Hey, Disney Friends! I have a new holiday experience to add to the list for those of us who think decorating gingerbread houses is much more fun when someone else supplies the icing, candy, and clean-up plan! Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio in Downtown Disney is introducing a new Gingerbread Happy Hour this December, giving its annual gingerbread tradition a grown-up twist. This one is designed for the adults, so gather your favorite people, get ready to show off your decorating skills, and enjoy a festive evening with a cocktail and some holiday lounge music.
The new experience takes place on Wednesday, December 9th, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Jazz Kitchen. Executive Chef Darrin Finkel will lead the gingerbread house decorating experience, while DJ Slim Dee provides the holiday lounge soundtrack. It sounds like a fun way to catch up with friends or colleagues during the busy holiday season, especially if you fancy a festive activity that doesn’t involve racing around the theme parks. And yes, you get to take on the serious business of creating your own gingerbread masterpiece!

Gingerbread Happy Hour Details
- When: Wednesday, December 9th, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm
- Where: Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio, Downtown Disney District, Disneyland Resort
- Price: $68 per person. Every attendee must purchase a ticket.
- Age requirement: 21 and older only.
- What’s included: A welcome holiday cocktail, or your choice of beer, wine, or a mocktail; a gingerbread house with a 12-by-12-inch cake base; assorted decorating candy; and one bag of icing.
- Entertainment: Holiday lounge music from DJ Slim Dee while you decorate.
- Reservations: Advance credit card payment is required to confirm your booking. Refunds are available with at least one week’s notice.
- Important to know: Jazz Kitchen cannot assemble, hold, or transport your finished gingerbread house, so make sure you have a plan to get your creation home safely!
Tickets can be purchased here.

I think this is a lovely addition to the Downtown Disney holiday calendar, particularly for locals and frequent Disneyland visitors looking for something different to do outside the parks. There is something rather appealing about swapping the usual festive rush for a relaxed evening of decorating, sipping, and catching up with your favorite people. Just remember that this is an adults-only event, so if your family gingerbread tradition usually involves the kids, you may want to save this one for a night out with the grown-ups.


