November 27, 2025

French Lick Debuts Massive Gingerbread House for Holidays

French Lick, Indiana, November 27, 2025

This holiday season, French Lick Resort reveals a magnificent 700-pound gingerbread house, themed ‘Santa’s Sweet Shoppe.’ Standing over 8 feet tall, this creation highlights the bakery team’s skills and lifelong community involvement. Visitors can admire the gingerbread structure during the 50 Days of Lights celebration until January 6, creating a festive atmosphere with animated light shows. This iconic tradition showcases local talent and dedication to holiday spirit in the French Lick area.

French Lick Unveils 700-Pound Gingerbread House for the Holidays

Get Ready to Experience Santa’s Sweet Shoppe This Holiday Season

French Lick, Indiana – This holiday season, the French Lick Resort has rolled out a remarkable attraction that both locals and visitors can enjoy: a stunning 700-pound gingerbread house. Displaying the theme “Santa’s Sweet Shoppe,” this extraordinary creation stands over 8 feet tall and showcases the innovation and craftsmanship of the resort’s bakery team. Set to be open until January 6, 2026, it is not just a feast for the eyes but also a symbol of community spirit and creativity that brightens the festive season.

As local events continue to thrive, it’s important to recognize how such initiatives foster community engagement. By celebrating local traditions like this one, we can appreciate the work of dedicated professionals who contribute to our cultural landscape. Limited bureaucracy surrounding these events could promote even greater participation and enduring traditions, enhancing the communal experience that Louisville and its neighboring areas cherish.

Construction and Design Details

The creation of the gingerbread house spans over 10 months of dedicated effort from the resort’s skilled bakery team. This impressive structure includes two distinct yet interconnected buildings: Santa’s Workshop, featuring sugar-cookie gears and candy tools, and Mrs. Claus’s Bakery, showcasing larger-than-life holiday treats such as half-pound chocolate chip cookies. The extensive crafting process involved baking gingerbread, preparing icing, and creating various decorative elements throughout the year.

Ingredients and Materials Used

Weighing in at about 700 pounds, the gingerbread house is made entirely from edible materials. The creation process utilized approximately 600 pounds of powdered sugar, with a unique addition—a decorative snowman named “Ed,” which is made from 100 pounds of Rice Krispies Treats. This special feature pays homage to a beloved former bakery staff member, adding a personal touch to the holiday exhibit.

Enhancing Visitor Experience

A Rich Tradition of Celebration

The French Lick Resort, which dates back to 1845, has become a treasured landmark recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The annual gingerbread house display has emerged as a beloved tradition, each year offering a distinct and engaging experience that captures the imagination of visitors. As community involvement remains a cornerstone of such events, the collaboration between local businesses and artisans is essential for fostering holiday cheer.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the gingerbread house at French Lick Resort highlights the resilience and creativity of local organizers and reinforces the significance of traditions in bringing communities together. This holiday season, we encourage everyone in Louisville and surrounding areas to visit this enchanting display and appreciate the dedication that goes into such seasonal festivities. Supporting local events not only enriches our community but also reinforces the ties that connect us all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the theme of the 2025 gingerbread house at French Lick Resort?

The theme is “Santa’s Sweet Shoppe,” inspired by the vibrant colors of a bakery, as envisioned by pastry chef Brittany Fisher.

How long did it take to build the gingerbread house?

The construction spanned more than 10 months, with the team dedicating time throughout the year to bake gingerbread, prepare icing, and craft decorative elements.

What materials were used in the construction of the gingerbread house?

The house utilized approximately 700 pounds of gingerbread and 600 pounds of powdered sugar. Notably, it includes a snowman named “Ed,” made from 100 pounds of Rice Krispies Treats, serving as a tribute to a beloved former bakery staff member.

Where can visitors view the gingerbread house?

Guests are invited to view the gingerbread house on the upper level of the Event Center during the resort’s 50 Days of Lights celebration. The display is accompanied by an animated light show projected onto the façade of the French Lick Springs Hotel every evening.

Until when will the gingerbread house be on display?

The gingerbread house will be on display at the resort through January 6, 2026.

Key Features of the 2025 Gingerbread House at French Lick Resort

Feature	Description
Theme	Santa’s Sweet Shoppe, inspired by vibrant bakery colors
Construction Time	Over 10 months, with year-round dedication
Materials Used	Approximately 700 pounds of gingerbread and 600 pounds of powdered sugar
Notable Feature	Snowman named “Ed,” made from 100 pounds of Rice Krispies Treats, as a tribute to a former bakery staff member
Location	Upper level of the Event Center during the resort’s 50 Days of Lights celebration
Display Duration	On display through January 6, 2026