A German Christmas List
Strolling through Frankenmuth feels like stepping into an enchanting German Christmas Market with Old World Christmas traditions and wonders around every corner.
The Bavarian-inspired architecture, twinkling lights, and the aroma of freshly baked holiday treats create a magical European atmosphere. With every step, you'll feel transported to a world brimming with timeless holiday magic. As you explore, use this list as a guide to find traditional holiday items commonly found at German Christmas markets. From handcrafted ornaments to aromatic mulled wine, each treasure you discover is a piece of holiday tradition waiting to be unwrapped.
The below list is 12 common German Christmas markets items and where you can find them in Frankenmuth:
Glühwein
A warm, spiced red wine infused with flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and citrus...
Sip and savor this flavor all-season-long at Black Star Farms, Kern’s Sausages, Kernel Benny's Popcorn & Frankenmuth House of Cigar, Modern Craft Winery, & St. Julian Winery; and on select weekends at Bavarian Inn Castle Shops - Wine & Beer Shop.
Turn your sips into souvenirs at Kernel Benny’s with their limited edition souvenir Glühwein mug!
Bratwurst
A classic German sausage, usually made from pork or beef, grilled or fried and served hot in a bun...
While you can enjoy bratwurst every day in Frankenmuth, they just taste a little extra traditional this time of year - you can find them at these locations: Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, Kern’s Sausages, Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, & Willi’s Sausage Company.
Lebkuchen
German gingerbread-like cookies, often spiced and decorated with icing, ranging from soft and cake-like to crisp, and traditionally shaped into hearts or stars...
You can find these flavorful holiday shapes at Bavarian Inn Castle Shops Bakery, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, Kernel Benny's Popcorn & Frankenmuth House of Cigar, Kern's Sausages, Inc., and Zehnder’s Marketplace.
Stollen
A festive German fruit bread filled with candied fruits, nuts, and marzipan, dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy appearance...
Fill your palette with this fruit-filled tradition found at Bavarian Inn Castle Shops Bakery, Kern's Sausages, and Zehnder’s Marketplace.
Be sure to try it while enjoying a world-famous chicken dinner!
Pretzels
Freshly baked, soft pretzels with a chewy, golden-brown crust and often sprinkled with coarse salt...
A German pretzel is ‘knot’ your average pretzel! Enjoy one on the go from Bavarian Inn Castle Shops Bakery, Frank’s Muth, or Kernel Benny's Popcorn. Or select it from the sit-down menus at Cass River Bar & Grill, Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan on Main Bar and Grill, or Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie. However you choose to enjoy this twisted tradition - it’s sure to leave your taste buds merry!
Want to bake pretzel memories of your own? Pick up a German Pretzel baking mix at Kern’s Sausages and take the tradition to your kitchen!
Roasted Nuts
Warm, spiced nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and chestnuts, roasted to a sweet, caramelized perfection...
You can find this crunchy sweet treat at Bavarian Inn Castle Shops - Candy Shop, Frankenmuth Taffy Kitchen, SugarRush Sweets & Treats, The Michigan Shoppe, and Zehnder's Marketplace.
Handmade Ornaments
Intricate, handcrafted ornaments, often painted or carved, that add a traditional touch to Christmas trees and decorations...
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree - these ornaments will fill your house with glee! Shop handmade ornaments at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, Bavarian Inn Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Co., and Zehnder’s Marketplace.
Handcraft an ornament of your own at the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience this holiday season!
Nutcrackers
Decorative, soldier-like figures carved from wood, used as holiday décor...
This iconic Christmas decoration can be found keeping guard at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, Bavarian Inn Castle Shops, Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Co., and Zehnder’s Marketplace.
Hand-Carved Decorations
Intricately crafted wooden pieces like candle-lit arches (Schwibbogen), Christmas pyramids (Weihnachtspyramide), and incense smokers (Räuchermännchen), often depicting nativity scenes, angels, or stars...
These intricate designs full of history can be found throughout the Bavarian Inn Castle Shops, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, and Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Co.
Cuckoo Clocks
Traditional German clocks known for their ornate wooden designs and signature cuckoo sound, typically featuring intricate, hand-carved woodland scenes...
Keep track of time - German style, with an ornate cuckoo clock from Frankenmuth Clock & German Gift Co. or Zehnder's Marketplace.
Woolen Goods
Warm, cozy wool items like scarves, hats, gloves, and bedding, perfect for staying warm during the winter season...
Stay cozy and warm this winter season with locally sourced and made wool products from Frankenmuth Woolen Mill, Funky Skunk, and Rapunzel's Boutique.
Beer
Germany’s iconic beverage, often brewed following centuries-old traditions, offering a variety of flavors from light pilsners to rich, dark lagers...
A trip to Frankenmuth isn’t complete without a stein of German beer! Say ‘Prost’ as you savor the brewed flavors of Germany at Frankenmuth Brewery, Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Covered Bridge Shop - BridgeView Bar, Kernel Benny's Popcorn & Frankenmuth House of Cigar, and Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie.
While you shop, sip, and savor the German Christmas market traditions found throughout Frankenmuth, immerse yourself in the below events and experiences for even more magic!
