Gingerbread Heber Creeper stationed in the lobby at Stein Eriksen Lodge

Stein Eriksen's "Heber Creeper" Gingerbread train on display this holiday season. Photo: Stein Eriksen

PARK CITY, Utah — The 24th annual Stein Eriksen Lodge gingerbread display is paying homage to the iconic Heber Valley Railroad, locally known as the Heber Creeper. 

The train is stationed in the Mountain Lobby and stands five feet tall, five feet wide, and ten feet long. The steam-powered gingerbread train includes over 220 pounds of gingerbread, 160 pounds of icing, 30 pounds of dark chocolate, 450 egg whites, 5 pounds of gum paste and fondant, and three total pounds of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

A talented team of gingerbread specialists, engineers, and pastry artists, led by Executive Pastry Chef Jeremy Garcia and Chef Zane Holmquist, VP of Food & Beverage Operations and Corporate Chef, logged more than 80 hours mixing, baking, shaping, building, and decorating this year’s display, according to the lodge. 

“The Heber Creeper has been such a nostalgic fixture in the community for generations, and we are excited to have it as the centerpiece of this year’s gingerbread display,” said Chef Garcia. “Beginning in December, hotel guests and visitors of all ages can enjoy the expansive scene and the truly magical feel of the holiday season at Stein Eriksen Lodge.” 

More festive holiday happenings at Stein’s include:

Cookie Decorating
Dec. 21 & 27 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Flagstaff

Join Stein’s annual holiday cookie decorating tradition. Cookies, decorations and icing will be provided until supplies last. No reservation is required and no fee to join in the holiday fun. 

Santa Claus Visits Stein’s
Dec. 22 | 3:30 p.m.

Stop by and bring the little ones for a picture with Santa when he makes a visit to the Lodge. 

Create Your Own Gingerbread House
Dec. 23 & Dec. 30 | 4 – 6 p.m. | Flagstaff

Visitors can try their hand at making their own gingerbread displays. Gingerbread, icing and all the decorations to make the perfect holiday display are included. $65 per house. Call the concierge to book at 435-645-6460.