FLAGSTAFF, AZ – Pastry chefs at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort are creating a life-size traditional Navajo hogan made of gingerbread for the holiday season. Once completed, the approximately 10-ft.-tall, 18-ft.-9-in.-diameter structure will be displayed in the resort’s grand lobby and submitted to Guinness World Records as the world’s largest gingerbread hogan.
A hogan is an important part of Diné (Navajo) culture, architecture and ceremonial life. Traditionally constructed from wooden poles or logs covered with earth, mud or other natural materials, hogans typically feature an east-facing entrance associated with greeting the rising sun. The structure also holds significance within Diné understandings of harmony, the natural world and the four directions.
“Sharing Diné culture is at the heart of our mission at the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise,” said CEO John James. “The gingerbread hogan offers the Twin Arrows team a creative way to celebrate a beloved holiday tradition while inviting others to learn more about the rich history and traditions of the Navajo people.”
The project will require approximately 10,000 lbs. of flour, 3,000 lbs. of sugar, 2,500 lbs. of molasses, 2,000 lbs. of royal icing, 1,500 lbs. of butter and 500 lbs. of Rice Krispies. Additional ingredients include 45 lbs. of ground ginger, 35 lbs. of ground cinnamon, 20 lbs. of ground cloves and 1,000 gum balls.
Once completed, the gingerbread hogan will greet visitors in the grand lobby of Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort throughout the holiday season.. The hogan will officially go on display with a ceremony Thursday November 5, 2026 at 10 a.m.
