Dine in a life-size gingerbread house for a good cause

If you’re strolling through Little Italy this week, you might notice a massive gingerbread house twinkling down Columbia St.

Queenstown Public House has transformed into a life-size gingerbread wonderland for the holiday season to raise awareness and encourage guests to donate to the toy drive benefiting foster children of New Alternatives.

Last year, the restaurant collected 500 donated toys. They’re hoping to double that number this year.

Festival lights, lollipops, candy canes and frosting on the windows accent the historic craftsman cottage. Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for donation before Dec. 20 will receive a gingerbread house kit and is encouraged to enter the house decorating contest held at the restaurant on Dec. 20.

The contest for both adults and kids will include a party from 7 to 10 p.m., with generous prizes awarded to the winners. If nothing else, enjoy the magic of the decorated home with New Zealand-inspired fare and 20 craft beers on tap before Christmas is over.

1557 Columbia Street, Little Italy. queenstownpublichouse.com