Looking for a fun, kid-friendly Christmas activity? Gingerbread house building is the ultimate holiday tradition! Whether it’s a cozy family night or a competitive showdown with friends, it’s the perfect way to get creative (and sneak a few holiday treats). Bonus: it pairs wonderfully with a festive cocktail for the adults.
Need ideas to up your gingerbread game? We’ve got everything from classic designs to modern masterpieces. With candies, pretzels, and more, your creation will be a showstopper—first prize in any contest, guaranteed!
Rustic Gingerbread House
With red sour belt shingles and Tootsie Roll siding, this edible rustic log cabin sets the scene for the ultimate sugar-filled winter wonderland.
Gingerbread Cottage
Gingersnap cookies make for delicious shingles! Surround your creation with coconut “snow” and bottlebrush trees to create a cute holiday display.
Poptart Gingerbread House
People might have mixed feelings on whether gingerbread actually tastes good, but we think everyone can agree a poptart-constructed house sounds delicious!
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought »
Handmade Gingerbread House Garland
Beginners beware. The only thing harder than creating the perfect gingerbread house? Creating multiple mini versions of them to string up into gorgeous garlands. That said, if you find yourself skilled in the kitchen, don’t hesitate to try it out.
Get the tutorial at Inspired by Charm »
Gum Gingerbread House
For those who find piping icing into intricate designs to be tricky, this gum-covered house is the perfect option to still create a magical masterpiece.
Get the tutorial at All for the Memories »
Gingerbread Heart Houses
Why not combine two fun holidays into one? Besides, a heart-shaped structure is much more interesting than the standard square.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
White Shiplap Gingerbread Cottage
So cute and rustic we’d rather move in than make it — but we’ll settle for challenging our decorating skills.
Get the tutorial at DIY Beautify »
Halloween Gingerbread House
With a Valentine’s Day option on the list, we couldn’t exclude one with a Halloween twist. Besides, who said the ghosts and goblins stop creeping around just because Halloween is over?
Get the tutorial at It’s Always Autumn »
Mexican Candy Gingerbread House
Change up your traditional candy decor by incorporating Mexican candies into any basic kit from the store. This blogger used both to create a house that celebrated her Mexican-American heritage in a seasonal way.
Get the tutorial at Crafty Chica »
Pastel Gingerbread House
This bright, pastel-roofed gingerbread house boasts plenty of color (while it lasts … your kids are going to eat all of those petite candies!).
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
Nuts for Gingerbread
Those without a strong sweet tooth will appreciate this house. Decorated with almonds, macadamias and walnuts, this gingerbread residence is packed with protein.
Get the tutorial at Life Love Sugar »
Sugar-Stained Glass Gingerbread House
Take a basic gingerbread house to the next level with an edible sugar glass star and intricately piped icing decorations.
Peppermint Gingerbread House
Create a fun, modern color scheme with pink frosting and green sour straps. Peppermint candy shingles and candy cane siding add an extra fun touch.
Pretzel Gingerbread Cabin
Attach pretzel rods to the exterior of your gingerbread house with royal icing to create an edible log cabin!
Mini Bears Graham Cracker Gingerbread House
With a peppermint window and a marshmallow roof, this house is (almost) too cute to eat.
Get the tutorial at Alice and Lois »
Gingerbread House Cake Bombs
The only thing explosive about these cake bombs is the delicious taste of gingerbread cake beneath the icing shell.
Get the tutorial at Club Crafted »
Gingerbread Village
If you really want to go all out this Christmas, get to work on this epic gingerbread village — it makes for an impressive, sugary holiday centerpiece.
Get the tutorial at Woman’s Day »
Edible Fairy House
No magic needed to make this house fit for a fairy — just some graham crackers and a fruit rollup.
Get the tutorial at Sugar, Spice and Glitter »
Pink Gingerbread House
We bet this pretty and pink house would get Elle Woods’ stamp of approval.
Get the tutorial at Sweetopia »
Nutty Gingerbread House
If you’re already dreading the post-creation sugar high, then use an assortment of nuts and salty snacks in place of candy.
