The Queensbury Hotel has added a new twist to its holiday decor.
The hotel now has a life-sized gingerbread house standing 11 feet high and 14 feet wide in its lobby.
The Queensbury is known for having decorations each holiday season. The hotel typically features decorative window boxes and wreaths on its exterior and festive trees, garland and poinsettias throughout their grand lobby.
“This year, we set out to do even more,” said Tyler Herrick, general manager of the hotel and president of Spruce Hospitality Group. “We have more trees, more lights, more garland and even the addition of toy soldiers to greet you when you arrive. But the gingerbread display is definitely the largest addition and has been our biggest undertaking”
Adam Savage, director of culinary for Spruce Hospitality, took the lead on designing the gingerbread house. He and his team have worked for months to plan and prepare for the display.
“The house is made of over 987 pounds of homemade gingerbread, 223 pounds of icing and 152 pounds of assorted candy,” said Savage. “The actual production and building of the display took well over 200 hours.”
The candy for the display was sourced by The Candy Space, located in the French Mountain Common Outlets and a sister-company of The Queensbury. The Queensbury Hotel also partnered with the Upstate Modern Railroaders of South Glens Falls, who provided train sets for the display.
“We wanted to have the gingerbread house in place and finished by this first weekend of December to coincide with all of the holiday events taking place around town like Hometown Holidays, Adirondack Christkindlmarkt and the LARAC Holiday Festival,” said Stephanie Howard, marketing coordinator for Spruce Hospitality. “These events will draw some nice crowds to Glens Falls and we hope everyone will stop by The Queensbury as they are visiting and exploring downtown. Grab a bite to eat in Fenimore’s or enjoy Ray Alexander on the piano and soak in the holiday spirit.”
The Queensbury Hotel will host two holiday open houses on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. The events will allow attendees to view the gingerbread display and will include a visit from Santa.
Families will have the opportunity to take their own photos in front of the fireplace with him. The hotel will offer complimentary cookies, refreshments and children’s crafts and a play area will be provided by ADK Tiny Tots.
In addition to the Holiday Open House events, the public is welcome to visit the hotel lobby and public spaces at any time during December to view the decorations and gingerbread display.
“I can’t wait for our community to visit and see everything we have done this holiday season. Our team has worked really hard this last month to bring everything together so that everyone can come and enjoy it. That is what it’s all about,” said Ed Moore, owner of the hotel.