Sweeten Your Holidays: SF Fairmont’s Gingerbread House

Nothing says the holidays in San Francisco quite like the Fairmont’s magnificent gingerbread house! Standing proudly in the heart of Nob Hill, this life-sized confectionary masterpiece is more than just a display—it’s a beloved tradition that brings locals and visitors together in a magical holiday wonderland. Whether you’re marveling at its towering structure or snapping photos with loved ones, this iconic attraction is guaranteed to spark your holiday spirit and leave you with sugar-sweet memories.

After a five-month long process from the Fairmont’s staff, the 22-foot and 2-story construction out of over 8,000 gingerbread bricks is ready for display! The 13th iteration of the Fairmont’s famous gingerbread house, made by hand and open until early July, is open to visitors now. The planning for this iconic event began in July, and has taken over 520 hours to build with icing made from 50 gallons of egg whites and 1,000 pounds of powdered sugar, and almost 2,000 pounds of candy on top. The impressive gingerbread is baked by the Fairomont’s pastry team and decorated with pounds of See’s Candies, and others. This year, the lead builders introduced a model Lombard street and cable cars moving across the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate the city it serves, taking over five days to construct these new elements. This iconic SF event started as a way to share holiday cheer in the city, and has converted to one of the most impressive life-size gingerbread houses in the area, with years of trial-and-error to refine the process.

This year the San Francisco Fairmont is offering multiple different experiences. Head to the Laurel Court to enjoy holiday tea, with seasonally themed loose-leaf tea, and house-made scones, sandwiches, pastries and sweets, fit for all ages. Tickets are available here. If you are looking for a holiday themed ‘staycation’, the Fairmont’s Santa Suite’s are equipped with Santa-inspired decor, breakfast for four guests, holiday hot chocolate, gingerbread house making, all in the Fairmont’s best suites. Reservations are necessary, and available here. If you are just looking for the iconic Gingerbread house, fit for kids and adults alike, it opened this past Saturday, and is available through the New Year in the Fairmont’s lobby. It is available to book for holiday tea here, or private dinners. If you want to experience Christmas Eve or Day in this festive environment, it is available to book for Christmas Eve here, or Christmas Day here. Otherwise, the gingerbread house is free to the public. The gingerbread house is also accompanied by an incredible 23-foot Christmas tree in the lobby, surrounded by a festive train and other decorations, featuring smaller trees, snowmen, poinsettias, and garland. Through the Fairmont’s Trees of Hope campaign, the hotel collects donations for Make a Wish in a dedicated box near the gingerbread house.