Get the tutorial at The First Year Blog »
Funfetti Gingerbread House
This sugar cookie house is the product of “all things merry and bright.”
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Mini Gingerbread House
The smaller the house, the bigger the decoration.
Get the tutorial at Lily Ardor »
Star Wars Gingerbread House
May the forks be with you. Gift the Star Wars fan in your life with a baked treat fit for the big screen.
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Lisa Frank Gingerbread House
THIS. IS. NOT. A. DREAM.
Vintage Gingerbread House
This Victorian-style toyshop is so life-like that there are even fondant toys tucked away inside.
Get the tutorial at Vintage Kitty »
Gingerbread Nativity Scene
With this tutorial, you can turn an afternoon craft into a teachable moment about the true meaning of Christmas quotes.
Get the tutorial at Roti n Rice »
Gingerbread Ice Cream Trucks
Where do ice cream trucks go in the winter? On your dessert table!
Get the tutorial at Handmade Charlotte »
Tudor-Style Gingerbread House
Is there anything more magical than a roof thatched with Frosted Mini-Wheats? Nope.
Snow Globe Gingerbread Houses
It’s not always the house itself that makes a statement — sometimes it’s the houses’ curb appeal.
Get the tutorial at Butter Hearts Sugar »
Gingerbread House Place Cards
There’s one rule with these personalized place cards: No reindeer allowed on the roof!
Lebkuchen Gingerbread House
Take a note from this German tradition to give your gingerbread village major winter wonderland vibes.
Gingerbread Presents
Remember to tell your kids that these presents in this DIY holiday gift wrap are strictly for decoration … until you give the go-ahead to eat them, of course.
Marfa Prada Gingerbread House
If you haven’t made your way to Valentine, Texas to see the real thing, then make a replica and pretend you’re there.
Eiffel Tower Gingerbread House
The magic of the Eiffel Tower during the holidays is unmatched — until you bring the magic to your dining room in cookie form.
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Frozen Wonderland
This icing-illustrated cabin might be as simple as a Kit-Kat gingerbread house, but it’s whimsical and true to the holiday spirit.
Gingerbread Car
Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go!
Get the tutorial at tudio DIY »
Palm Beach Paradise
Don’t let your winter blues get you down. This bright, California-inspired gingerbread house will help you channel warm and sunny vibes.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
Gingerbread Fairy House
You’re never too old to want to live in a fairy house. Never.
Get the tutorial at Will Cook for Friends »
Retro Camper
Assembling this blast-from-the-past creation is a fun way to change up the ordinary this holiday season.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth »
Ginger-Birdhouse
The littlest of festive abodes we ever did see is one we actually wouldn’t mind living in. Just look at it.
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Gingerbread Log Cabin
Who wouldn’t want to cozy up in this cinnamon stick log cabin with cotton candy chimney smoke?
Get the tutorial at Three Pixie Lane »
Gingerbread Hogwarts
Muggles allowed. Magic not included.
Get the tutorial at Not Quite Nigella »
Red, White and Blue Galore
Gum balls, icing and hard candy make this masterpiece shine like the stars and stripes.
Get the tutorial at WhipperBerry »
My Humble Gingerbread Abode
Serve a classic look for the holidays. This gorgeous gourmet gingerbread house should bring the heat while you’re enjoying holiday treats.
Get the tutorial at Stacy Risenmay »
Snow Globe Gingerbread House
Let it snow! Shake up your usual gingerbread house with a twist on a classic collectible. This sugary snow globe will certainly delight.
Get the tutorial at Polka Dot Chair »
Cinnamon Gingerbread House
Give the gourmet chef in your life a gift they’ll cherish with this cinnamon-salt sweet.
Get the tutorial at Domestically Blissful »
Gumdrop Gingerbread House
Get the entire family involved in this great gingerbread house kit for kiddos. Settle in with a Wilton surprise you’ll customize when Christmas rolls around.
