The smell of gingerbread, with the warm and bold spices, gives off the pure essence of Christmas. Then, decorating a gingerbread house is fulfilling to the soul and appealing to the eye. And, if you can get yourself to eat your beautiful creation, the taste is decadent and sweet. With the popularity of this holiday tradition, you may find yourself looking for some inspiration to make your own. With all of the gingerbread recipes, you may want to try your hand at making a gingerbread house completely from scratch. If you love baking, this task probably seems very doable. However, for those who don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, a gingerbread house kit may seem like a better option. Wherever you find yourself in this range, there is plenty of inspiration from professional bakers as well as easy-to-put-together kits in a variety of themes. To provide you with plenty of inspiration, we have put together a collection of inspiring gingerbread house ideas. Some of these are made from scratch and others are available for purchase in a kit form. There are even a few ideas for faux gingerbread houses that you can make. And, if you want to set up an entire festive scene, there are kits for sleighs, trains and barns as well. Here are some of the most creative gingerbread house ideas to choose from. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Gingerbread House Ideas
Black Forest Chalet Gingerbread House
Some gingerbread houses are a perfect decoration for a dessert table or as a centerpiece on any table. This black forest chalet gingerbread house by @rosevanillava is definitely centerpiece worthy.
Sugar Plum Fairy Gingerbread House
How sweet is this little fairy house with pink accents? This sugar plum fairy gingerbread house by @brambleandbleu makes a sweet addition to any candy display.
Gingerbread Cookie Village
Another unique idea is to use decorated gingerbread cookies to create a towering Christmas village. This gingerbread cookie village by @spierniczona is especially pretty done in delicate pastel colors.
Pretty and Dainty Gingerbread House
The delicate details are so pretty on this gingerbread house. There’s even a cute flower box! This dainty gingerbread house by @bakingwithrenee provides great inspiration.
Exquisite Gingerbread Home
Icing is everything on this beautiful gingerbread home. The details on this exquisite gingerbread home by @bluewaterbistrobakery go beyond the basics.
Gingerbread Treehouse, $12.99 at Target
Even a treehouse can be made out of gingerbread. This is such a fun idea that is a little out of the ordinary. Gingerbread Treehouse, $12.99 at Target
Sweet Chapel
Every Christmas village needs a cute little chapel at the center of town. This sweet chapel by @mygingerbreadbaker is one to replicate.
Illuminated Gingerbread House, $22.99 at Target
This gingerbread home looks more like a mansion than a cottage. It even includes a picket fence and trees! Illuminated Gingerbread House, $22.99 at Target
Red and Green Embellishments
This simple design really stands out with the little pops of red and green. This sweet gingerbread cottage by @rbphome makes such a festive display.
Gingerbread Row Houses, $14.99 at Target
Why make just one gingerbread house when you can create a whole row of homes? This gingerbread house kit provides three times the fun. Gingerbread Row Houses, $14.99 at Target
Faux Gingerbread Dollar Tree Dollhouse
Here is a crafty idea using a dollhouse from the Dollar Tree. The dollhouse was decorated to look like a gingerbread house by @thecraftessa.
Gingerbread Cottage, $13.99 at Target
Another basic cottage design that goes together in a snap. The tongue and groove edges make assembly even easier. Gingerbread Cottage, $13.99 at Target
Library Turned Gingerbread
It’s fun to really personalize a gingerbread house. This one takes on the characteristics of a public library. The library turned gingerbread is a great design idea by @holliscenterpubliclibrary.
Mini Gingerbread Village, $12.99 at Target
With a mini village, each family member could take part in their own design. The kit comes with the signs for each type of building. Mini Gingerbread Village, $12.99 at Target
Gingerbread Cookie Houses
This gingerbread village would make such a beautiful centerpiece during the Christmas holiday. This design by @ayako_no_kokoro takes the cake! Next Up: Everything You Need to Create the Most Epic Gingerbread Houses This Holiday Season