November 14 –December 19, 2007

George Eastman House invites young and old to enjoy a feast for the eyes and nose — a display of more than 70 cleverly designed and decorated gingerbread houses, on view throughout the restored historic house. The Eastman House’s 13th annual Sweet Creations: Gingerbread House Display features confections creations produced by professional bakers, hobbyists, Scout troops, families, schools, and community groups. A related scavenger hunt provides entertainment for families and invites a closer look at the clever confections.

This season’s clever confections, in addition to storybook cottages and traditional gingerbread houses, will include “Christmas on Main Street,” several scenes from The Wizard of Oz, Santa’s stable, a Ferris wheel, a cuckoo clock, the School of Rock (Candy) featuring recorded music, and a recreation of a Dorothea Lange photo.

The gingerbread houses will be on display throughout the historic 1905 home of George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak Co. The Eastman House itself will be decorated for the season in turn-of-the-20th-century holiday style. Decorations include garland on the grand staircase; elaborately adorned fireplace mantels; Christmas trees in several rooms, including an old-fashioned tree encircled by an antique toy train in the Living Room and several trees decorated by local business and organizations that are sold via silent auction; a plethora of poinsettias; and the formal dining room decorated for Christmas dinner.

Most of the gingerbread houses will be sold via silent auction, with proceeds benefiting future restoration projects at Eastman House. The Sweet Creations display is organized by the Eastman House Council, under the direction of chairwomen Linda Gillim of Pittsford and Bev Pickering of Chili. The exhibition is supported by Tops Markets and Mapstone Financial Group.

Holiday Homecoming
A favorite event during the exhibition is Holiday Homecoming, taking place 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, and featuring festive decorations, live holiday music, family activities, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. Click here for a complete list of holiday events at George Eastman House.

Sweet Creations and Holiday Homecoming are included with museum admission. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for senior citizens (60 and older); $5 students; $3 for children 5-12; and free for children 4 and under. For more information, please call (585) 271-3361.