MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — It's a sweet start to the holiday season at Great Wolf Lodge near Tannersville.
The resort in Monroe County unveiled something extra special for guests as part of the Snowland Celebration.
"It's a gingerbread lodge, and to have that life-size in our lobby at this resort immerses families into this life-sized gingerbread lodge," said Bill Colavito, Great Wolf Lodge Poconos General Manager.
The creation was designed by celebrity chef and artist Ashley Holt.
She's facing off against chef Duff Goldman in a friendly competition that benefits charity.
"I knew I had to go big or go home, it is in the lobby of their beautiful location in the Poconos. So it really had to stand out, be eye-catching, and I wanted it to be fun and feel playful," said celebrity chef Ashley Holt.
Every nook and cranny of the gingerbread lodge is made out of candy and other edible treats.
"We have a pool filled with 130 gallons of buttercream frosting coming from a slide coated in sugar. We have hundreds of cobble gingerbread cookies that are adoring the steps, the front porch, the door, the chimney," described Holt.
"She really had a great handle on understanding our brand and how it can immerse into our Snowland and winter wonderland, and she spent months on it," said Colavito.
Chef Goldman unveiled his gingerbread creation at the Great Wolf Lodge in Maryland.
Guests can snap a picture and tag the resort on social media the winning chef will get a $15,000 donation to their chosen charity the runner up will receive $10,000.
"He partnered with an amazing charity, and I partner with Icing Smiles, which is a fantastic nonprofit that gives cakes to kids with critical illnesses, their siblings, and families, and we are all coming out winners," said Holt.
Guests can support their favorite chef’s creation by posting photos on social media, tagging Great Wolf Lodge, and using #TeamGWLMaryland or #TeamGWLPoconos.
The gingerbread lodges will be on display through January 6th.