Why Does Michigan Love Hiding Pickles in a Christmas Tree?

Folks from Detroit, Flint and the rest of the state have likely visited Bronner's once in their lives.

Most are awestruck by the whole experience, but one thing always stands out... a random tree dedicated to pickles.

Christmas Pickle Ornament Tradition in Michigan

Legend has it, the first person to find the hidden pickle ornament, on Christmas morning, would receive another gift from Santa and/or would receive a year of good fortune.

Photo Credit: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Did the Christmas Pickle Ornament Originate in Michigan?

One city in the state celebrates in a big way. According to Wikipedia, Berrien Springs, Michigan called itself the Christmas pickle capital of the world -- holding a Pickle Parade every year from 1992-2005.
That parade started up again in 2021. The area is known for making pickles (like Imlay City, MI) and was originally settled by many German immigrants.
That said, Michigan did not start the tradition.

How did the tradition of pickle Christmas ornaments begin?

Here are a handful of the most popular urban legends:

A captured German American soldier was saved from starving to death when he asked a guard for a pickle on Christmas Eve during the Civil War.
A German tradition immigrants brought to the United States
This one is disturbing, St Nick supposedly resurrected or saved two boys put in a pickle barrel to die by some innkeeper.

Photo Credit: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

Parents possibly started it to slow down the opening of gifts. So, kids would be more appreciative.
Martha Stewart even weighed in. She leans toward believing it was a manufactured marketing idea when German glass Christmas ornaments were first introduced to the United States in the 1800s.

Since the Internet didn't know, we asked the largest Christmas store in the world right here in Frankenmuth, MI, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland.

Photo Credit: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. Entrance Sign (No Changes Made)

Bronner's Communications Assistant, Lori Libka, reminded us of an interview she did with MLive and mentioned the Christmas pickle tradition was believed 'to have started in Germany, but many Germans say they've never heard of it.'

Christmas Tree Pickle Ornaments at Bronner's

Libka said they sell about 5,100 pickle ornaments every year. The most popular is the mini glass pickle ornament -- selling around 2,000 units annually.

Get our free mobile app

No matter the origin, people are passionate about their pickles at Christmastime in Michigan and around the world.

Remembering the Grand Opening of AutoWorld in Flint, Michigan

A short-lived Six Flags theme park, AutoWorld was supposed to be a tourist destination in Flint. Sadly, after several starts and stops, AutoWorld was imploded in early 1997. The land is now owned by University of Michigan-Flint and is home to the William S White Building.

Gallery Credit: Nate Reed

See Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad Holiday Lights

You can't help but smile when you see Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad lit up for the holidays. With around 1,000,000 Christmas lights viewed by thousands of visitors each season... This is Genesee County's favorite holiday tradition.

Gallery Credit: Nate Reed

118 Room Mansion in Rochester Heads for Auction

A home that was once Michigan's second-most expensive home on the market features a staggering 118 rooms, an indoor pool, and it's just dripping with opulence.

A little more than a year ago, the asking price was $11.5 million. Today, the opening bid for this luxurious mansion starts at $2.5 million.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre