Editor’s Note: The Dove Mountain Ritz-Carlton has confirmed that the gingerbread house decor is no longer a tradition at the hotel during Christmastime.

Decorating a gingerbread house is an age-old activity during the holiday season, and one Arizona hotel has taken the concept to a whole new level. The Ritz-Carlton at Dove Mountain boasts a life-sized gingerbread house that doubles as a restaurant. Crazy as that sounds, it gets even better. Why? Because the structure is 100% real, made with actual flour, sugar, and candy.

Nestled in the expansive foothills of Dove Mountain, the Ritz-Carlton is a beautiful resort that offers year-round escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Christmastime adds a whole new level of magic, as the entire hotel comes alive with lights and festive decor.

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From a perfectly ornamented tree in the lobby to thousands of glittering bulbs wrapped around the staircase railings, not a single hall hasn’t been decked. Beginning the second you walk through the door, a feeling of enchantment only this time of year can evoke grows stronger with each passing moment.

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Completing the scene is a gingerbread house large enough to eat in. It seats six people, offering an intimate holiday dining experience for friends and family alike.

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Not only is the house life-sized, but it’s also 100% real. This remarkable feat consists of 250 eggs, 856 pounds of sugar, 50 pounds of cinnamon, and gargantuan amounts of several other ingredients. Authenticity only serves to enhance the winter wonderland vibe.

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Both lunch and dinner reservations can be made daily, featuring gourmet dishes from the expert hotel chefs. Many of the selections have been given a festive twist that’ll have your taste buds singing louder than carolers on Christmas Day.

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Midweek seating costs $200, while weekends are $250 (this is excluding individual meal prices.) Please call (520) 572-3050 to book your spot.

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Address: 15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana, AZ 85658.

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Visit the hotel’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

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Have you ever eaten in the Ritz-Carlton gingerbread house? If so, we’d love to hear all about the meal and overall experience.

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Address: 15000 N Secret Springs Dr, Marana, AZ 85658, USA