Sunnyvale Library’s Gingerbread Village Becomes Holiday Tradition

The gingerbread village at the Sunnyvale Public Library has become a holiday tradition for library patrons.

In its fifth season, the gingerbread village at the Sunnyvale Public Library has become somewhat of a holiday tradition for families. The nearly 20-foot-long display is put up just after Thanksgiving every year and filled with gingerbread houses created by community members. For the next month, other community members will get a chance to see the creations on display and enjoy the festive decorations.

The village is the brainchild of Winnie Lam, a Sunnyvale resident and artist, who wanted to find a way to bring people together during the pandemic.

“I wanted to use art as a way to bring people together, so that people feel like they’re part of a community, even though we’re all staying at home on our own and isolated,” said Lam. “I came up with the idea of creating a gingerbread village where everyone is invited to submit a gingerbread house. Volunteer artists who I recruited would then assemble all the gingerbread house submissions into an 18-feet-long gingerbread village for exhibit at the library.”

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She said she chose the library because of its accessibility, how beloved it is in the community and the simple fact that it’s free to visit.

The response in the first year was so big, that Lam decided to try it again the following year. Every year since, more people have joined in, and that brings Lam joy.

“One mom had told me this year that this is their favorite family activity through all year. So that’s really touching,” said Lam. “We now have professional bakers who generously share their extraordinary baking and decorating skills … For example, this year we have Bluey’s house, which is made by Susie Andersen from Taste Buds Kitchen.”

Sometimes, Lam visits the library just to see how the community will react to the display. She’s never disappointed.

“When I stare at a distance, trying to be anonymous, I just see a look of wonder from kids’ faces as they’re admiring each gingerbread house,” said Lam. “Sometimes it’s really hilarious for me to hear them say, like, ‘Oh my God, I want to eat off candy.’”

Both kids and adults have shared the sentiment in writing in the small guestbook located near the gingerbread houses. They’ve also expressed gratitude for the care and artistry that went into creating the homes.

“Makes the season more festive! More like Christmas!” wrote one visitor.

“These gingerbread house(s) were insane! Much respect and gratitude for keeping this tradition alive. You all put so much detail and effort and it’s reflective in your art. Keep being amazing,” wrote one Sunnyvale resident.

“Gnarly!!! Would live in all of them. Well done!!!” wrote another visitor.

For Lam, seeing these words from people means the world to her.

“In an age where we are using technology all the time inside, it’s really nice to see that people are touched by others, other strangers. Spending hours and hours making these gingerbread houses for everyone to enjoy, it makes us feel more human and a lot more closer together as people,” said Lam.

She says none of this would have been possible without the support of the Sunnyvale library, its staff, the City of Sunnyvale and the Sunnyvale city council.

The gingerbread houses will be on display at the Sunnyvale Public Library, 665 W. Olive Ave., during library hours until Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. Be sure to check with the library, as the regular hours may be affected by holiday scheduling.