This is one of my favorite places to visit in Frankenmuth. I'll tell you why. Years ago during a visit, I wandered the grounds of Bronner's after dark, wanting to check out the gorgeous Christmas lights in their element. After roaming around for a bit, I thought I heard...music? It was a beautiful choral rendition of "Silent Night" seemingly coming out of nowhere. I followed the sound, and it eventually led me to the pathway that flows to the Silent Night chapel. Along the pathway, signs boast the history of the song, and I'll give you a taste of it: the song was written in Austria by a young priest named Joseph Mohr. He approached composer Franz Xavier Gruber, a schoolmaster and organist, to come up with a guitar melody for the song for Christmas Eve mass (the church organ wasn't working). The carol has since been translated into over 140 languages. This chapel is a replica of the original chapel in Oberndorf, where the song was first performed. Wally Bronner had visited the original chapel there and was inspired to construct a replica on the grounds of the family's World's Largest Christmas Store. The chapel itself is really beautiful; it's small but cozy, and it can really bring you back in time to when the song was first composed and performed. There's a ton of informational readings to take in here. Truly a beautiful gem. read more

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Calming short diversion from the hustle and bustle of Frankenmuth's touristy attraction. Located right in parking lot of the infamous Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (and main entrance to town) . History of this chapel well documented. Limited seating inside small chapel, but appreciated a chance to rest and soak in ambience and reverent creation. Beautifully done with some local documentation. Nice chance to center oneself. read more

I'm not sure how I have been to Bronners so many times and just noticed the memorial here. It also is located at the back of the parking lot, which happens to be in the complete opposite direction of all of their beautiful holiday lights.... so if you haven't seen it either- don't feel too bad about it. The memorial chapel is a free attraction and one you are able to just walk into and spend as much time as you'd like there. And it's a good thing, because there is quite a bit to see. The actual chapel is a replica of the original 'Silent Night' chapel, which is located in Obenrndorf, Austria. It's significant because it's the actual chapel where the original musicians (Mohr and Gruber) sang the song for the fist time. Inside there is no shortage of photos, facts, letters, and tid-bits that will have you feeling like a Silent Night expert by time you leave. My favorite touch was the stones placed around the chapel, with the lyrics written in all different languages. They even had a braille one, which I thought was a very nice touch. So, stop in, grab one of their cute pamphlets, and give yourself a mini break from the tourist traps, if you're looking for something a little different. read more

Absolutely breath taking. Really brings you back to what was happening that night and what a beautiful song to be honored! Definitely something to go to and just walk in and absorb it all. read more