Bronner's Attracts Millions With It's Christmas Spirit

Are you a “Christmas” person? Do you like to surround yourself with all things Christmas? Do you love to wrap yourself in all the beauty and sparkle of the holiday season?

Or, are you the type of person that needs a little nudge to get into the spirit of it all?

Regardless of which type you are, tell Alexa to play your favorite Christmas music, grab a cuppa something warm and come along with me as I give you a tour of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland…

What is Bronner’s?

Bronner’s is a Christmas wonderland located in Frankenmuth, Michigan and attracts visitors from around the world every year. A million people go here every single year! Yes, you read that right…a million. You know what that means? It will be crowded if you go in December. And it is. But sometimes that’s part of the holiday magic.

When I say this is a Christmas Wonderland, I’m not kidding. If you can think of an item related to Christmas, it is probably here.

Do you need a new tree? Check. Want an annual or personalized ornament? Check. Need a mailbox cover or replacement light bulbs? Check and check. How about an outdoor inflatable? Yep, check.

There are over 80,000 items in Bronner’s inventory so it is very unlikely that you won’t find what you are looking for.

When You Get There

I went on the Monday after Thanksgiving and arrived around 10:15am. The parking lot was fairly empty and we had no wait to enter the building. There are a couple of entrances into the building. and we parked in the west entrance lot since that was the first one we came to pulling into the area.

Suggestion: make sure you take note of which entrance you park at and the location of your vehicle since this is a large parking lot. Take a picture that will remind you in case you forget.

One thing to note is that the store has a covered drop off area at each the west and the south entrance. With our Michigan weather this can be handy!

The month of December is understandably the store’s busiest time and on the weekend there can be a wait to enter the store. Keep this in mind and dress accordingly! I heard that the weekend after Thanksgiving people were waiting up to two hours to get it in – and this is Michigan so…burrrr

Take a moment to look at the covering by the door. They have signs up that say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in several different languages and list the country. It was pretty impressive! I’m sure this is to pay a tribute to so many that have come from every corner of the world to visit.

If nothing else and you are one of the many to stand outside waiting it will give you something to read and a new thing to learn!

Welcome To The Wonderland

Wonderland is the only word that can come close to describing what feast of lights, ornaments and displays will greet you as soon as you walk in. Truly, it will leave you awestruck from the beginning and it doesn’t stop.

There is a greeter and information area inside the second door. And immediately to your left you will find restrooms – just in case you had a long drive like I did. Then you can grab a cart and be on your way to browse and gawk through the store.

Ornaments Galore!

When I say there are thousands of ornaments in this store you may think I am exaggerating. I would too. But, I’m not. Not even a little.

There are ornaments for specific occupations – and there are a lot of those. Ornaments abound for various hobbies, sports teams, favorite foods, animals…oh my gosh, if you can think of it, it’s probably here.

Do You Like Birds?

Yep, there are ornaments for them…

Are you A House United or Divided?

Show your support because they have these too!

Don’t worry if neither of these are your state team. They also have a small selection of ornaments for schools such as Central Michigan University, Western Michigan University and a few others.

More Ornaments…I told You There Were A Lot

Something Special

Just like most people, I was so caught up in just ogling and absorbing the enormous array of ornaments that I nearly missed something very interesting.

There is a section of ornaments in the west end of the building near the Christmas tree area that has signs for different countries around the world. I assumed they were to represent the holiday around the world. I mean, the store does get visitors from all corners of the Earth so that’s a logical conclussion.

These ornaments are actually imported from that country! And let me tell you, some are just exquisite! Some of them were very ornate, while others were quite playful.

I hope you take a few minutes to skim the area.

O Tannenbaum!

For those who may not know, that means Christmas Tree (fir tree, specifically). And once again, Bronner’s has you covered if you are looking for a new artificial tree to have for many years to come.

The trees are located at the west end of the building and there are several to choose from, including the very tall (over 10′) ones.

While you’re in that department, don’t forget to take a look at all the lights and angel toppers!

All Your Decorating Needs

In addition to the multitude of trees available and angel toppers, Bronner’s also carries such items as light strands, mailbox covers, shaped window lights, artificial flowers (beautiful ones too!) and much more. But, take your checkbook or credit card. Some of these items are a little pricey!

Your Village Expansion

Many people have taken to creating a Christmas Village in their homes. I have myself and part of the enjoyment is adding to it each year.

Regardless which type of village you are building yourself, you are sure to find a new piece here! Whether you have the mini villages, the large village, a Dickens Village, you are building a cityscape or just want to add some people and accessories, Bronners has a huge selection of these items.

Holy City

Having a Nativity in your home is not unusal for many at Christmas. At Bronner’s they took it a step further that I had never thought about doing…build an entire Holy City!

