Two to three years ago, I did a gingerbread house post that was more or less suited to mock the tacky houses I’ve seen on the internet. However, since gingerbread houses are all the rage at Christmas time, I plan to do a post that shows all the great houses you’d see since there are plenty from Pinterest and other websites. Anyway, though gingerbread has been around since medieval times and was used to celebrate certain occasions, gingerbread houses didn’t really become all the rage until the early 1800s in Germany after the wake of the Grimm fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” And we all know that fairy tale centers on two abandoned children who befall on a gingerbread house that’s actually bait for a witch’s kiddie trap. Yes, it’s disturbing. But food historians claim that people made gingerbread houses before that in Germany. Yet, these suddenly became popular during Christmas and the rest is history. Today many families built gingerbread houses this time of year as a tradition and there are even contests for it. And not all of these structures are houses either. So for your reading pleasure, I give you a treasure trove of gingerbread houses that look good enough but too pretty to eat.
- A gingerbread US Capitol contains mints and plenty of frosting.
Sure it might look good on the outside. But the inside may contain a government body with a lower approval rating than pond scum.
2. In New England, a gingerbread harbor is all the rage.
Never saw something like this before. Just a dock, boat, and shops.
3. Someday your prince will come in this gingerbread Snow White’s castle.
This one has a bit of snow on it. And it seems darker than the other Disney princess castles. Maybe it’s because the Wicked Queen lives there.
4. Of course, would you like fries with this gingerbread McDonald’s?
Well, this is in a more retro style than most of the current restaurants. But it’s quite clever.
5. A Christmas house must always be decked with boughs of holly.
This one has garland on its columns. Love the red shutters and green on the windows.
6. Balconies and roofs can always be held up by candy canes.
And this fancy gingerbread house is no exception. Love the swirly design on this though.
7. A pink roof on a gingerbread house is just as sweet.
This one has some pink edging on the windows. Like the pretzel fence. Lovely.
8. This gingerbread castle would be the envy of all Candyland.
Yes, that’s certainly a very fancy castle. Or is it a village? At any rate, you have to admire the decoration.
9. A gingerbread toy shop would make you feel like a kid again.
This looks like what you’d expect from an old timey toy shop to resemble. Like that kid peering through the window.
10. A magnificent train station is always a sight to behold.
Yes, this is a rather ornate train station that almost resembles a mansion. Love the towers.
11. You’d almost think this gingerbread resort is a model.
Yes, it certainly looks like it since it doesn’t seem real Christmasy. Well, with the exception of the decorated tree.
12. This clock tower is ever befitting for one near Santa’s workshop.
It even has a snowflake on top as well as a train track. Yes, Santa would be proud.
13. Row houses always have to be well decorated in red and green.
Well, that looks quite quaint. Love how each one is decorated the same way. and red brick road.
14. With Victorian row houses, have each one stacked near a hill.
You can almost see houses like this in any old town. Like how each of them is covered in different color of icing.
15. A blue dome is always easy on the eyes.
For some reason, this kind of reminds me of a funeral home. Not sure what it is. Like the balcony roof and weather vane.
16. With this gingerbread house, you can count the days till Christmas.
Of course, advent calendars don’t start on Advent. Still ,this is adorable.
17. Chex cereal often makes great roofing material.
And it makes a more earthy look than a lot of icings. This one almost seems real.
18. A gingerbread tree house overlooks a frozen lake.
Sure it’s a small house but it has lights on the steps and stockings in front. Love it.
19. A plain blue house is better than nothing.
Yes, this might be a small cottage. But it surely looks cozy and ordinary.
20. For you maritime fans, this gingerbread lighthouse is for you.
Well, it’s surely in a seafaring style. It even has a mermaid at the lake with presents.
21. For those dreaming for a white Christmas, this is the perfect gingerbread house for you.
And by “white,” I mean a Christmas with snow on the ground. Still, not sure of what to feel about the icicles here.
22. Santa’s workshop always seems to be a festive place at the North Pole.
Well, that will surely stand out in the fog of night. But it’s surely whimsical for the holiday season.
23. High end gingerbread people have their fun at a gingerbread country club.
Well, this one looks almost real. Still, golf courses are a serious waste of space if you ask me.
24. A gingerbread house must always have a roof that stands out.
This one has tiles of pink, purple, and blue. Still, love the hearts and decorations.
