Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

Photo Credit: Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store, has been spreading holiday cheer 361 days a year for generations. Spanning more than 7 acres, roughly the length of one and a half football fields, the beloved Michigan landmark features more than 50,000 ornaments, decorations, gifts, and collectibles from around the globe. 

Beyond its year-round attractions, Bronner's also hosts a calendar of seasonal celebrations, beginning with Christmas in July and continuing throughout the holiday season. From collectible artist signings and special appearances by Santa to live performances and festive family activities, these are some of the season's top events you won't want to miss this year!

1. Celebrate America's 250th Anniversary at Bronner's

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland honors a massive national milestone with a dedicated patriotic celebration inside its sprawling Frankenmuth headquarters. This world famous store features a towering, themed United States 250th anniversary tree near the west entrance alongside a commemorative parade float parked outside the south doors. Visitors can browse an exclusive collection of limited edition memorabilia and patriotic ornaments designed specifically for the occasion. It's a unique opportunity to experience the store's legendary year round winter charm merged with a historic American milestone.

• Dates: July 1st through December 31st, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: If you are visiting during the month of July, make sure to bring the kids to the interactive coloring wall set up inside the store for a fun, hands-on activity that keeps little ones entertained while you shop.

2. Santa on Vacation at Bronner's

Before his busy winter season kicks in, Santa Claus makes a special summer pitstop in Frankenmuth for a one day only meet and greet. Families can find the vacationing St. Nick hanging out near the store's south entrance for afternoon photos and chats. This casual summer session offers a relaxed alternative to the long lines typically found during the peak winter rush. Visitors are welcome to snap their own pictures on their phones or gather the entire crew together for a complimentary group photo.

• Dates: Saturday, July 25th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Because this is a completely free, one day only summer event, lines peak right at noon so arrive about 15 minutes early near the south entrance to secure a spot closer to the front.

3. Jim Shore Meet & Greet Signing Event

Renowned sculptor and folk artist Jim Shore visits Frankenmuth for an exclusive, two-hour signing event featuring his highly recognizable giftware collections. Fans can bring their newly purchased pieces from the store to be personally signed by the artist himself. To keep the event moving efficiently, signatures are strictly limited to qualifying collectibles bought on site during the event window. It's an incredible chance for collectors to meet the creative force behind these intricately detailed, heritage inspired figurines.

• Dates: Saturday, October 10th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Signing tickets are strictly first come, first served starting at 9:00 AM at the South Entrance. You must be physically present to get a ticket, so do not plan on having someone else hold your spot in line.

4. The Doll Maker Precious Moments Doll Signing with Linda Rick

Acclaimed doll designer Linda Rick, the imaginative mind behind The Doll Maker, hosts a special double session signing event inside the store. Doll enthusiasts and Precious Moments collectors can meet the artist in person and have their new doll purchases personalized and signed. The event showcases a vast array of vinyl and porcelain creations, making it an ideal stop to pick up a rare heirloom piece. Linda will be greeting fans during both morning and afternoon time blocks to accommodate weekend shoppers.

• Dates: Saturday, October 24th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Take advantage of the scheduled midday break between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to browse the doll displays uninterrupted, picking out your favorite piece so that you're first in line for the afternoon session.

5. Department 56 Village Retirement Weekend at Bronner's

Miniature village collectors gather for a highly anticipated annual weekend dedicated to the latest updates from Department 56. The event features elaborate, sprawling village displays that showcase detailed winter landscapes, bustling town squares, and intricate lighting setups.

Bronner's provides an official, comprehensive list of newly retired pieces for the season alongside a limited inventory of older, discounted collectibles. Attendees can also enter a special prize drawing for a chance to take home a beautiful village piece to add to their own displays.

• Dates: November 6th through November 8th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Head straight to the display tables to pick up the printed retirement list first. Knowing which pieces are disappearing helps you prioritize the sales section before the limited stock sells out.

6. Egyptian Glass Signing with Linda Paul

Celebrating a quarter century of artistry, Egyptian Museum Glass co-owner Linda Paul stops by Frankenmuth for a special weekend signing. Visitors can explore a dazzling selection of hand blown glass items, including delicate perfume bottles, vibrant ornaments, wine glasses, and elegant vases.

