This story first appeared as part of the Florida on a Tankful Holiday Spectacular.
In an old Episcopal Church next door to Jacksonville's Veterans Memorial Arena awaits a grand presentation to the miniature.
"Today, it's considered in the heart of downtown Jacksonville," said Emily Lisska, the executive director of the Jacksonville Historical Society.
Inside the former sanctuary now devoid of pews is one of Lisska's favorite events of the year.
"I call it the most creative art show in town," she said.
Every December, the Jacksonville Historical Society presents a holiday tradition proud to be on the smaller side.
"There are individuals all over Florida that are focusing on the holidays other than just retail satisfaction," Lisska said.
The Gingerbread Extravaganza inside Old St. Andrews brings together creative gingerbread houses off all different shapes and styles.
School children to engineers are the architects here — recreating everything from the birth of Jesus, the Jacksonville Zoo and recent films.
"Popular ones are storybook themes or movie themes," Lisska said.
Other creations are historical in nature, like Fort Caroline found near the site in 1564.
Many of the gingerbread homes have flashlights out on the tables. Some designers have packed in so many details not only on the outside, but also on the inside. Open doors and windows lead to another world hiding inside. Just don't touch.
"There is never a year something doesn't collapse," Lisska said said while doing triage on a broken fence made of pretzel sticks.
Lisska will play the role of surgeon many times throughout the duration of the Gingerbread House Extravaganza, fixing mishaps. It's a role she embraces each holiday season.
"(They are as) much fun building as the pleasure they give to the people who attend," Lisska said.
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