25. A gingerbread tiki bar offers all kinds of drinks.
This one has a gingerbread man bartender. Sure it’s not Christmasy but I’ll allow it.
26. A red brick gingerbread house should always go with a festive roof.
If it weren’t for the Necco tiles, you’d almost think it was a scaled-down model. Love the wreath on this though.
27. Feast your sweet eyes on this lavender candy mansion.
Almost reminds me of those old estates I’ve seen in pastel colors. Still, love how it’s lavender and decorated.
28. A pink Victorian can be just as enticing and sweet.
This one even has some Christmas decoration to it. Still, if it was black, it would be a haunted house.
29. For a monumental Russian icon, you’ve never seen Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral like this before.
Yes, it’s surely a Russian spectacle. It’s said that Ivan the Terrible had the architect’s eyes removed so he’d never construct another beautiful building like this.
30. A gingerbread tree house is greatly shaded with popcorn leaves.
This one is from Good Housekeeping. Sure it’s quite quaint but you have to admire the creativity that went into this.
31. A Tudor gingerbread house would withstand the test of time.
Okay, maybe not. But you have to admire how it’s made with a tunnel.
32. You may have seen a gingerbread house. How about a gingerbread shop?
Not sure which shop it’s supposed to be. But it’s certainly well made like you’d see in a movie.
33. A gingerbread sweet shop is just the ticket.
After all, gingerbread houses are pastries that are decorated with candy. Well, a lot of inedible candy that is.
34. Wonder what they make in that gingerbread mill.
It’s most likely either a wheat mill or a sawmill. Either way, it’ll go great with any display.
35. You’d be hard pressed not to like this gingerbread teapot house.
Seems to remind me of something that’s straight from Alice in Wonderland. Still, I think it’s quite original for a gingerbread piece.
36. A gingerbread fire department will keep everyone safe over the holidays.
Yes, this is a gingerbread firehouse. And yes, it’s decorated for Christmas. I’m sure people will enjoy this one.
37. I didn’t know they had a Christmas tree house at the North Pole.
Yes, this is quite creative if you ask me. Like how the tree is decorated. From Good Housekeeping.
38. This gingerbread house has gingerbread men on the roof.
Not sure what to think about that. Then again, the gingerbread men are small enough to be roof tiles.
39. This gingerbread tree house comes with its own set of stairs.
Well, it surely has a more convenient way around than the other tree houses on this post. Like the wooden facade.
40. For an Old Testament flair, this gingerbread Noah’s Ark is a real treat.
However, why the lions both have manes is a mystery to me. Because the animals come in two by two that consist of a male and female. Well, female lions don’t have manes.
41. This Victorian gingerbread house looks great on a Christmas card.
This one has wreath decorations on the fence and candles in the window. Love the lattice work on the roof.
42. Every gingerbread town always needs a gingerbread library.
Well, this is kind of quaint. Love the tree, garland and wreath decorations on here.
43. A gingerbread church should always have a rose window.
Well, a rose window on the roof. Like the spire on the tower and stained glass windows as well.
44. A gingerbread town should always have a place for shops.
Well, this one seems like a place you’d find at a historical town like Gettysburg. Love the clock tower and shops.
45. Victoria’s Bed and Breakfast is a great place to stay.
Almost thought this was a Christmas village set, but it’s from Good Housekeeping. The stonework is unreal.
46. This gingerbread church is a real winter treat.
I guess this is in a Romanesque style. Like the tower and the chocolate roof.
47. Santa’s Bake Shop has something cooking this time of year.
Didn’t know Santa even had a bake shop. But this is just as well since this is made from a baked good.
48. Looks like Santa has made a visit to the White House.
This is from the Obama years since it has Bo and Sunny. Reminds me of how I’m going to miss the outgoing First Family.
49. A modern gingerbread house like this has plenty of colors.
This one has a snowy roof and stone foundation from the looks of it. Not sure if I’d want a house like that.
50. A gingerbread house should always have candy trimmings.
This one has Fruit Loops on the roof,, candy cane edging and lattice, and licorice on the tower. All in all, it’s a sweet establishment that smells of mint.
51. This gingerbread flour mill is iced in a brilliant red.
Yes, this is another mill gingerbread house. But this one is more in tune with the holiday season.
