New Orleans (WGNO) – Tuesday morning, the Sixth Annual Gingerbread House Building Workshop was held at Children’s Hospital for young patients, family members, and hospital staff volunteers. Dozens of patients will participate in the interactive step-by-step demonstration by Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group executive pastry chef Brett Gauthier. Gingerbread house building materials are brought into children’s rooms who are too sick to join in the common area. Santa and his elves will make a surprise visit to help children build houses and take photos together. Christmas music and decorations will fill the room. Past years’ photos below.

Children’s Hospital in New Orleans is a 247-bed, not-for-profit medical center providing the most advanced pediatric care for children from birth to 21 years. It is the only dedicated freestanding pediatric facility in Louisiana and the Gulf South. Each year, Children’s Hospital New Orleans cares for patients from all 64 parishes in Louisiana, nearly every state in the U.S. and many countries.

Red Fish Grill is the go-to place for flavorful, un-fussy Gulf seafood in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Ralph Brennan’s funky-casual establishment was named one of the 2012 “Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.” by Travel + Leisure.

“We couldn’t be happier to participate in this unique and fun holiday tradition” said owner Ralph Brennan, “it’s our way of sharing Christmas cheer with the children bound to the hospital this time of year.”