National Gingerbread House Day is celebrated every year on December 12th, honoring the festive holiday tradition of building edible houses out of gingerbread, icing, and candy decorations.
History of National Gingerbread House Day
Gingerbread itself has a long history, with spiced bread and cookies dating back centuries in Europe, where ginger and other spices were prized, expensive ingredients often associated with special occasions. The tradition of building elaborate gingerbread houses specifically is widely believed to have been popularized in 19th century Germany, closely tied to the story of Hansel and Gretel, which features a witch’s house made of candy and gingerbread.
German immigrants brought the gingerbread house tradition to the United States, where it grew into a beloved holiday season activity. Today, gingerbread houses range from simple, family-friendly kits to elaborate, competition-worthy creations, with the tradition continuing to bring people together during the holiday season for a creative, hands-on baking project.
How to Celebrate National Gingerbread House Day
- Build a gingerbread house from scratch or using a kit
- Get creative with candy decorations and icing designs
- Host a gingerbread house decorating party with family or friends
- Visit a gingerbread house display or competition in your area
- Share your gingerbread house creation on social media using #NationalGingerbreadHouseDay
Fun Facts About Gingerbread Houses
- The tradition of building gingerbread houses is widely believed to have been popularized in 19th century Germany, closely tied to the story of Hansel and Gretel.
- Royal icing, made from egg whites or meringue powder and powdered sugar, is commonly used as edible “glue” to hold gingerbread house pieces together.
- Some of the largest gingerbread houses ever built have required massive amounts of ingredients and structural support to stay standing.
- Gingerbread house kits became widely available and popular in the United States in the mid-20th century, making the tradition more accessible for families.
- Gingerbread’s distinctive flavor typically comes from a blend of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Gingerbread House Day?
National Gingerbread House Day is celebrated annually on December 12th.
What holds a gingerbread house together?
Royal icing, made from egg whites or meringue powder combined with powdered sugar, is the most common “glue” used to assemble and decorate gingerbread houses, since it hardens as it dries.
Why is gingerbread associated with Hansel and Gretel?
The classic fairy tale features a witch’s house made of candy and gingerbread, which is widely credited with helping popularize the tradition of building decorative gingerbread houses.