Life-Size Holiday Gingerbread Display:
A History of Holiday Cheer
Jingle in the holidays with a dramatic life-size gingerbread display that has greeted guests at the The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs for more than 50 years. It all started somewhat simply back in 1964 with over-the-top, but more traditionally sized, gingerbread houses. Those expanded until 2013 when the gingerbread display became life-size.
Christmas by the Pound
These days, it takes hundreds of hours and more than 2,000 pounds of ingredients to create the Broadmoor’s gingerbread display each holiday season.
Last year, 10 pastry chefs started with The Broadmoor’s own gingerbread recipe, which includes 650 eggs, 475 pounds of flour, 128 pounds of molasses and 6 pounds of salt. Then the chefs, along with two carpenters, spend nearly 300 hours turning the baked gingerbread into a life-size chateau.
Themes Throughout the Years
The Broadmoor has created merry-making moments with life-size holiday gingerbread displays featuring themes such as “Wilderness Experience” in 2015, “The Broadmoor Centennial” in 2018, “The Pikes Peak Cog Railway” in 2020, and the “Gingerbread Chateau” in 2021.
This year’s display features a 1937 Flat Head V-8 Cadillac Touring Car that mimics one of Broadmoor founder Spencer Penrose’s limousines that once transported guests to and from the hotel and on sightseeing outings. The emerald automobile was created by 10 pastry chefs and two carpenters using 958 pounds of powdered sugar, 475 pounds of flour 1,801 eggs and a trove of additional ingredients, taking approximately 308 hours to complete. With Santa at the wheel and a Christmas tree showcased atop the hood, this is a sweet centerpiece at the beloved hotel’s main building mezzanine that you’ll delight in.
Heighten the Holiday Hoopla
In addition to the candy-coated green machine, guests will be giddy over the resort’s million white lights, special music performances, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a children’s gingerbread decorating classes and more. Take your trip to the next level and get tickets to the Classic Broadmoor Holiday Show where you can celebrate the season with special guests who feature their musical prowess. Or ring in the new year at The Broadmoor’s New Year’s Eve Gala with a five-course meal, more musical performances, and a champagne toast and balloon drop at the stroke of midnight.
More Information
Get more details about this year’s holiday-themed activities at The Broadmoor by visiting broadmoor.com/holidays.
Curious about the gingerbread house displays of the past? Visit our YouTube channel to watch the video.
Tempted to try your hand at creating a holiday gingerbread display? Well, we don’t have goods on how to concoct construction like The Broadmoor, but we have a wonderful Homemade Gingerbread House recipe to get you started.