I was blown away by the display and, if I had the room (and budget, which I sadly don’t), I would absolutely do this. But, some of you may be looking to do just this type of “village”.

Not Just Ornaments and Villages

Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland lives up to their name. If it has to do with Christmas (and a few other holidays we’ll talk about shortly), then you will most likely find it here.

Besides ornaments, Bronner’s has a good selection of stockings that you can have personalized while you shop.

Don’t forget a stocking hanger!

Or Just Christmas

Bronner’s does have a couple of areas on the south side that have a small selection of items for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Easter.

There is also a spot of children’s stuffed animals, puzzles and small toys.

Helpful Touches

Throughout the store you will find small signs and cards to explain something that you may be looking at. For instance, in the Ireland section is a card talking about Legend of the Celtic Cross. Or, in the Scotland area, a card telling you about the tradition of Bagpipes.

These are pretty interesting and if you see any, take a second to read them. They aren’t very big or take long to read.

Ways To Shop Bronner’s

Not everyone can make the trek to Bronner’s. Not every year, perhaps not ever. But you can still enjoy some of the items they offer!

In the store. Here you can browse and have items personlized while you wait or shop. In December, expect very long lines to enter the store and at the personalization stations
Online. This has become a popular and easy way to shop for most people and Bronner’s offers this convenience, as well. Please check their website for delivery deadlines https://bronners.com/
Catalog. On their website you have the option to order a catalog and make a purchase through that media.

Other Services

While most know Bronner’s as a Christmas store they are still very much stuck to their roots which is decorating.

Bronner’s still sells commercial decorations to businesses, cities, zoos and more. When you visit an area that is decorating beautifully for Christmas, there is an excellent chance they came from Bronner’s. If you have a business, feel free to contact them for your own decorating needs.

Another service Bronner’s offer is for anyone who would like to purchase ornaments in bulk for corporate gifts or fundraisers. The ornaments can be designed with company logos or the artists at Bronner’s can help you with a design. There is also a bulk discount depending on quantity ordered.

Call 800-361-6736 for more information.

Getting Personal

Personalization is a HUGE attraction and service for the shoppers who visit Bronner’s everyday. As I stated earlier, you can have names added to stockings if you would like to.

The one item that gets the most names added to it is…you guessed it…ornaments.

There are two types of personalization that can be done – painted or penned. Painted is done with acrylic paints, whereas, penned is performed with craft pens.

At this time painted is not being offered. If that is something you are interested in, I would suggest waiting until after Christmas this year and you can order it online or through the catalog for a late gift or wait to give it next year. Sorry, but all businesses must have deadlines for certain services and this one is too time consuming for the throngs of visitors they are getting right now.

If you would like a penned personalization, look for eligible ornaments in Section 8 that have a red “O” on the price tag. Take your chosen ornament to the Personalization counter and place your order. Every ornament has a letter allotment depending on it’s size. If you stay within the allotment there is no charge for the service. However, every word over the allotment is $1/word.

When painted personalization is allowed, just go to section 6, pick out your ornament and place your order. Again, there is a limit on the number of letters allowed with $1/word for anything over that.

Expect a long wait during December!

Final This & That’s

There are “sale” areas in a couple places around the store. It’s understandable that there isn’t a lot being clearanced out right now since this is prime ornament and decorating time. But, you may find something so it’s worth taking a peek at.

Bronner’s has several cash registers open at the west and south entrances. Granted I was there early in the day but we still had very little wait time and many registers at the south entrance had no one in line.

It is Christmas so while shopping please have patience with those around you and enjoy your visit to this magical store!

Yay or Nay?

Obviously, this is going to be a yay. I mean, how can anything Christmas be a nay? Right?

Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland began in 1945 and slowly grew. They have expanded their business and moved it a couple of times over the years. In 1977, the Bronner’s we know today opened after Wally Bronner aquired 45 acres and built a new facility.

The last expansion in 2002 made the store the size of 5.5 football fields! (Note: wear some comfy shoes!). And if that isn’t enough, they have enough room on the property to grow more down the road if they need to. As of right now, there are no future plans for any more additions but that’s the beauty of tomorrow…we just don’t know what it will hold.

I would like to thank Lori Libka, the Communications Assistant at Bronner’s, for taking some time to sit down with me during my visit. She was extrememly informative and friendly. Thank you Lori for your time and so graciously answering all my questions although I didn’t have an appointment!

Speaking of nice…everyone I interacted with here was very friendly! I will say though, the staff on the floor were busy keeping everything stocked and, understandably, were not overy friendly towards the shoppers but if you asked them for help, they were right on it.

Finally, a big shout and thank you to my partners in adventure for the day…Shelby Johnson, Pam Bailey and Jane McGee! Thank you ladies, I had a great time!