As a family-owned and operated business, we believe tradition is the bridge that connects us to our ancestors, our family, and our heritage. Tradition gives us a sense of belonging and identity, reminding us of who we are and where we come from! This holiday season, we’re excited to share a glimpse of our cherished Bavarian Inn Christmas traditions with you!
1. Decorating for the holiday season!
Our family kicks off the beginning of the season with holiday decorating for all three properties, Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, and Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant! This is a tedious and time-consuming process; thus, our decorators start as early as the first week of November! One of our most iconic decorations is the stunning upside-down Christmas tree in the Lodge’s front lobby. This unique tradition honors our German heritage, where, during the Middle Ages, trees were hung upside down to symbolize the Holy Trinity—the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. Holiday Headgear
Every December, our team members at the Bavarian Inn Lodge spread holiday cheer during the weekends by wearing holiday headgear! One of our cherished values here at Bavarian Inn is FUN, thus, we are always looking for ways to incorporate this value into our team members’ and guests’ experience with us.
3. Breakfast with Santa
Each year, the man in red carves out time from his busy schedule to enjoy a delightful breakfast at the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge! Guests are warmly invited by the Bavarian Inn team to join this festive meet-and-greet event, where they can share a magical morning not only with Santa but also with Mrs. Claus and the beloved Willy the Dragon. It’s a holiday tradition filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
4. Pickle in a tree Scavenger Hunt
The Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Restaurant invites guests on a holiday scavenger hunt! In Germany, families would hide a pickle-shaped ornament in the Christmas tree, and the first child to find it on Christmas morning would receive a special gift or good fortune for the year ahead. We’ve put our twist on this cherished custom by challenging our guests to spot hidden pickle ornaments in 10 of our beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the restaurant. Click here for more information!
5. Christmas Eve and Day Buffets
Bringing families together for a stress-free gathering is our hope every holiday. Our goal in hosting our Christmas Eve and Day Buffets at the Bavarian Inn Lodge is to do just that. No grocery shopping, cleaning, or cooking because we do it all for you. Annually, our family is filled with gratitude to have the opportunity to serve a full house of guests. The meals we offer are always well-appreciated by locals and tourists and often sell out quickly.
Click here for more information on our Christmas Eve and Day Buffet!
6. Christmas Eve and Day spent at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant
Embracing our long-standing tradition of providing memorable dining experiences, The Bavarian Inn Restaurant hosts guests on Christmas Eve and Day. A true holiday delight, our menu features three signature entrees the Ultimate Family Style Bavarian Dinner and the All-You-Can-Eat Frankenmuth Style Chicken Dinner. However, if you’re taste buds crave the taste of Germany while visiting little Bavaria, we also feature a variety of traditional German cuisine.
Click here see the Bavarian Inn Restaurants Menu!
7. Christmas Eve and Day Take-out
There is something so special about having a meal around a table or home that has been a part of the family for generations. This is why we decided to create our Christmas Eve and Day Take-Out menu. Our take-out dinner includes a Whole Roasted Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Baked Dressing, Buttered Noodles, Coleslaw, Cranberry Relish, Bavarian Inn Seasoning, and one loaf of the Bavarian Inn House-made Bread. We also have the option to add a Pumpkin or Apple pie! All of this without the hassle of prepping and cooking for days.
Call us at (989) -652-9941 for more information on our Christmas Eve and Day Takeout Dinner.
As the holiday season unfolds, annually we are reminded of the anchor that holds us to an ever-changing world: tradition. We are filled with gratitude each year, remembering those who came before us and laid the foundation for our cherished traditions that have become an integral part of other families’ holiday traditions.