52. For a more rustic touch, this gingerbread barn is for you.
This one has some Christmas decorations. Though barns in real life usually have none if they’re used to keep animals.
53. Santa Claus comes into town on his steamboat.
Though you may see these quaint steamboats in movies, the old ones were known to be quite dangerous. Seriously, they were said to catch fire in the 19th century.
54. How about a nice cozy home in the snow?
This one seems to resemble a normal house with a unrealistically clean walk way. Though Christmas decorations are present.
55. A Tudor gingerbread house is almost a fairy tale dream.
This one seems more like a fairy tale housing complex with all the stairs and archways. Though it looks lovely just the same.
56. Seems like the gingerbread van serves treats for the holidays.
This one has its menu in rainbow fonts. Yet, I’m not sure about the ginger snaps bit.
57. This gingerbread pagoda is all dolled out for Christmas.
Aren’t pagodas supposed to be the equivalent of Buddhist temples? So why it has Christmas decorations makes no sense.
58. This gingerbread log cabin brings a rustic touch.
This one gingerbread logs with icing to fill the gaps. Not to mention, the Chex roof to top it all off.
59. Seems like we found ourselves at a chocolate White House this time.
Caption: “WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 02: A chocolate gingerbread house is on display in the State Dining Room during first lady Michelle Obama’s preview of the 2015 holiday decor at the White House December 2, 2015 in Washington, DC. As part of the Joining Forces initiative, the first lady welcomed military families to the White House for the first viewing of the 2015 holiday decorations.” To be fair, a gingerbread White House is kind of a holiday tradition since the Carter Administration.
60. A gingerbread adobe is well-suited for Christmas in the Southwest.
However, we should note that it doesn’t snow a lot in New Mexico and Arizona. Though this can be forgiven with gingerbread displays.
61. This gingerbread lighthouse is a beacon of splendor.
This one has Christmas decorations near the top. Still, lighthouses are usually not brown for good reason.
62. A Victorian gingerbread house could always do with a tower.
Looks kind of what you’d expect a lot of Victorian mansions to appear in a murder mystery. Like the balconies. Not sure about the tower.
63. Fans of Despicable Me would adore this gingerbread Gru house.
This one has 2 sleighs pulled by minions as well as includes Vector from the first movie. Minion fans will find this adorable.
64. A gingerbread cathedral is a treasured holy sight through a bakery window.
I’m sure this is used in a window to advertise for a bake shop. Because creating a masterpiece like this would require special skills and God-given talent.
65. At this minion house, they all deck the halls.
This one has the Gru house in lights which the minions probably put on. Still, like how they drive and pull the sleigh.
66. With Christmas decorations, this red brick house is in full holiday spirit.
Doesn’t hurt to have Santa and his reindeer stop by either. Love the decor on the windows and balcony.
67. The people of Middle Earth will feel right at home with a gingerbread Shire.
For those who don’t know, the Shire is where the Hobbits live in their little Hobbit holes. And yes, there is a gingerbread village of these.
68. Here we have Santa sailing on the seven seas.
Santa on a wooden ship with his Christmas tree on the deck. However, it’s certainly clear he’s either running this ship by magic or with an elf crew.
69. Seems like we have some golden towers in this gingerbread palace.
Or is it a church which would make much more sense with the Christmas decorations present? At any rate, it’s surely stunning.
70. These gingerbread brownstones make a festive block.
There are even a few shops around the corner. Must be a rather bustling place.
71. A gingerbread gazebo has a Christmas tree in its center.
Well, at least it almost seems like it’s from a park. Love the decorations on here.
72. All aboard at the North Pole Station.
This one even has a train for toys like a Polar Express. This is adorable.
73. This gingerbread barn has red doors and a Christmas tree.
Even includes straw inside. Though I wouldn’t think you’d want a Christmas tree to be near animals since you’d know what they’d do with it.
74. A gingerbread shoe is guaranteed to be a good fit.
This is based off the Nursery Rhyme about an old woman who lived in a shoe with a bunch of kids. Yet, this one has a few homey touches.
75. A Christmas castle has to have all the trimmings.
This gingerbread castle even has lights coming through the windows. Like how it’s in a rather whimsical style.
