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More than 50 architects and designers are involved in The Gingerbread City’s creation, which features buildings, moving trains, and twirling parts. 

The Gingerbread City: A Sweet Holiday Activity

The Gingerbread City is an exhibit from the Museum of Architecture. A popular annual event in London, 2023 marks the first time the exhibit has made its way overseas, and it doesn’t disappoint.

Walking into the exhibit, the first thing you notice is the sweet smell of spicy gingerbread in the air. My kids were moved by the inviting aroma and instantly ready for a snack. The next thing you’ll notice is the awesome amount of candy-coated architecture laid out before you.

These are not your average gingerbread houses. It's multiple cities worth, constructed by 50 of the most creative architectural minds in NYC. There are five cities in total, all with their own theme and awe-inspiring construction. Visitors can vote for their favorite as they explore the exhibit. Three of these cities also have a tunnel so the kiddos can actually crawl underneath, emerge into a central dome, and see the confections from a whole new perspective.

Learn how architects tackle global challenges such as climate change, as you indulge your sweet tooth and feel inspired by the city before you.

Visiting The Gingerbread City and Tickets

Timed-entry tickets are required for The Gingerbread City, and cost $18 for adults; $10 for kids ages 3-12; kids under 3 are FREE. We'd say to allot a half-hour or so to explore it all with little ones in tow.

If you're looking for a more interactive experience, consider booking an add-on for the gingerbread workshop as well. While it may seem a bit pricey ($85 for a combo ticket to the exhibit and workshop for up to two people; $99 for a family of four), you get to spend an hour learning about the various types of architecture on display while you construct your own gingerbread house made out of materials specially produced for The Gingerbread City by Balthazar Bakery. You also take your gingerbread house home to display and devour.

If your kids, like mine, are inspired to snack by the display, there are also other treats to purchase on your way out.

The Gingerbread City is located in The Seaport at 25 Fulton Street, on the corner of Water Street and Fulton Street. Its entrance is on the Fulton Street side. It is open through Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Looking for more fun things to do nearby: We've got a list of 20 fun things to do in The Seaport. Consider stopping at Funny Face Bakery, where the homemade cookie flavors include s’mores and crumbfetti cuties. The nearby Pearl Street Playground is a great place for kids to work off all of that gingerbread-induced energy. 

If you are feeling adventurous, take the NYC Ferry right to The Seaport. Bundle up and enjoy New York holiday scenery as you make your way to this waterfront neighborhood. It is also very affordable at just $4 per person. Otherwise, the Fulton Street subway station is a short walk away.

Unless noted, photos by the author