An oversized Christmas ornament greets visitors to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland store in Frankenmuth, Mich., where the holiday is celebrated all year long. With more than two acres (100,000 square feet) of floor space and aisle after aisle of trees -- 350 in all -- brimming with every ornament imaginable and then some, Bronners justifiably calls itself the Worlds Largest Christmas Store. But the capitalization on the oversized ornament makes it clear that store owner Wayne Bronner isn’t putting commercialism over the religious significance of Christmas. (Jay Jones / For The Times)
Arlene Kirby, of Waldorf, Md., standing, and her daughter, Beth Killoran , of Vienna, Va., and Kirby’s 2-year-old grandson, Daniel (Killoran), enjoy a display of Santa ornaments during a visit to Bronner’s. More than 2 million people a year come by car and bus to wander and wonder. And, of course, to shop. (Jay Jones / For The Times)
This Christmas tree at Bronner’s is designed with playful youngsters in mind. (Jay Jones / For The Times)
A nativity scene on display at Bronner’s. (Jay Jones / For The Times)
