you make your way down Christmas Lane, their very own half-mile road, towards Bronner’s you are greeted by giant gingerbread men, a 15-foot snowman and a 17-foot Santa. It’s a perfect photo op for kids of all ages. Once you have spent your energy and hard-earned money, be sure to enjoy the 100,000 outdoor Christmas lights display illuminated every evening for 365 days a year.

By now, you should have worked up quite the appetite. For a Bavarian break, head to DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant, known for their traditional pasta dishes and creative seasonal offerings. Their signature pizzas are worth the extra belt hole. This casual, relaxed dining experience also offers an extensive wine list and a full cocktail menu. Perfect for a romantic evening or a dinner with the family, DaVinci’s does not disappoint.

With its festive lights, charming streets, and holiday events, Frankenmuth promises memories that will last a lifetime. From traditional German meals and scenic river views to the marvel of the Glockenspiel, the town’s warm atmosphere and unique experiences make it the ideal holiday destination. As you leave Frankenmuth’s enchanting Christmas celebration, the holiday spirit will stay with you, waiting for your next visit. As they say in Frankenmuth, Bis bald – see you soon.