Kohler, Wis. (November 22, 2021) – Hansel and Gretel popularized gingerbread houses by discovering a house in the forest made entirely of bread and sugar. Beginning Friday, November 26th Waelderhaus, the historic “house in the woods” in Kohler will treat families to holiday music and dozens of sugary creations on display at the 25th Annual Gingerbread Festival.
Beginning November 26th through December 30th, Waelderhaus visitors will enjoy extended hours and weekly musical performances, and have the opportunity to vote on their favorite hand-crafted gingerbread houses, sculptures and original handiworks created by local schools and community groups.
Classroom and community organizations whose sweet designs garner the most votes from attendees, will receive cash prizes in different age groups. Complimentary gingerbread cookies will be served to protect the candy-studded homes and fabrications from hungry visitors.
25th Annual Gingerbread Festival Schedule
Waelderhaus – 1100 West Riverside Drive, Kohler, Wis.
November 26 through December 30, 2021
Sunday through Friday – 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Advance Reservations Needed for Viewing the Gingerbread Display and Touring the Waelderhaus
Advance reservations are needed to view and vote for the gingerbread structures. Please sign up to visit at kohlerfoundation.org
Daily tours of the Waelderhaus are offered at 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM (closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day). Advance reservations are required for daily tours and can be made by calling (920)453-2851.
All staff and visitors are required to WEAR MASKS at all times while in the Waelderhaus.
Holiday Musical Performances – 2:00 p.m.
Nov. 27 Harpist Nancy Lescher Drabot
Nov. 28 Pianist Danny Ognavic
Dec. 4 Pianist Frederick Strassburger of the Concordia Singers
Dec. 5 Ruona family on piano representing Cedar Grove Belgium School District
Dec. 11 Sheboygan North High School Northern Lights*
Dec. 12 Plymouth High School Mistletones*
Dec. 18 Kohler High School Madrigals*
Dec. 19 Random Lake High School Chamber Singers*
*Holiday caroling performances will be held outside on the drive of the Waelderhaus
All events and activities at the Waelderhaus are free to the public. Call Waelderhaus at 920-453-2851 or visit kohlerfoundation.org for more information. Tag us on Facebook or Twitter with #gingerbreadkohler
The Waelderhaus is managed by Kohler Foundation, a non-profit, private foundation dedicated to supporting the arts, education and art preservation initiatives in the state of Wisconsin.