TUMON BAY, GUAM – Hilton Guam Resort & Spa proudly welcomes the holiday season with the grand unveiling of the Gingerbread Express and the debut of Christmas Island, transforming the hotel’s main lobby into a festive wonderland of artistry, community spirit, and island pride.

 

Crafted by Pastry Chef Katie Lusk and her talented culinary team, this year’s Gingerbread Express is a true labor of love. “The Gingerbread Express used over 150 pounds of flour, 80 pounds of molasses, and hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread cookies,” said Lusk. “It is a joyful effort shared by our culinary team and the children of our Team Members, who helped bake and decorate the display.”

 

At its heart, the Gingerbread Express features a dedicated USMC Toys for Tots car, while proceeds from both the Gingerbread Express and Christmas Island will support the Todu Guam Foundation, reinforcing Hilton Guam’s commitment to local families and charitable causes.

 

New this year is Christmas Island, a handcrafted miniature world created by Anthony “Tony” Cruz, a Mongmong resident known for opening his home each year to showcase his elaborate Christmas Island.

 

“I wanted the community to feel the same magic I felt as a child,” Cruz shared. “This island is built from my heart, piece by piece, night after night — and it is dedicated to the families and loved ones who inspire us to hold each other close during the holidays.”

 

Cruz shared that building the village became an act of healing. Each window lit, each tiny bridge, each hand-painted roadway became a symbol of the journey we walk together as a community through joy, through loss, through resilience.

 

It and residents to pause, reconnect, and remember that Guam’s greatest strength has always been its people: our compassion, our faith, and the spirit of inafa’maolek that binds us in moments of celebration and times of grief.

 

The inspiration to expand this year’s display began in July, led by Commercial Director Sheila Baker. “Our vision was to bring even more holiday magic into our lobby — not just through décor, but through community partnership and shared joy,” said Baker. “It is an honor to work alongside Tony, Chef Katie, and our team to create a space that brings comfort, wonder, and togetherness to our island.”

General Manager Hiroki Sugie added: “We are thrilled to launch the Gingerbread Express once again, this year with the beautiful addition of Christmas Island. We are incredibly proud of our Culinary Team and deeply grateful to Tony Cruz for sharing his artistry and passion with our community.

 

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who helped bring this holiday tradition to life,” said Sugie. “This celebration would not be possible without the generous support of our main sponsor, Bank of Hawaii, and our valued partners: Arluis Wedding, Century Insurance, Docomo Pacific, G4S Secure Solutions (Guam), Inc., Guam First Tour dba Guam Hana Tour, Guam KTB Inc., H.I.S Guam, Inc., IT&E, Landscape Management Systems Inc, Lins Hardware, Marianas Linen Supply, Inc., Rakuten Travel Guam, Inc., South Pacific Petroleum Corporation, TakeCare Insurance Company, Inc., Todu Guam Foundation—including Dr. Melizza Young and Dr. Zeny Asuncion Nace—Triple J Enterprises, Inc., Tropical Clean, Inc., and WellTech Telecommunications LLC. Their commitment to our island community allows us to share the joy, magic, and meaning of the holiday season with every guest who visits Hilton Guam Resort & Spa.”

 

Guests will enjoy live performances by the GCC Choir, Sax o’ Fun, and the legendary LatteTones, under the musical direction of Dr. Randall Johnson.

 

Viewing the Gingerbread Express and Christmas Island is free and open to the community, seven days a week, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in the Hilton Guam main lobby. Families are invited to experience the lights, music, and magic of the holidays.

 

 

Visitors can enjoy the display beginning November 26, 2025 to January 6, 2026.

 

Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00am-2:00pm

Every Evening: 6:00-9:00pm

 

Wednesday, November 26 (Launch): 6:00pm–9:00pm

Fridays – December 5, 12, 19, 26: 6:00pm–9:00pm

Saturdays – December 6, 13, 20, 27: 6:00pm–9:00pm

Sundays – December 7, 14, 21, 28: 11:00am–2:00pm

 

 

Follow @hiltonguamresort on socials for behind-the-scenes content, performances and dining experiences.

Photo caption: Kenzie Jo hard at work decorating a cookie for Mom Chef Katie's Gingerbread Express. 

More photos at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/svx3jumtjiv86jbchhk6q/AGsC9aeMwgw42Wg9_l7XU4Y?rlkey=r8uf1wy0jyij0u7yczqhlc1jy&dl=0