If, like me, you are not brave enough to break out the royal icing in an attempt to hold up Gingerbread walls and a roof, there are many Gingerbread House Workshops offered in the Austin-area that will offer help as your kids attempt to construct their dream gingerbread house. No set up. No mess. If Gingerbread Cookie Decorating is more of your thing, that’s covered, too! Lastly, if you prefer to gather your family to marvel at the amazing creation skills behind some of the best Gingerbread Villages in town, be sure to check out a couple of upcoming Gingerbread House events below.
Workshops
Central Market Cooking School – Parent and Child on November 27, 6-8 p..m.; Kids only, November 28 from 10 a.m. – noon; Adults only, November 28, 6 p.m.; December 19, 10 a.m. (kids only), 6 p.m. (adults only)
4001 N. Lamar Blvd.
Your little elves (ages 5-17) will enjoy creating a holiday decoration on their own. An authentic Swiss Lebkuchen (gingerbread) house, lots of royal icing and mountains of candy and edible decorations will be ready and waiting; just bring your imagination and creativity. Light snacks will be provided as well as a box for you to transport your masterpiece home. For adults, ages 18 and up, a glass of wine and snacks are available to aid in the decorating! Cost: $45 kids, $65 adults. Register online.
Baked by Amy’s Holiday Cookie Decorating – December 4 , 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, various times available
Baked by Amy’s, 13265 US-183
Baked by Amy’s is offering Gingerbread (or Shortbread if desired) Holiday Cookie Decorating classes! Cost: $20 per person and includes all supplies. Call (512) 918-2253 or email info@bakedbyamys.com to reserve a spot.
Gingerbread House Raising – December 5 & 6, 1-3 p.m.
Neill-Cochran House Museum, 2310 San Gabriel Street
The Neill-Cochran House Museum rings in the holiday season with its Seventh Annual Gingerbread House Raising. Come in with your biggest (sweetest?) architectural ideas and leave smiling with a gingerbread house to admire. Let us handle the supply-gathering and the cleaning up, too. Because supplies are limited, we appreciate your RSVP online or by phone. Admission is $20 for community members and $15 for current members. Challenge yourself to a feat of pastry engineering, enjoy the historic house in full period decorations, and don’t miss NCHM staff and volunteers trying to build a Greek Revival Gingerbread House. As with all of our events, parking is free and easy in our back lot, accessible from 23rd street between San Gabriel and Leon.
Gingerbread House Workshop by Girl Scouts Bluebonnet Valley Service Unit – December 5, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
St. Matthews Episcopal Church – Huffman Hall, 8134 Mesa Drive
Kids and adults will get to decorate a pre-assembled real gingerbread house with royal icing an assortment of holiday candies. Families can order more than one house if needed. It’s a come and go event. Come when it’s best for your family during the three hours of the event. We will even make blue icing for Hanukkah houses upon request. Cost: Price: $25 per house. Fun Patches for Scouts will also be available for an additional $2.00. Hot cocoa and apple cider will be served and carols maybe sung!
Thinkery’s Gingerbread Workshops – December 6, 12, 13, & 19-23, and 24, various times
The Thinkery, 1830 Simond Avenue
Gingerbread Workshops celebrate creative families with children of all ages in a fun and festive atmosphere. These hour-long workshops provide everything needed to build and decorate a gingerbread house use real gingerbread and a variety of candy. Once complete, you can take your creation home to enjoy. Workshop participants are welcome to explore the Thinkery and play with friends afterward. Pricing: $5 Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee, $10 Non-Member Adult or Child Workshop Fee, $20 per Gingerbread House (Every group must purchase at least one house). Tot and Tech Workshops are also available.
Second Saturdays Are for Families: Gingerbread Villas – December 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th Street
Be the ART-chitect of your very own candy home! We’re whipping up edible abodes like you’ve never seen before, inspired by the architecture of the Driscoll Villa at Laguna Gloria. Second Saturdays are recommended for ages 2-11. Admission is $10 per family ($5 for member families).
Make it Sweet’s Gingerbread Workshops – December 21, 22 and 23, times vary
Make It Sweet, 9070 Research Blvd., Suite 203
The Capital Confectioners Cake Club is holding a Gingerbread Decorating Workshop at Make It Sweet. The house will already be assembled and there will be lots of fun sweet edibles to use for decorations as well as icing and more. The cost is $30 per house. Club members will be on hand to give decorating pointers, tips and tricks. Make it a family event and come in to decorate a gingerbread house together to display for the holidays. Since seating is limited a maximum of 4 people can work on 1 house together. All proceeds will benefit Capital Confectioners Cake Club. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited so register in advance to reserve your time.
Events
Four Seasons Gingerbread Open House – Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, from 5-6 p.m.
Lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
Get a closer look at the amazing gingerbread houses at a FREE open house with complimentary hot apple cider, Wild West-themed treats, photos with Santa and the opportunity to meet the talented pastry chefs behind the Village.
8th Annual Gingerbread House Competition “Winter Wonderland” and Tree Lighting – December 2, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, 8212 Barton Club Drive
Kick off the holiday season with the Omni Barton Creek Resort’s 8th Annual Gingerbread House Competition and tree lighting ceremony. Calling all gingerbread house builders! Submit your “Winter Wonderland” themed creations to compete for fabulous prizes from resort stays to prize checks. Or simply join the fun on competition night for delicious desserts, holiday carols and a tree lighting to remember. The awards ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. followed by the tree lighting at 7:45 p.m.
