A Gingerbread gotham Rises in NYC: 30 Years of Holiday magic
This holiday season, New York City is experiencing a unique kind of enchantment. Jon Lovtich, a Queens resident and self-proclaimed gingerbread maestro, has unveiled his breathtaking 30th anniversary Gingerbread Lane exhibit at The Shops at Columbus Circle. This year, the display, a record-breaker in its own right, pays tribute to the city that inspires it.
lovtich, previously known for his spectacular displays at Chelsea Market, has created a miniature, edible Gotham.He explained his inspiration for this year’s theme to The Post: “With the [holiday] market outside, and [the nearby] Rockefeller Centre tree, Bloomingdales … the tourism here is huge.” He continued, “There’s such a confluence of New Yorkers and tourists together, they’re all coming to see New york City at Christmas — so let’s give them New York City at Christmas.”
This year’s creation is a monumental undertaking: a 350,000-square-foot wonderland crafted from 23,000 jellybeans, 300 pounds of gingerbread, and a staggering 1,920 pounds of icing. The project required over 800 hours of meticulous work spread across 12 months.
Visitors will find a delightful blend of holiday cheer and New York City charm.From classic city scenes – hot dog stands, newspaper boxes, and even subway-style lettering – to whimsical nods to the North Pole (including a “Broken Ornament Shop”), the exhibit is a feast for the eyes. And, of course, Santa makes an appearance, this time behind the wheel of a quintessential yellow taxi cab.
Lovtich shared some insights into his creative process: “Every year, I don’t bring anything back ‚ everything’s new — accept for one Santa Claus.” He added, “It’s the very last touch I do every year, I take him at the end of the year and keep him, and every year he comes back to the exhibit.”
This former executive chef, now a full-time gingerbread artist, begins planning the next year’s masterpiece almost a year in advance. He constructs the individual pieces at his Forest Hills home before transporting them to their final destination. His passion for this unique art form began in Kansas City, where he worked under a chef who created similar holiday displays. “I just got hooked right away, seeing people’s reactions to it,” he recalled.
This year’s Gingerbread Lane is more than just a holiday display; it’s a testament to Lovtich’s artistry and a sweet celebration of New York City’s holiday spirit. it’s a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
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NYC Gingerbread Masterpiece: Lovitch’s Epic Lane Extends Holiday Cheer
For over three decades, Jon Lovitch’s Gingerbread Lane has captivated audiences with its breathtaking detail and whimsical charm. What began as a modest 14-house display, “wasn’t even the size of a small Honda,” has evolved into a sprawling, edible cityscape that has graced prestigious venues like the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., and the New York Hall of Science.
The exhibit’s popularity extends beyond simple admiration. Lovitch shares, “It reaches such a wide, vast, diverse audience, and ever since 30 years ago, it’s just been a little bit more exciting to see how much people like it.” Its enchanting scenes have even served as backdrops for gender reveals, marriage proposals, and countless family photos.
This year’s Gotham-inspired section proved particularly popular, inspiring Lovitch to revisit the theme in 2024 with a vintage twist. “Maybe I’ll do a checkered cab — which I did this year — but I want to do it more authentic, and then potentially the same thing with some newsstands and storefronts,” he revealed.He plans to capture the grandeur of New York City’s past, adding, “The windows of New York City are huge and Christmas, but they used to be bigger in the 1940s, 50s and 60s — back in the day, everybody had that.”
His ambitious vision extends beyond vintage storefronts. “I also want to expand more to things in New York City that we’re so used to, like bodegas and fruit stands, and I want to do something big and grand like Grand Central [Terminal] or Penn Station,” he enthusiastically shared.
The current exhibit concludes January 5th. Afterward, Lovitch allows visitors to take home some of the edible creations, donating the remainder to local farms and animal shelters. “Pig farmers really love it because the pigs love to eat it,” he chuckled.
Much like Santa Claus, his work begins anew the day after Christmas.”It’s one of those things where people love it and I love doing it,” Lovitch reflected. “you enjoy how people feel with it. It’s just a good feeling.”