Get the tutorial at Occasions by Shakira »
Grinch Gingerbread House
The Grinch won’t be stealing your gifts (or your joy) this Christmas.
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Deck The Halls Gingerbread House
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, then you’ll want to put this colorful gingerbread house on your wishlist and check it twice. This perfectly perched present might be too good to eat!
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Blue Christmas Gingerbread House
I’m dreaming of a blue Christmas. Just like the ones that used to glow.
Get the tutorial at Haniela’s »
Candy Canes
Candy canes are a quintessential choice for adding festive charm to your gingerbread house. Use mini candy canes to create fences or arches, or break them into smaller pieces to line pathways. With their red and white stripes, they instantly add a seasonal touch.
Gumdrops
Gumdrops are colorful and versatile, perfect for roofing or landscaping around your gingerbread house. Their chewy texture makes them easy to stick to surfaces, and they come in a rainbow of colors to match any theme.
Peppermint Swirls
Peppermint swirls are a classic choice that enhances the wintery feel of any gingerbread house. Use them as decorative wheels on a candy cart or place them on the roof for added texture and visual interest.
M&M’s
M&M’s are small, round, and come in a variety of bright colors, making them perfect for creating intricate patterns or borders. They’re also great for filling gaps between larger candies and adding pops of color.
Licorice Strips
Licorice strips are ideal for outlining windows and doors. They’re flexible and come in different flavors like strawberry or black licorice, allowing you to choose the perfect hue or taste to match your design.
Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows serve as wonderful snowy accents for your gingerbread house roof or yard. You can also stack them to create snowmen or glue them together to make fluffy clouds.
Chocolate Buttons
Chocolate buttons, such as Snowcaps, double as delicious treats and decorative elements. Use them as shingles on the roof or to embellish the edges of your house.
Sprinkles
Sprinkles add a fun and festive flair. Use them to cover large areas like roofs or paths, or to add final touches to your candy creations. Their small size makes them a versatile addition to your candy arsenal.
Gummy Bears
Gummy bears bring adorable details to your gingerbread house, serving as tiny inhabitants of your candy village. Create scenes with them in and around your house for an inviting look.
Jelly Beans
Jelly beans provide a pop of color and come in a variety of flavors. Use them as stones in pathways or to add depth and dimension to your gingerbread house garden.
Sugar Pearls
Sugar pearls add elegance and sparkle to your gingerbread house. Use them to accentuate designs on walls or rooftops, or to create a delicate border around windows.
Pretzel Sticks
Pretzel sticks make excellent logs for a woodpile or can be used to create a rustic fence around your gingerbread house. Their salty flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweet candies.
Nerds
Nerds‘ small size and bright colors make them perfect for detailed work. Use them to add texture to paths or scatter them as gravel around your gingerbread house landscape.
Fruit Slices
Fruit slices, with their jelly-like consistency and sugar coating, are great for creating door mats or lawn surfaces. Their vibrant colors add to the cheerful aesthetic of your gingerbread house.
Caramel Squares
Caramel squares can be cut into smaller pieces and used to create bricks or cobblestones. Their earthy tones add a realistic touch to your gingerbread house’s foundation.
Rolled Wafers
Rolled wafers can be used as columns or logs for a cabin-style gingerbread house. Their light, crispy texture contrasts nicely with denser candies.
Edible Glitter
Edible glitter adds a magical shimmer to any part of your gingerbread house. Use it to mimic the sparkle of freshly fallen snow or to add a dazzling touch to your decorations.
Candy-Coated Sunflower Seeds
These small, colorful seeds are great for creating detail-oriented designs or accentuating certain features, like flower gardens or mosaic tiles on a pathway.
Rock Candy
Rock candy resembles ice crystals and can be used to simulate icicles hanging from the roof or to line pathways. Their crystal-like appearance adds an enchanting element to your gingerbread house.
Lollipop Trees
Lollipops can be used to create whimsical trees or candy lamp posts to enhance your landscape. Choose lollipops with fun colors and patterns to complement your gingerbread design.