Gingerbread houses are a longstanding Christmas tradition. Originating in Germany in the 16th century, there is some as to what caused gingerbread to be such a big hit. Some claim gingerbread houses rose in popularity following the Brothers Grimm fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel, a story where two children are lost in the woods and come across a large house made of gingerbread. Others say the fairy tale was inspired by the delicious spiced food.
Whichever, gingerbread houses soon became associated with Christmastime. And over the years, the tradition has spread across the globe.
Today, masterpiece designs are created and put on display for all to see. Below are nine of the best gingerbread houses from around the world, all of which look way too good to eat!
1. A charming little teapot
(via Veronica Romo) Source: Veronica Romo
2. A replica of St. Basil's Basilica
(via Nancy Kyzer) Source: NANCY KYZER
3. Mumbai's own spiced residence
(via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
4. A gingerbread Hogwarts
This magical creation made by an everyday muggle was featured in this year's US National Gingerbread House Competition. It's a design that is bound to make every Harry Potter fan very happy!
5. A lively Hungarian village
(via AAP) Source: MTI / AAP
6. This little old lady who lives in a shoe
(via Judy Benjamin) Source: Judy Benjamin
7. This presidential tradition
It is Christmas tradition for the White House to create a gingerbread house display every year. The tradition began in 1961 with First Lady Jackie Kennedy and has continued with bigger and better designs year after year. The one above is for Christmas 2016.
8. Pretzel picket fence cottage
(via Joan Grunzweig) Source: Joan Grunzweig
9. And this gingerbread house to rule them all...
This frosted gingerbread castle has based its pillared-architecture on the hit HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Complete with a serpentine dragon, it's no surprise this design made the top 10 of the US national competition last Christmas.
And if you want to make your own...
Our very own , with including a Gingerbread pagoda, log cabin, beach hut and mosque.
Source: China Squirrel
Looking for something delicious? Try these!
Polish gingerbread (pierniczki)
