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Gingerbread Decorating Day

Get creative and get decorating - it's Gingerbread Decorating Day! Let your imagination run wild with festive frosting, candy, and more!

Saturday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEDecember 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYBaking

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to get creative on Gingerbread Decorating Day on December 12! This festive holiday has been around since the mid-1800s when gingerbread houses first became popular. You can make gingerbread cookies, cakes or even your own mini village out of this sweet treat! Unleash your inner artist and have some fun decorating in any way you like.

TIMELINE

Gingerbread Decorating Day Timeline

Gingerbread Inception

Gingerbread was first baked in Europe during the Middle Ages and used for religious practices and medicines.

Gingerbread Houses Popularized

Inspired by the Brothers Grimm's fairy tale "Hansel and Gretel", gingerbread houses became popular in Germany during the 19th century.

U.S. Gingerbread Tradition

Decorating gingerbread houses became a popular Christmas tradition in the United States during the mid-20th century.

First Gingerbread Decorating Day

The first Gingerbread Decorating Day was celebrated, encouraging people to get even more creative with their holiday baking and decorations.

Largest Gingerbread Village

Jon Lovitch set the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread village, which contained 135 gingerbread houses and 22 commercial building replicas.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Gingerbread Decorating Day

Bake a gingerbread house

There's nothing quite like the smell of gingerbread baking in the oven. Get all your ingredients and start baking. The possibilities are endless when it comes to decorating your gingerbread masterpiece.

HOST

Host a gingerbread decorating contest

Invite friends over for some holiday fun. Assign each participant a gingerbread creation and let them show off their decorating skills. Have everyone vote on the best one!

CREATE

Create personalized gingerbread ornaments

Make gingerbread ornaments for your tree with the help of cookie cutters and cookie dough. Decorate with colorful frosting, glitter, and other festive touches.

VISIT

Visit a gingerbread village

Many cities around the world have amazing gingerbread villages that will take your breath away. Visit a local one near you or plan a trip to see one of the most impressive ones.

MAKE

Make a gingerbread train

Grab your rolling pin and get to work! Making a gingerbread train is a great way to celebrate Gingerbread Decorating Day. Kids will love helping out too.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Gingerbread Decorating Day

Gingerbread is tasty

Last but not least, gingerbread is simply delicious! The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the sweetness of molasses or honey creates a flavor that's truly irresistible. Whether eaten plain or used as decoration, everyone can appreciate the goodness of gingerbread.

Gingerbread is festive

Gingerbread isn't just a delicious treat - it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Decorating gingerbread houses with friends and family is a fun activity that brings everyone together to celebrate the season. Not to mention, you can let your creativity run wild as you come up with unique and intricate designs!

Gingerbread makes for great gifts

Want to give someone a thoughtful and unique gift this holiday season? Bake some homemade gingerbread and let your creative juices flow as you decorate it. Or better yet, why not make custom gingerbread houses for each recipient? Not only does this show them how much you care, but they'll have something special to keep for years to come!