It’s hard to find a place that captures the spirit of Christmas more than Frankenmuth.
The small town’s iconic Bavarian architecture lends itself impressively well to the Christmas decor treatment — and the fact that the “world’s largest Christmas store” Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is down the street only helps.
Load the kids up this winter and take a day trip or quick overnight getaway to a unique town in Michigan that looks as if it was lifted up from the hills of Bavaria and dropped straight down into the Mitten.
Looking for even more Frankenmuth fun — or other Christmas towns?
- Check out our Frankenmuth guides to fun family attractions, chicken dinners you’ll love and sweet treats to enjoy.
- Explore the best Christmas towns close to home, with an extra spotlight on Holland and Grand Rapids here in Michigan.
Getting to Frankenmuth
From Detroit, Frankenmuth, in Saginaw County, is roughly 90 miles away and easily accessed via I-75 North. While it’s a fairly straightforward route, Ford’s SYNC 4 Technology can help in a pinch if you get turned around.
Everyone loves a quick pit stop to break up even a short journey. Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Legoland Discovery Center: This top stop delights kids and parents, too. The location is convenient because this brick-filled play place is just off I-75 in Great Lakes Crossing.
- Flint Children’s Museum: Go exploring in this hands-on museum designed specifically for kids up to about age 10. Exhibits change monthly!
Christmas things to do with kids in Frankenmuth
A visit to “Little Bavaria” offers families, especially those with little children, more than roast chicken and a classic German covered bridge.
Frankenmuth is known for its full-blown Christmas splendor. In fact, there are so many Christmas activities and celebrations, the town offers visitors a free Christmas shuttle that circulates every 20 minutes to help you see it all. Throughout December, the city has planned Santa sightings, hot cocoa tastings and much more.
Plan on joining in the Stop and Snap Challenge, with 15 selfie-ready stops and a prize incentive to complete every stop. Don’t forget to #frankenmuth!
More fun family experiences to try in Frankenmuth
If the little ones are desperate to meet Santa and a long line at the mall leaves you feeling less than festive, Frankenmuth has you covered.
Take the kids to Grandpa Tiny’s Reindeer Farm for a meet and greet with Santa and his trusted transportation, or let kids meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus with a backdrop of arcade games and indoor mini golf at the Bavarian Inn Lodge Family Fun Center.
Frankenmuth even has a winterized spa. Groups of two can get a pedicure inside an igloo or snow globe at the Serendipity Wellness Spa (snacks and hot cocoa available, of course).
And for kids who want something a bit more interactive, the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience is a must try. The forge is transformed during the holidays with seasonal ornaments ready to be fired. Try your hand at forging metal in a safe environment and leave with your creation. Kids as young as 6 and their parents can participate.
Head over to Zehnder Park for $10 ice skating, then take the 15-minute walk over to the visitor center to catch the singing light show at the 44-foot-tall tree. Showtimes for the “Spectacular Musical Tree Show” run every few hours all day long.
At Zehnder’s, the magic continues long after the holidays. Don’t miss the Snowfest for snow and ice sculpting.
And for those who want to stay in the comfort of their own vehicle, there’s a self-guided tour just for you: the Little Bavaria’s “Little” Driving Light Tour.
Where families like to stay in Frankenmuth
Less than a 10-minute drive north will take the family to the Frankenmuth Country Bed & Breakfast. This quaint farmhouse is ideal for a smaller family or a couple celebrating — you can add on a “babymoon” package or a picnic basket.
For families of six, the Historic Downtown Chocolate Haus Apartment is the perfect spot. Wake up in the morning and pop next door to the Creation Coffee for breakfast, and at night, the balcony overlooks the Frankenmuth Christmas tree. The family chocolate lover is in for a treat, too. Zak & Mac’s Chocolate Haus is located directly beneath the apartment and is a great spot for fudge.
The most iconic place to stay, of course, is at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Lodge located in downtown Frankenmuth. Families have access to mini golf, arcade games and more when staying at the lodge. Plus, there’s an option to add on family fun packages, like a nightly delivery of milk and cookies by Willy the Dragon.
Where to eat in Frankenmuth
A trip to Frankenmuth isn’t complete without a world famous chicken dinner, either from Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth or the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, but there are many options.
For a break from Bavarian food, try Tiffany’s near Zehnder’s for pizza and pasta. With a hotel and Biergarten history that dates back as far as 1904, the restaurant retains its authenticity in preserving the original tile, tin ceiling and mural.
Consider La Crepe du Jour for German and French cuisine combined, with bratwurst crepes and classic favorites like Nutella and banana. The restaurant is conveniently located in the Frankenmuth River Place Shops. This outdoor mall has tons of food and shopping, so it’s a great choice if the family has a few picky eaters.
Ready for more Frankenmuth? Plan your own trip with our guides to must-visit family attractions (including indoor waterparks!), the best chicken dinner and sweet treats. Be sure to explore more Christmas towns, too, including Holland and Grand Rapids.
This story was originally written in 2024 and was updated for 2025 by Naomi Kayser.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
