Gingerbread History

Work in Progress

The Gingerbread History in Europe spans over centuries…

The tradition of making decorated gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800s. According to certain researchers, the first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known Grimm‘s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel” in which the two children abandoned in the forest found an edible house made of bread with sugar decorations. After this book was published, German bakers began baking ornamented fairy-tale houses of lebkuchen (gingerbread). These became popular during Christmas, a tradition that came to America with Pennsylvanian German immigrants.

Prescott was named “Arizona Christmas City” by Governor Rose Mofford in 1989, in recognition of the community’s dedication to the Christmas spirit which is perhaps best exemplified by the annual Courthouse Lighting Ceremony, which has been celebrated for the past 60 years. Over 100 trees in the park-like Courthouse Plaza have been decorated with colorful holiday lights, along with the iconic Yavapai County Courthouse.

Yet another event just two miles away is the World’s Largest Gingerbread Village. It is in the lobby of the Prescott Resort and Conference Center 7 days a week. There is no charge to see the Village. This annual Whimsical Village of over 100 houses is a fundraiser for Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Watson Lake Inn is well on the way to carve it’s own Gingerbread history as the season approaches. Weeks ago we started to plan , draw and gather supplies for our own Gingerbread house, a tradition which goes back decades, in our family, as well as in my career as professional chef; I was always passionate about gingerbread creations. Our creation will be on display at Watson Lake Inn from Thanksgiving through January 1st. 2018.

When you’re visiting Prescott for this holiday season, you’ve got a lot of options for lodging; but staying at Watson Lake Inn, you can rest assured to start your day with great food and service; and close to all the action – come check us out for a very unique holiday getaway.

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Watson Lake Inn – “Where culinary pleasures and experiences become lifetime memories.”