NEED HOLIDAY PLANS? A life-size gingerbread house and ice skating await you in Naples.
This enchanting 1,500-pound gingerbread house boasts an astonishing 60,000 pieces of candy, each one carefully placed to create a masterpiece of festive cheer. Nestled at The Ritz-Carlton, it stands not only as a treat for the eyes but as a beacon of holiday spirit in a warm Floridian landscape.
Lerome Campbell, the Executive Pastry Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, shares his deep connection to this sugary wonder. “We have 2,000 pounds of candy on the house,” he noted, revealing the extensive planning involved in this sweet creation. Crafting the dough, rolling it out, cutting, and baking each piece is a labor of love that takes considerable time and dedication. “It’s just a very long process,” he reflected.
But don’t hesitate; this delightful structure will vanish after December 24, a reminder of the fleeting nature of holiday joys. Campbell’s commitment is unwavering, stating, “We start at least a year out. I’m already planning for the next gingerbread house coming up next year.” It’s a gentle reminder to savor the present, as each holiday offering is ephemeral, much like the candy that adorns the house.
For those looking to balance out their indulgence, ice skating is available at the Ritz-Carlton until December 27. Created from synthetic material, the rink adapts to Florida’s warmth, offering a unique experience where laughter and gliding across the ice intermingles joyfully with the holiday market ambiance.
Shoppers will find local vendors like Kendra Scott providing a range of gifts from dazzling jewelry to delectable treats. This market, alive with laughter and festivity, captures the spirit of the season, ensuring delightful last-minute holiday shopping options.
Jared Young, the Executive Chef at Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburon, explained, “We’re tapping into classic holiday specials with gingerbread, maroons, and livening the holidays with it.” His words echo the communal joy that grows around shared traditions and seasonal treats. Completing the experience, the hotel’s packaging of pastries to-go in ornaments fits perfectly with the festive spirit, allowing guests to take a piece of holiday magic home.
In the hustle and bustle of the season, perhaps it’s worth pausing to appreciate the artistry involved in both the gingerbread house and the market. These moments of connection—between the craftsmanship of chefs, the joy of ice skating, and the spirit of giving—remind us that while sweet treats may not last, the memories they create linger on, sweetening our hearts long after the candy has been enjoyed.
