Gigantic gingerbread house displays have become a holiday tradition

Just like Santa making his holiday list, gigantic gingerbread house displays have become part of the magic and wonder of the holiday season. While kids might love creating that gingerbread house kit and eating copious amounts candy as they construct that masterpiece, pastry chefs are dreaming bigger, bolder and more dramatic than ever. Even though shows like Holiday Baking Championship: Gingerbread Showdown showcases the intricacies of gingerbread, the sometimes life-sized gingerbread houses seem to capture the holiday wonder.

From Disney to resorts to hotels, it seems that food and travel are intertwined during the holiday season. While many people might wish to have a Hanzel and Gretel or Candified moment when they might try to lick the walls, the reality is that these gingerbread houses prove that food can be art on a grand scale.

Which gigantic gingerbread house display has everyone talking?

Broadmoor

While the snow might make the picturesque look in Colorado, the Broadmoor has made its annual gigantic gingerbread display into a stunning piece. According to the resort, the gingerbread chateau stands at “10’ tall x 12’ wide x 8’ deep.” With “958lbs of powdered sugar, 960 peppermint sticks, and 20lbs of candy canes” incorporated into the design, the 288 “elf hours” created a magical display that would make Santa proud.

Although the look is impressive, the holiday tradition is more than just an exercise of food art. According to David Patterson, executive chef “The pastry team begins the production of the gingerbread baked goods and chocolate for the display in early November and take turns working on it in shifts. It’s a labor of love but watching guests and visitors – especially children – enjoy the display is quite magical.”

Walt Disney World

While the gingerbread houses might not magically appear like the transition from Halloween to the Holidays, many of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels have their traditional gigantic gingerbread houses. At the Grand Floridian, guests can marvel at the large display and even buy a gingerbread treat to enjoy on the way out.

For guests who visit the International Festival of the Holidays, the traditional gingerbread recreation of Washington DC landmarks has returned. Located in America, the intricacies of this design always impress. And, be sure to look for some hidden little items within the display.

New this year, the Disney chefs skipped the house at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and instead created an adorable giraffe. This incredibly lifelike creation is almost as captivating as the animals outside the window.

The Omni Park Grove Inn

The Omni Park Grove Inn, located outside of Ashville, North Carolina, hosted the 29th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Now that the winners have been crowned, the blue ribbon worthy designs are on display for everyone to marvel over the sweet creations.

While these gingerbread displays are more about the intricate and creative than the single gigantic moment, the talent showcase is immense. The gingerbread creations are on display for all hotel guests. In addition, non-hotel guests can visit “3 p.m. on Sundays and anytime Monday – Thursday” now through January 2, 2022.

Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad, CA

Although gigantic displays often get the most attention, this year’s display has a whimsical take on a classic gingerbread village. At approximately, 5’ x 2’1/2 and 5’ tall, Pastry Chef Shawna McDonald is making spirits bright.

And, if that sight is inspiring, the pastry team is offering gingerbread classes. Although the participants might not be ready to tackle their own gigantic gingerbread house display, they will be able to impress with a delicious cookie.

Do you know some gigantic gingerbread house displays? What should be on FoodSided must visit list?