Experience Christmas Spirit this Winter in Frankenmuth, Michigan
Experience a Winter Weekend Getaway to Frankenmuth, Michigan
Immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit as you glide across the ice at the Frankenmuth Ice Rink, shop at the largest Christmas store, bundle up and tour the town in a carriage ride, and gaze in wonder at the picturesque lit Christmas tree.
River Place Shops Decorated for Christmas
Frankenmuth has not one, but two indoor water parks so you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Participate in winter activities outdoors and then warm up at the heated indoor water park hotel during your stay or a cozy cottage or nearby hotel.
With tons of family-friendly holiday indoor and outdoor activities this German Bavarian Town in Frankenmuth makes a wonderful Michigan day trip or weekend winter vacation. Here is your Family Guide to experience Christmas holiday festivities in Frankenmuth this season. We’ve rounded up the best places to stay, eat and play for a weekend getaway with your family.
Best Places to Stay in Frankenmuth
Offering a variety of accommodations to choose this quaint Bavarian town has two waterparks, as well as, several nearby hotels and cozy VRBO’s to fit your families individual needs.
Zehnder’s Water Park
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Water Park
Unmatched for it’s family-friendly atmosphere Zehnder’s Splash Village has a wide range of accommodations geared towards families and large groups. It offers onsite food and shares the parking lot with Bronner’s Christmas World. From the minute you approach the hotel, you’re greeted with bright colorful Christmas light displays to put you in the holiday mood. Read about our experience and Tips for Visiting Zehnder’s Water Park.
Hampton Inn Birch Run
Located only 8 miles from Frankenmuth, Hampton Inn features an indoor pool, hot tub, flat screen TV’s with cable and Wi-Fi. If you love to shop you’ll be nearby Birch Run Outlet Mall, which is only 10 miles from Frankenmuth.
Holiday Inn Express Birch Run- Frankenmuth Area
Only minutes from downtown Frankenmuth’s festivities, Holiday Inn Birch Run Michigan provides its hotel guest with Wi-Fi, a free breakfast, and an indoor swimming pool.
Bavaria Inn Restaurant
Bavarian Inn Lodge
Located in the heart of downtown, the Bavarian Inn Lodge is convenient for being immersed in the Christmas festivities and German architecture with nearby shopping, dining and events occurring in Frankenmuth. Featuring pools, water slides, arcades and restaurants it’s a ideal place for a fun family experience.
Best Things to Do in Frankenmuth
Ice Skate at Frankenmuth’s Ice Rink
Located in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth, the Frankenmuth Ice Rink is the perfect spot to make memories with your family and friends this winter as you glide, twirl and slide across the ice. The chilled outdoor rink is in Zehnder’s Park and is open from Nov 20th, 2023 - Feb 29th, 2024. Cost: $10 admission, $3 skate rental
Visit Downtown Frankenmuth
Carriage Rides Around Downtown
A one-of -kind experience is taking a carriage ride around downtown Frankenmuth. Amid the clopping of hooves on the road, cuddle up and enjoy the dazzling lights in the town of Frankenmuth all aglow in lights. Fantasy Carriage Rides prices are for a carriage ride not per person, 6 people max in carriage. Starting at 15 minutes -$105.06
30 minutes-$179.22
Capture Christmas Memories
From snowman to ornaments, Christmas displays and photo opportunities are set up throughout Frankenmuth’s downtown area. Stop at the Visitors Center to snap a family photo of your time in Frankenmuth during the holidays. In the evenings downtown your eyes will be delighted by the decorations and thousands of light displays.
Christmas Family Photo Opportunities by the Visitor Center
Gaze at the Lit Christmas Tree
Christmas music can be heard echoing down the street thanks to the synchronized lights and music of Frankenmuth’s towering tree. Conveniently located at the Visitor’s Center, make sure to pick up a map and Peppermint Perk Coupons for $5 off a $25 purchase, honored by many shops and restaurants this holiday season.
