Gingerbread House Workshops in Toronto

Decorating a gingerbread house is a favourite holiday activity for families, friends and office teams. Here’s where to do it in Toronto.

Where to find workshops

• Bakeries and cooking schools: many run gingerbread house and cookie decorating classes in December. See Christmas cooking classes.
• Hotels: some downtown hotels host family gingerbread workshops or display giant gingerbread creations. See best hotels for Christmas.
• Museums and historic sites: Black Creek Pioneer Village and other sites sometimes offer historic baking activities.
• City of Toronto community centres and libraries: low-cost family programs; check your local branch.

Do it at home

Kits are sold at grocery stores, bulk stores and bakeries. For best results:

• Assemble the walls a day ahead so the icing sets.
• Use royal icing as glue; it dries hard.
• Set out candy in muffin tins for little decorators.

Gingerbread house tips from the pros

1. Bake or buy sturdy gingerbread. Construction gingerbread is firmer than cookie gingerbread.
2. Make thick royal icing (icing sugar, egg white or meringue powder, and a little lemon juice). It should hold a peak.
3. Build on a board covered in foil, so you can move the finished house.
4. Use cans or jars to hold the walls up while the icing sets.
5. Let the walls set for at least an hour before adding the roof, and overnight if you can.
6. Decorate the roof panels flat before you attach them; it’s much easier.
7. Add snow last: a dusting of icing sugar through a sieve.

Decorating ideas

• Shingles: sliced almonds, cereal squares or chocolate wafers.
• Windows: crushed hard candies melted in the oven make “stained glass.”
• Snowy trees: upside-down ice cream cones piped with green icing.
• Fences and paths: pretzels, gumdrops and candy canes.
• Icicles: piped icing along the roof edge.

Gingerbread for kids

For toddlers and young children, a graham-cracker house stuck to a milk carton is much easier than real gingerbread. Pre-build the walls and let kids focus on decorating. Expect candy to be eaten: buy extra.

Gingerbread displays to visit

Some Toronto hotels and attractions create elaborate gingerbread villages and displays in December. They’re free to look at and make a lovely stop while you’re out shopping. Check hotel lobbies downtown and in Yorkville, and see Christmas window displays.

Gingerbread workshops: FAQ

How much does a gingerbread workshop cost in Toronto? Prices vary by venue and kit. Community and library programmes are the most affordable.

What age is good for gingerbread decorating? From about age 3 with help. Older kids and adults can take on full construction.

Host a gingerbread party at home

A gingerbread decorating party is an easy, festive way to entertain friends or family:

• Prep kits ahead: one pre-assembled house or a few cookies per guest, plus a piping bag of icing.
• Set up a candy bar with bowls of sweets, sprinkles and decorations.
• Cover the table with paper or a plastic cloth for easy cleanup.
• Add a friendly competition with categories like “most creative,” “most Toronto” (bonus points for a CN Tower) and “best disaster.”
• Serve something savoury to balance all the sugar, plus hot chocolate.
• Send everyone home with their creation on a paper plate wrapped in plastic.

Great for groups

Gingerbread decorating makes a fun office Christmas party or a kids’ activity.

Book early: popular workshops sell out in late November.