A community-built exhibit
Patterned after the Christmastime gingerbread villages of Europe, and particularly Norway, we invite the community to bring in gingerbread structures to populate our Gingerbread Lane, serviced by the Norwegian Ridge Express train.
Free to the public during Giants’ open hours (10am-5pm Mon thru Sat). Donations will be gratefully accepted.
Sponsorships
Thank you to our sponsors for 2025!
Gingerbread Lane exhibit sponsor
Dennis and Sandy Kuester
Norwegian Ridge Express model train sponsor
Judy Berg, in memory of David Berg
Submission rules
Dec 5th: Deadline for guaranteed inclusion
Dec 19th: Deadline for inclusion, depending on space
Must be made primarily of edible materials
Maximum base size 18″ x 18″
people's choice contest
Prizes will be awarded for the best structures, based on the votes of visitors. So have fun and show your creativity!
Meeting the Dec 5th deadline means you’ll definitely be included, and will have more days of voting available.
About gingerbread villages
Holiday gingerbread villages have deep roots in European winter traditions, originating in medieval Germany where spiced lebkuchen and honey cakes were shaped into festive figures for Christkindl markets. By the 1600s, bakers were crafting small decorative houses, a practice that blossomed after the Brothers Grimm popularized fairy-tale cottages. These edible villages spread throughout Northern and Central Europe, becoming cherished symbols of craftsmanship, hospitality, and midwinter celebration.
Scandinavia developed its own variation through pepperkaker, the thin, aromatic spice cookies central to Norwegian Christmas baking. Norway took the tradition to remarkable heights with Bergen’s Pepperkakebyen (in Norwegian), the world’s largest gingerbread city. Created annually since 1991, it is built by children, schools, families, and local businesses, who contribute everything from tiny homes to elaborate landmarks. The result is a glowing, communal cityscape that reflects both Norwegian creativity and the warmth of koselig holiday culture.
Across Europe, gingerbread villages remain a joyful blend of artistry, community, and seasonal magic. Right here in Minnesota, we have some wonderful Scandinavian-inspired gingerbread displays, including Gingerbread Wonderland in Minneapolis and Gingerbread City in Duluth.