76. For a fun, old-fashioned, family Christmas, you can’t do without a gingerbread Griswold house.
At first I didn’t get what it supposed to be. Then I saw the RV and beads and then it hit me. Still, this is hilarious.
77. Bet you’ve never seen a grand gingerbread house like this.
Whether it’s a mansion or hotel I can’t really say. Not that it matters one way or the other.
78. So is that how Santa sorts the toys?
For a second, I almost thought it was something you see from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But the toy factory thing makes more sense.
79. Now that has to be a rather ornate gingerbread structure.
Though it’s a gazebo, it has walls which confuse me. So for awhile, I thought it was a guesthouse or something.
80. Hope you enjoy a match at this gingerbread Colosseum.
It’s a gingerbread model of the Roman Colosseum where gladiators fought. Of course, there’s nothing Christmas about it but it’s architecture.
81. At Santa’s Globe Theater, all the world’s a stage.
Of course, there’s a cross section to see the seating. Yet, arrangements are mostly standing room only.
82. A gingerbread Eiffel Tower will surely wow any Parisian.
It’s the kind of building that would make you think of Paris or the French. Still, when it was originally built, people didn’t think it as a crowning achievement.
83. Those on Middle Earth might not want to see this tower watching from Mordor.
No, you really don’t want to be on Sauron’s tail. This is why the Ring of Power was so dangerous since it contained part of his evil spirit.
84. This gingerbread harbor house and lighthouse will watch for stranded sailors.
Yes, this is another gingerbread lighthouse. But at least the lighthouse is white which is an ideal color (since it has to be easily seen at night).
85. Here we come across a gingerbread castle in full Christmas glory.
Yes, I show a lot of these. But this one seems to be a palace that’s straight from the Nutcracker.
86. What’s this? The Nightmare Before Christmas in gingerbread?
This should make a lot of Tim Burton fans happy. Like how Jack is in a Santa suit.
87. A gingerbread castle like this evokes a tale as old as time.
This one is straight from Beauty and the Beast. For nothing says Christmas like Stockholm Syndrome. Still, this is my favorite Disney movie by far.
88. Game of Thrones fans would appreciate a gingerbread of Kings Landing.
Of course, a Game of Thrones Christmas episode would not be a happy one. Because it would certainly entail violence and nudity that’s within HBO standards. Expect a lot of rape and murder.
89. How about a gingerbread of George Washington’s beloved Virginia Mt. Vernon?
It’s very much like Washington’s home save that it’s brown instead of white. Still, an excellent rendition Washington would be proud of.
90. If you enjoyed Alice in Wonderland, then you’ll adore this gingerbread castle.
You can see it’s quite Tim Burtonesque. But I’m sure fans would love it just the same.
91. A gingerbread Hogwarts is a place of magic and wizardry.
This one was made by a cooking school and it shows. Love this.
92. In Philadelphia, we come across a gingerbread building symbolizing early America.
Yes, this is Independence Hall where they issued the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. See it for yourselves.
93. A log gingerbread cabin is always great for Christmas in the mountains.
Well, this is for anyone with a rustic disposition. Though the real life equivalent would cost more than a regular house.
94. Of course, it’s only proper to have a gingerbread Downton Abbey.
After all, they have gingerbread versions of other noteworthy buildings. Still, this is great.
95. This gingerbread carousel will give you a holiday ride.
Well, at least it has Santa’s sleigh. And yes, they do these, too.
96. This gingerbread castle is great for someone who enjoys being under the sea.
Yes, King Trident’s castle is surely magnificent with gingerbread and lights. Though I don’t know about him hiring Sebastian as a babysitter.
97. For a high end holiday celebrations, this gingerbread Bitmore is for you.
The Bitmore is the North Carolina home of the Vanderbilts who built their fortune in the railroad business. Anderson Cooper is related to this family through his mother.
98. Apparently, this ship came in frosted.
Yes, this is another gingerbread ship. Though it looks quite abandoned if you get my drift.
99. In the Shire you can’t find any cozier place than Bag End.
Well, you have to admit though it’s not much to look at outside, it’s a very nice place. And only home to take outside guests when Bilbo’s not on an adventure.
100. This Buckingham Palace gingerbread is a real royal treat.
Like how this one has a lot of colorful window. Wonder how it looks when its lights are turned on. Lovely.
The Lone Girl in a Crowd 
Wow- these are amazing!