There is something wonderfully childlike about the scent of gingerbread. It can instantly transport you to Christmas markets, fairy-tale books, and the cosy bustle of holiday kitchens. At Firmdale, we adore traditions that feel both nostalgic and playful, so it is no surprise that gingerbread has become one of our favourite festive rituals. Follow along to discover how this sweet tradition comes to life.
Gingerbread has quite the passport. It travelled from the Middle East to Europe during the Crusades, collecting spices, techniques, and admirers along the way. Medieval fairs sold gingerbread shaped into hearts and crowns, often gilded with gold leaf. But the most charming chapter arrived with the Brothers Grimm. Once Hansel and Gretel was published, the idea of a house made of sweets captured imaginations everywhere, and the gingerbread house as we know it was born. Over time, the tradition grew ever more elaborate.
German bakers perfected the craft with royal icing, candied fruits, and sugared almonds, and by the Victorian era, gingerbread houses had crossed the Atlantic, becoming a beloved festive pastime. Today, they still invite us to slow down, get creative, and enjoy a touch of magic.
Each year at Firmdale, we dive into this delicious world of imagination, challenging ourselves to be more creative with every season. These houses sit naturally within our world of patterned textiles and bold, colourful interiors. This year, our pastry teams have truly brought gingerbread to life. Throughout the hotels, you will find gingerbread houses inspired by the character and charm of each space, complete with iced windowpanes, sugared rooftops, pops of colour, and edible reindeer and Father Christmas figures. They are miniature works of art.
Our New York and London properties celebrate the season to the fullest. At the Ham Yard Hotel, a spectacular display of gingerbread houses and macaron Christmas trees takes centre stage, creating a tiny festive village brimming with detail. Candy canes line the pathways, sugared snow drifts across rooftops, and tiny icing penguins, snowmen, and reindeer peek out from behind frosted doors and chimneys.
What we love most about gingerbread houses is not perfection, but personality. They are a little wonky, sweetly imperfect, and endlessly creative, much like the handmade touches we champion in our design work. Whether you are decorating one at home or admiring ours in the hotel, the magic lies in the story it tells.
Visit our gingerbread friends across neighbouring hotels, each one unique, full of personality, and adorned with snowy scenes, sweet treats, and playful winter characters. We love watching guests discover the tiny surprises tucked into each creation; these miniature worlds are warm, welcoming, and a little mischievous.
Step into our lobbies, breathe in the festive spices, and let our gingerbread displays spark that childlike wonder. The holidays should be delicious, in spirit and in scent.