Gingerbread Houses at 2012 Festival of Trees

Gingerbread Bird House

This year's selection of gingerbread houses at the Festival of Trees did not disappoint.  Wandering through the "Gingerbread Village," we saw many architectural wonders.  Several of the houses had movie themes this year, representing films such as "Tangled," "The Hobbit," "Ice Age: Continental Drift," and "The Lorax."

Tangled Up Christmas

"Tangled" had a gingerbread entry last year as well, and remains a popular theme.

The Shire in Gingerbread

Bag End Gingerbread House

I thought "The Hobbit" was particularly well-represented with these two entries showing the Shire, and also Bilbo Baggins' home, Bag End.  Someone was very clever to create these, and they are a nice departure from more traditional gingerbread house styles.

The Once Ler's House

This colorful gingerbread creation from "The Lorax" drew a crowd, and was popular with kids.  "Ice Age: Continental Drift" was popular with the younger set as well.

Ice Age in Gingerbread

I liked the narwhals on this one.  Of course, as in any year at the Festival of Trees, more traditional styles of gingerbread houses were also on display. 

Nutcracker Gingerbread House

I cannot imagine the hours of planning and then actual execution that goes in to some of these projects.  One entry this year actually spelled it out for the viewers, however, and included a list of the supplies and time it took to make the Mountain Home.

Just a little bit of work!

Mountain Home Gingerbread House

All of those ingredients and all of those hours went into this beautiful, two-story log cabin.  This "Mountain Home" was definitely one of my favorites this year.  Another elaborate house was a holiday bakery.  I was intrigued by the texture and style of the roof.

Gingerbread bakery

At the very end of my journey through the Gingerbread Village, I saw one last amazing piece of edible art.  Someone re-created the historical Provo Tabernacle, and it was beautiful.

Provo Tabernacle

It was by far the largest and most imposing piece.  With its architectural detail and snowy roof, it was a show-stopper.  All of these gingerbread houses are created by volunteers and donated to the Festival of Trees.  The Festival is an annual fund-raising event for Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Run completely by volunteers, the Festival features performing groups, delicious treats, and many items for sale including Christmas trees, the gingerbread houses, wreaths, quilts, and more.  All of the proceeds go to the hospital and help pay for treatments for those who cannot afford care. Held each year in early December, The Festival of Trees is one of my favorite ways to kick off the Christmas season.

Patrons meander past the Gingerbread Village

For more Festival of Trees, see my other blog posts.

Festival of Trees - 2012

Quilts at the 2012 Festival of Trees

Best Gingerbread Houses of 2012

2011 Festival of Trees - Gingerbread Houses and More

2011 Festival of Trees Highlights

Festival of Trees - Art for Charity

Quilts at the 2012 Festival of Trees

Detail from quilt titled "Let It Snow!"

Early December brought the Festival of Trees back to the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, Utah.  This annual event is a fundraiser for the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.  Each year, countless volunteers put in thousands of hours creating and selling wonderful Christmas items all to benefit this worthy charity.

Row of quilts on display at the Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees has something for everyone.  There are dance and music performances throughout each day and evening on two different stages in the festival itself, and in the lobby area outside.  Quilts, wreaths, trees, gingerbread houses, and other Christmas decorations are for sale.  And of course, there is the food.  Scones and cinnamon rolls are always popular, but our new guilty pleasures are fudge and fresh divinity at the Sweet Shoppe.

"Cock a Doodle" quilt

This bright Cock a Doodle quilt was one of my favorites.  Not all items at the festival are Christmas-themed. Many items are made in honor of a loved one, sometimes someone treated at the children's hospital that this event benefits.

Quilt titled "The Great I Am"

My son didn't want to spend much time among the quilts, but I managed to view a few on our journey through the Expo Center space.  You could easily spend a few hours here, so we mapped out our priorities quickly.  This year we skimmed quilts, skipped wreaths, saw the gingerbread houses, and did a speedy trip through the trees.  Of course we made time for a treat.

Detail of "The Great I Am" Quilt

This quilt, titled "The Great I Am" had squares depicting different scenes from the nativity story.  I liked the colors and the tree squares, but the whimsical features of the animals are what really caught my eye.

"Let It Snow!" quilt

Who can resist snowmen?  This quilt quickly became my favorite of the festival.  Each panel features a different snowman, and we loved looking at them all.

Panel from "Let It Snow!" quilt

With a few quilts under our belts and a favorite selected, we were ready to brave the crowds around the amazing gingerbread houses.  Stay tuned for some great ideas from The Gingerbread Village at the 2012 Festival of Trees.