Next week, families in the US celebrate Thanksgiving and as everyone knows, the Christmas holidays will not be too far away. For those having problems getting into the holiday spirit or coming up blank for Christmas gifts, these unusual locations in the US are a worthy visit this time of the year.

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Michigan

Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland was first opened in 1945 by Wally Bronner and it is still the world’s largest Christmas store. Meanwhile, for those who like to celebrate all year round, Bronner’s is open and available throughout the year.

Moreover, the store is a huge draw for Frankenmuth, as Bronner’s welcomes at least two million visitors each year. In fact, visitors come here from across the US and Canada. It is so much loved that the state of Michigan designated Bronner’s an “Embassy for Michigan Tourism” back in 1976.

To get an idea of the size of the store, it covers an area of five and a half football fields. Meanwhile, it nestles on 27 acres of landscaped grounds with many Christmas displays. Examples are the three, 17-foot Santas and a 15-foot snowman outside the main entrance. You will also see a lifesize Nativity scene outside.

Once you enter the building, the store features around 800 animated figurines and the electricity bill for Bronner’s averages out at around $900 every day of the year. While Wally Bronner sadly passed away in 2008 at the age of 81, the store continues to open as it did from the start. To get an idea of the items for sale and to shop online, visit the website of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland here.

Tumbleweed Christmas Tree, Chandler, Arizona

The city of Chandler, Arizona has a beloved tradition, which dates back to 1957. Starting in and around October, city workers start collecting the dried Russian thistle bushes (tumbleweeds) that blow over the landscape. Meanwhile, this isn’t just a cleaning task, as it takes approximately 1,000 tumbleweeds to create a massive “Christmas tree” each year.

Once the tumbleweeds are collected, they are placed around a chicken wire frame to give the illusion and shape of a full tree. Once placed, the tumbleweeds are coated with white paint and flame retardant.

Once that has been done, the “tree” is coated with some 65 pounds of glitter and strung with Christmas lights. This leads to a serious ceremony where the lights are activated and the Chandler’s locals get excited. Meanwhile, this is a ceremony to commemorate all the hard work performed by city cleaners over the year to create the perfect Tumbleweed Christmas Tree.

Chippewa Falls Christmas Village, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

Each year on Black Friday (the day following Thanksgiving), Chippewa Falls transforms into a true Christmas wonderland. Set in Irvine Park, the display attracts many visitors each year to see the wonderful light displays. Among them are festive trees, angels and soldiers beautifully lit up. This festive display is created by volunteers and each year, the Bridge to Wonderland Parade heads through downtown on December 1.

Meanwhile, the parade features around 50 floats, sponsored by local businesses. Moreover, locals dress up in costume, riding the floats and giving candy to the kids. Once the parade is complete, everyone in the town is invited to head to Irvine Park. Here, they explore the Christmas Village, surrounded by twinkling lights. The display can be experienced from Thanksgiving through New Year’s. For interest, the average electric bill for the wonderland is reportedly $3,000 and worth every cent.

Visit the unique side of the USA at Christmas, experiencing all these and other festive delights.