By Claire Noack

The holidays don’t feel complete without making a gingerbread house with the family. Spending hours decorating the roof of these sweet abodes with candy and fashioning your own gumdrop garden is always the best part. My family likes to get competitive some years and see who can decorate their house the best for ultimate bragging rights. Whether you bake homemade gingerbread and icing or use the pre-packaged materials from the store, you know you’re in for a fun (and messy) time.

Take this yummy holiday tradition to the next level by visiting the Gingerbread Wonderland exhibit at the Norway House Galleri in Minneapolis this holiday season. Inspiration for this festive event comes from the Norwegian Christmas custom of baking and decorating “pepperkake,” or gingerbread, cookies.

The village of houses at Gingerbread Wonderland will leave you filled with holiday spirit and inspiration for your own baking creations. Spot iconic Twin Cities’ buildings made by local bakers and members of the community. This year will feature gingerbread spectacles of U.S. Bank Stadium, the State Capitol, Mill City Museum, Minneapolis City Hall, the James J. Hill House, First Ave, St. Paul’s First Bank Building, Wild Rumpus Books, the Nordic Ware Tower and much more!

To keep from snacking on the delectable looking gingerbread homes, holiday treats are available at Ingebretsen’s coffee shop inside the Norway House. This delicious display is a great place to take the whole family and spread holiday cheer.

Gingerbread Wonderland is open Tuesdays through Sundays until Jan. 8. Tickets are $5 for adults and seniors, and free for children 12 and under and Norway House members. The exhibit is closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, so make sure to plan your trip accordingly.