How long is each session?

Sessions typically run about two hours; check the specific date listing for exact start and end times.

What's included in the $40 kit?

Each $40 kit includes four pre-baked gingerbread people and all decorating supplies—icing, sprinkles, and candies.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes—this is a family-friendly activity. Children often lead the creative direction, and instructors help keep things organized.

Do I need baking experience?

No baking or advanced decorating skills are required; instructors provide a short demo and then guests decorate at their own pace.

Can the lodge accommodate food allergies?

Contact Tenaya Lodge before booking to discuss specific allergies and potential accommodations or ingredient substitutes.

When should I arrive?

Arrive 5–15 minutes early to choose tools and colors and to get settled before the session begins.

Gingerbread People Workshop at Tenaya Lodge: Holiday Decorating in Fish Camp, CA

At Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, California, the Gingerbread People Workshop turns countertop frosting into a small, seasonal production line of personality. Held in the lodge’s warm craft room just off the main lobby, this hands-on class invites visitors to decorate four pre-baked gingerbread people with icing, candies, and sprinkles while the mountain air presses quietly against the windows. The workshop runs on select dates through late November and December and is offered as a $40 kit that includes four gingerbread people and all decorating supplies. Sessions typically last about two hours, making this an ideal midafternoon activity between hikes, ski outings, or a slow morning checking in to your room. Families, couples, or solo travelers who like to make something tangible will find the pace relaxed and the results delightfully imperfect. What sets this event apart is how it pairs a tactile craft with the lodge environment: wood-paneled rooms, big windows, and a steady rhythm of holiday programming. The gingerbread people themselves are a simple canvas — molasses-sweet cookie, soft royal icing, and a palette of bright sugar decorations — but the real draw is the social atmosphere. Volunteer instructors give quick demonstrations on piping and color mixing, then step back as guests invent outfits, faces, and tiny accessories that read like miniature characters. Because the workshop is held at Tenaya Lodge, it feels like a local tradition: a way to mark the season with something handmade rather than store-bought. The scene outside the windows—pine branches, high-elevation light, and often a light dusting of snow—frames the activity and reminds participants they are in a mountain community with easy access to trailheads and lodge amenities. Practical details: booking ahead is recommended, since kits are limited and sessions run on specific holiday dates. The atmosphere is family-friendly and suitable for beginners; no baking or advanced decorating skills are required. If you have food allergies or special dietary concerns, check with the lodge before booking. Beyond the workshop, the lodge’s proximity to local trails and seasonal events means you can combine a creative afternoon with an outdoor walk, a visit to the spa, or an evening by the fire. For travelers who value hands-on holiday experiences, the Gingerbread People Workshop offers a short, sweet detour from the usual sightseeing checklist—a chance to make memories, not just take photos. Bring a camera to record the personalities you create and consider gifting a set to friends back home; the kits pack easily in luggage. Children often lead designs, and instructors are practiced at keeping the mess contained. Arrive a few minutes early to choose tools and colors, and plan to carry your finished figures home in a sturdy container provided by the lodge safely.

About Tenaya at Yosemite

Tenaya at Yosemite is an activity and guiding provider located in Fish Camp, California, offering a wide range of outdoor experiences and hands-on workshops just outside Yosemite National Park. The business features full-day and short-format options, including the Yosemite Summer Tour — a 9-hour guided journey through Yosemite Valley led by an expert local guide — plus shorter activities such as 30-minute archery lessons at the Sierra Mountain Archery Range and two-hour guided mountain bike adventures that include a 5-mile ride and a half-mile hike to Tenaya Falls.

Guided nature hikes (75–90 minutes) and flashlight hikes (about 1 hour 15 minutes, roughly two miles) are led by expert nature guides and include winter snowshoe options. E-bike rentals provide access to scenic trails in the Sierra National Forest for riders age 16 and up. Seasonal studio offerings include glass blowing classes held Thursday through Saturday from July 13 to October 28, 2023, with only four students per time slot for focused, personalized instruction. Family-friendly craft options include terracotta pot decorating with supplied soil and wildflower seeds, and an ornament workshop that provides materials for decorating six keepsakes. A special Kids New Year’s Eve celebration for ages 8–12 offers supervised activities and family-centered programming.

Tenaya at Yosemite lists specific age minimums and durations for its experiences, operates from a defined Fish Camp location, and provides guided access to local natural highlights such as Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Tenaya Falls. The combination of guided tours, equipment rentals, and small-group workshops supports a range of guest interests and abilities.