Pieces purchased during the event can be personally signed by Linda to commemorate their 25th anniversary milestone. These delicate works of art feature 24 karat gold accents, making them exceptional gift options for the upcoming winter holidays.

• Dates: Saturday, November 14th and Sunday, November 15th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Sunday offers a much shorter afternoon signing window (12:00 PM to 3:00 PM) compared to Saturday, making the Saturday morning block the best time to go if you want a more unhurried chat with Linda.

7. Fontanini Nativity Signing with Emanuele Fontanini

Emanuele Fontanini travels from Italy to Frankenmuth for an exclusive, single day signing event centered around his family's legendary nativity collection. For four hours, he will greet collectors and personalize newly purchased Fontanini figures, stables, and heirloom nativity sets.

Known worldwide for their exceptional detail and durable polymer craftsmanship, these Italian designed pieces are timeless additions to any home's winter display. It's a rare opportunity to connect with the multi-generational legacy behind these historic nativity designs.

• Dates: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: If your travel plans clash with this single day appearance, contact customer service ahead of time. They can arrange to have a piece pre-signed and shipped directly to your house!

8. St. Nicholas to Santa Claus

Bronner's brings history to life inside its Program Center with a lively, educational performance tracing the roots of winter's most famous icon. During this interactive, 30 minute presentation, St. Nicholas himself shares the fascinating story of how a historic figure transformed into modern day Santa Claus.

The tradition heavily relies on audience participation, making it a fantastic, engaging experience for younger children. Two separate afternoon sessions are offered each day, providing plenty of flexibility for families exploring the massive store.

• Dates: Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: The Program Center is an enclosed indoor space with limited seating, so aim for the 3:00 PM session on either day, which typically draws smaller crowds than the earlier 2:00 PM show.

9. Christmas Traditions Ornament Signing with Glenn Crider

American artisan Glenn Crider brings his beautifully detailed wood and glass designs to Frankenmuth for a weekend showcase. Known for creating heirloom quality holiday decorations, Glenn will spend the weekend meeting with collectors and signing his official Christmas Traditions pieces. Every item is proudly made in the USA, blending classic folk art aesthetics with traditional winter themes. It's an ideal weekend stop to secure a personalized keepsake ornament for your family tree or to find a meaningful holiday gift.

• Dates: Saturday, November 21st and Sunday, November 22nd, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Glenn takes an hour lunch break on Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, so map out your shopping list around that hour to avoid waiting in a stationary line.

10. Delightfully Yours Ornament Signing with Jacki Edwards

Wisconsin artist Jacki Edwards visits the store to host a personalized signing event focused on her heartwarming collection of keepsake ornaments. Since 1983, Jacki has been handcrafting detailed clay designs that focus on family themes, capturing couples, newborns, and families of all sizes.

Shoppers who buy any of her Delightfully Yours ornaments during the weekend can have them customized with names or dates by the artist. These whimsical, character driven pieces are highly popular for capturing specific family milestones.

• Dates: Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th, 2026
• Admission: Free Admission
• Street Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Kid-Friendly: Yes
• Pet-Friendly: No
• Parking: Free Parking
• Website: https://www.bronners.com/events-calendar

Insider Tip: Because these ornaments are highly customizable, bring a written list of the exact names and family milestones you want Jacki to include to keep the line moving smoothly and ensure error free spelling.

Plan Your Visit to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland

No matter when you visit, Bronner's seasonal events offer even more reasons to experience this iconic destination. From special guest appearances and live entertainment to exclusive collectible signings, there's always something new to discover throughout the season.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
25 Christmas Lane
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Website: www.bronners.com

And make the most of your trip by exploring more of Frankenmuth while you're in town. Known as Michigan's "Little Bavaria," the city is home to charming shops, authentic dining, family-friendly attractions, and year-round festivals. Be sure to check out our Frankenmuth Christmas guide for even more ways to plan the perfect holiday getaway!