Melbourne cityscape recreated in gingerbread for Christmas 2016

• Video: How to make and decorate a gingerbread house

Deniz Karaca Savour Patissier of the Year 2016, is considered one of the top three chocolatiers in the world. But come December, he's better known as the gingerbread man.

When the Epicure executive pastry chef joined the catering company six years ago, his general manager was eager to mould Melbourne from chocolate. Given the heat during Aussie summer, Karaca suggested that gingerbread might be a better move.

On again from December 1 until Christmas Eve at the Melbourne Town Hall, entry is free to the Epicure gingerbread village, but all gold coin donations go directly to The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.

The hospital is a new addition to the gingerbread cityscape (there's also a second gingerbread hospital replica at the Royal Children's), which Karaca estimates is around 30 square metres. Over $111,500 has been raised for various charities since the first gingerbread village six years ago. This year, Epicure is hoping to beat 2015's donations of $28,442.

The work of edible engineering takes up to five staff (Karaca's "elves") 2000 hours to create. Broken down, that's 500 kilograms of gingerbread, 360 kilograms of royal icing, 150 kilograms of marzipan, 800 mini Christmas trees and more than 900 characters.

Karaca is especially fond of the detail in the food market and the energy of St Kilda beach. "Last year we had a couple under the pier making out but it was stolen," he says. "We also make the AFL Grand Final teams. The players usually get stolen as well. For some reason, no one takes the Sydney players, so we've been able to reuse them."

Every year the caterer recycles as much gingerbread as possible to avoid waste, altering the traditional recipe with extra sugar to preserve it that little bit longer. With nearly 50,000 people coming to see Melbourne in gingerbread last year, hygiene considerations prevent Epicure from being able to dish out parts of the city at the end of the exhibit.

Thankfully the gingerbread lasts a couple of years, which saves the team plenty of time. It's the little details that are most challenging, like the doctors' desks, television screens and coral-laden fish tank at the Royal Children's. Old favourites will be there again this year, with kids able to eye-spy for iconic Melbourne landmarks such as the Town Hall, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Luna Park and Melbourne Zoo.

But the gingerbread village isn't just for kids. Those with a keen eye will also be treated to Epicure's sense of humour. "Have a look at the 'G," says Karaca, "There might be a Collingwood supporter being kicked out this year."

See epicure.com.au