Frankemuth’s Lighted Singing Tree
Golden Ticket Trolley Ride
One of the newest ways to explore the town is on a trolley ride. As you journey around on the Golden Ticket Trolley, hear the unique history of Frankenmuth and view the town in all it’s holiday splendor. It’s bound to put you in a festive mood as you climb aboard the trolley decked out the Christmas decor.
Watch Fudge Demonstrations
The smell wafting out from the Frankenmuth Fudge Kitchen is unmatched! Watch the fudge demonstrations and take home some delicious fudge when you visit. We highly recommend the peanut butter cup fudge.
Play at Kids Kingdom
This all wooden playground is epic for kids. Climb, and play as you explore this imaginative playground perfect for all ages.
Cross the Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke Covered Bridge
Stretching across the Cass river, this rustic wooden bridge is a sight to behold, especially dusted with snow and lit up at night. Stroll across or drive over this 239 foot bridge, which is Michigan’s longest wooden covered bridge.
Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke Covered Bridge
Visit Santa’s Reindeer Farm at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm
Bring your family to Grandpa’s Tiny’s Farm to experience Santa’s Farm during the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the Christmas season!
When: Saturday, November 26-27
Experience a Winter Festival
Santa visits Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland Dec 3-24, 2023.
Zehnder's Snowfest combines winter activities of ice sculpting, delicious food and dazzling fireworks January 24-28, 2024.
Explore Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
No trip to Frankenmuth is complete without visiting this one-of-a kind Christmas store where you can find traditional, as well as, unique Christmas home decor, ornaments and holiday gifts. Stop to experience the Christmas spirit exuding from every corner of the expansive building and pick up that unique item for that special person. TIP Grab a delicious cookies while visiting!
Shop at River Place Mall
As you meander through River Place Shops you’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Trickling waterfalls, colorful lights, and a lit Christmas tree creates a magical atmosphere among the unique German style architecture. You’ll find boutiques, specialty stores and places to satisfy your sweet tooth like the Popcorn Wagon and Sugar High Bakery.
Where to Eat in Frankenmuth
Popcorn Wagon Frankenmuth Choose from 20 different Gourmet popcorn flavors. Family owned business that makes all their delicious popcorn in small batches to ensure its quality.
Sugar High Bakery
In Riverside place shops Sugar-High Bakery makes delectable custom cakes, cupcakes and desserts.
Cheese Haus
A family owned business that carries over 270 different varieties of cheeses from all over the world, including 12 cheeses made "in haus". Plus they sell many Michigan-made products too located downtown Frankenmuth near the visitor’s center.
A popular place to stop and grab a taste of New Orleans Beignet. These deep fried pastry are generously dusted with confectioners sugar and filled with yummy deliciousness. They’re served hot and are best paired with a cup of coffee or café au lait!
Frankenmuth Brewery
One of the oldest breweries in Michigan featuring 21 beers on tap, pub style food and awwwmazing burgers! You won’t be disappointed!
Zehnders Famous Chicken Dinners
Famous for their filling family style dinners. Zehnder’s special seasoned chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttered noodles is just the beginning. For families with young children, realized this is a sit down meal that can take up to two hours.
Budget Friendly Tip Experience the delicious food for half the price when you go at lunchtime, instead of dinner during the week at Zehnder’s, excludes weekends.
Bavarian Inn Restaurant
If you desire authentic German style dishes such as Schnitzel and Sauerbraten, plus American favorites then head to this restaurant in Frankenmuth.
Closing Thoughts
Frankenmuth is a great town to visit for a family vacation during Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime. My family loves visiting this picturesque German Bavarian town filled with unique Michigan experiences. With such an array of features for both young and old, you’ll create lasting memories together as you spend the entire weekend immersing yourself in the winter holiday events.
Make sure you pin and save, then follow Discovering Anew for more Michigan day trips, Midwest travel and camping recommendations. We love sharing new content so if you’re searching for ideas for your next vacation, here are some recent posts we suggest.
