Gingerbread House Activities in the Bay Area

Sadly, we never built our gingerbread house kit from last year, and the kids are balking about using a "stale" kit this year. Not that they ever eat the house (even the candy is nasty from current boxes). If you don't have a spare kit sitting around and want to do some gingerbread activities, here's where to go in the Bay Area.

SAN FRANCISCO
The Conservatory of Flowers has its annual gingerbread decorating event on December 15.

The Mandarin Oriental is hosting "ho-ho-ho homes for the holiday" which includes gingerbread house making on December 2nd. Details here at Frisco Kids.

BERKELEY
Join friends at Habitot to decorate a giant gingerbread house on Saturday, December 22 from 9:30-4:30. It's free admission, and the house will be donated to a local homeless shelter. You can make your own gingerbread house at a workshop during their December 15-21 schedule. Workshops are $22 for members, $29 for nonmembers and include admission.

MARIN
Gingerbread Builders sells Gingerbread supplies. Make one on site (and you don't have to clean up), or they can make one for you. The Mill Valley site (Strawberry Village), is open for the season. Houses start at $29 including icing and some candy. You can buy additional candy as well. Go with your kids, or make it a party.

HALF MOON BAY
Ending soon (December 1) is the 9th Annual Gingerbread House competition. The houses are on display at the Ritz Carlton through Saturday, when the winner is announced at their tree lighting ceremony (4:30-6:30).

NAPA
Enter your gingerbread house in the Westin Verasa Napa's Gingerbread House Contest, on November 16 from 12:30-2. They'll have separate amateur and professional contests. All proceeds go to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. You can win a monthly dinner for two at their French restaurant BANK Cafe and Bar plus a 2 night stay at the hotel.