CALL US! 1-415-851-9190
LetsGo@Lucky-Tuk-Tuk.com
Each holiday season, the iconic Fairmont San Francisco on Nob Hill transforms into a winter wonderland, captivating guests with its enchanting festive decor. At the heart of this celebration is the hotel’s renowned Gingerbread House—a breathtaking, fully edible two-story creation that has delighted visitors for over a decade. This holiday masterpiece is a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the city during the festive season.
For more than ten years, the Fairmont San Francisco has been building its beloved Gingerbread House, expanding its grandeur and design with each passing holiday season. What began as a charming seasonal display has grown into a stunning architectural and culinary feat, showcasing the hotel’s dedication to holiday magic. Each year, the Fairmont’s pastry chefs and engineers collaborate to enhance the structure, ensuring that it remains one of the most beloved holiday traditions in San Francisco.
The Fairmont’s Gingerbread House is an awe-inspiring display of craftsmanship and creativity. Here are some astonishing details about this festive creation:
Built using over 7,750 real gingerbread bricks
Decorated with 1,500 pounds of royal icing and 700 pounds of candy
Requires 895+ hours of combined effort from the Pastry and Engineering Departments
Construction begins as early as July to ensure it’s ready for the holiday season
Sustainably built, with the framework reused annually and all edible elements composted after the season
The structure is adorned with more than 8,000 gingerbread bricks and 50 gallons of egg whites used to create the icing.
A miniature train runs through the Gingerbread House, adding a whimsical touch to the display.
Despite its fully edible design, the Gingerbread House is built with sustainability in mind, with materials being either recycled or composted after the holidays.
Visitors can do more than just admire this impressive confection—Fairmont San Francisco offers an exclusive private dining experience inside the Gingerbread House. Guests can reserve the space for intimate holiday gatherings, with seating available for up to 8 people. This unique dining opportunity creates a truly magical holiday memory.
In addition to the Gingerbread House, the hotel’s lobby features a towering 23-foot Christmas tree, beautifully decorated to enhance the festive atmosphere. The grandeur of the tree, paired with twinkling lights and garlands, makes the Fairmont a holiday hotspot.
Location: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Open to the Public: Mid-November through New Year’s
Admission: Free
Website: Visit the Fairmont San Francisco’s official site for more details and booking information.
Each year, the Fairmont’s engineering and pastry teams begin planning the Gingerbread House as early as July. The meticulous process includes baking and decorating thousands of gingerbread bricks, piping icing onto each individual piece, and adorning the house with colorful candy accents.
Beyond its intricate detailing, the Gingerbread House often features special new elements each year. Past additions have included moving cable cars, a model of Lombard Street, and holiday-themed shadow puppets, all adding to the whimsical magic of the display.
The Fairmont San Francisco offers even more festive delights for visitors:
Santa Visits: Families can meet Santa Claus for holiday photos and festive cheer.
The Trees of Hope Campaign: The Fairmont collects donations for Make-A-Wish, helping spread goodwill during the season.
The Santa Suite: Guests can book an overnight stay in a holiday-themed suite, complete with a hot chocolate bar, holiday movies, and a personal gingerbread house kit.
Seasonal Celebrations: Enjoy festive afternoon tea, Christmas Eve dinner, and a New Year’s Eve Luau celebration at the renowned Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.
The Fairmont’s Gingerbread House is more than just a holiday decoration—it’s an immersive experience filled with festive joy, intricate craftsmanship, and unforgettable holiday charm. But the holiday magic doesn’t stop there! A stop at the Fairmont’s Gingerbread House is a highlight of the Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights Tour, where you’ll cruise through San Francisco’s most dazzling holiday displays. From the illuminated skyscrapers of downtown to the twinkling trees of Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, this festive adventure is the perfect way to soak in the city’s holiday magic. Cozy up in a private tuk tuk, sip hot chocolate, and sing along to holiday tunes as you experience the most spectacular seasonal sights.
Make this holiday season extra special—join a Lucky Tuk Tuk Holiday Lights Tour, where a visit to the Fairmont’s Gingerbread House is just one of many magical stops along the way!
PIER 39 Holiday Tree with Nightly Tree Lighting Shows Experience the holiday magic at PIER 39 in San Francisco, where a towering Christmas tree lights up the waterfront, offering a festive backdrop to a season full of joy, shopping, dining, and the famous sea lions
Fisherman’s Wharf for the Holidays -Fisherman’s Wharf celebrates with lighted fishing boats in the harbor, a Boat parade, and the Crab wheel sign light for the holidays
Experience the holiday magic at the Fairmont San Francisco with its life-sized Gingerbread House, crafted from thousands of gingerbread bricks and adorned with candy. A festive tradition that delights visitors of all ages.
Cable Cars are decorated for the Holiday Season: open to the public since 1873, this fascinating mode of transportation conveys visitors from Market Street to Beach Street, where Fisherman’s Wharf is less than a ten-minute walk away. Be sure to watch operators move the cable car on a turntable to point it in the right direction for the return trip to Market Street!
Experience the magic of the holiday season at San Francisco’s City Hall and Civic Center. 50′ Tall Holiday Tree with City Hall light up in holiday colors as the perfect backdrop.
Holiday Magic at Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco’s historic landmark, where festive lights, holiday movies, and the aroma of chocolate create a perfect holiday escape
Umbrella Alley – All Holiday Lights tours start at Umbrella Alley in Fisheman’s Wharf. Mural-filled alley with perfect backdrops for Instagram and Tik Tok. Located at 757 Beach Street near Hyde St.
