Holiday Nostalgia, In Neon Gingerbread

It is the holidays, and as is the tradition, we at Two Twelve celebrated with a friendly gingerbread decorating competition. This year’s theme: Vintage Neon.  

Designers MJ DiDonna and Sarah Choi, directors of the gingerbread competition planning committee, drew inspiration from their visit to Las Vegas earlier this year to attend the International Sign Association (ISA) International Sign Expo®. While at the event they learned about innovative fabrication technology and how it might shape their future designs. But, they also had the opportunity to visit The Neon Museum and were equally inspired by these signs of the past. 

The museum celebrates Las Vegas’ tradition of glittering signs, booming tourism, and pioneering showmanship. On view are relics of a bygone era on the Las Vegas strip. As quoted in a 2019 CityLab article about neon signage in cities, philosopher Luis de Miranda describes the image of neon as carrying “an atmosphere. It speaks … of the essence of cities, of the poetry of nights, of the 20th century.” It is this essence that sparks nostalgia for a time and place when neon signs propagated a lifestyle of urban energy and excitement. 

This nostalgia is echoed in the spirit and tradition of the holiday season, and we have brought some of it to life in gingerbread creations. From replicas of iconic Vegas photos to inventive new destinations, the results are in!

Honorable Mention: 

Third Place: 

Runner Up: 

WINNER: 

Two Twelve’s neon gingerbread signs are full of personality, fun, and of course, a hefty dose of holiday nostalgia. 

So, however you celebrate, Two Twelve wishes you a season aglow with fond memories and the making of joyous new ones. 

Happy Holidays!