Want to let the kids to construct the candy-covered gingerbread houses of their dreams while leaving all the sticky mess to someone else? No set up, no icing-covered counters, no responsibility on your end for keeping that pesky gingerbread roof from caving in, and no sprinkles shaken all over your kitchen. Here are a variety of places for your kids to have a fantastic time cooking up delicious fun at a gingerbread workshop in Austin.

— Gingerbread Villas @ Laguna Gloria
Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Be the art-chitect of your very own candy home! Whip up edible houses inspired by the architecture of the Driscoll Villa at Laguna Gloria. Recommended for ages 2–11. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required, which you can do online here. (Update: the workshop registration is full, but as noted on their website, you may be able to sign up for the art-making activity onsite, if there are last-minute cancellations or no-shows.)

— Gingerbread Workshops @ Thinkery
Dec. 9 – 24, various times
From traditional houses to toddler-focused builds, Candy Chemistry to Gingerbread Art & Architecture for the older kids, there is a workshop for every family. Creative kids build with gingerbread and sweet treats in a fun and festive atmosphere. Each Gingerbread House Kit includes all your supplies—fresh gingerbread, an assortment of candies and plenty of icing. After the workshop, all participants are welcome to explore Thinkery while their house dries in the Gingerbread Village. Click here to view all of the various workshops available for a variety of ages and reserve your spot.

— Gingerbread Workshops @ Foodie Kids
Dec. 10, 16, 21 & 22, 10 a.m. 
Kids will embellish freshly made, fragrant (and totally edible) Gingerbread Houses with candies, cereals, marshmallows and Royal Icing. Gingerbread Men, Hot Chocolate and Warm Cider will be served. Recipes included. A wonderful family event! The fee for this workshop is $45, and you can reserve your spot online here.

— Gingerbread House Decorating Class @ Bake Austin
Dec. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In this fun class, the kids will bake their own houses and decorate them so that they can take them home and enjoys them for the next week or so. For ages 8-15. The cost for this class is $50, and you can sign up online here.

— Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop @ Make It Sweet
Dec. 21 & 22, 6 p.m.
The house will already be assembled, and there will be lots of fun sweet edibles to use for decorations as well as icing and more. The cost is $35 per house. Since seating is limited, a maximum of 4 people can work on 1 house together. Register in advance online here.

Know any other places to go out and build your gingerbread houses? Let us know in the comments below?