We want to see your gingerbread creations! Please submit your house via the form below (scroll down!) so that we know how many to expect.
Is there a fee for entering a house?
No.
Will my house be judged?
No, but your creation might be recognized for its creativity, use of color, or similar!
What are the guidelines for creating my house(s)?
For the first time in the festival’s history, we are asking for both Edible and Sweet creations as well as Creative and Crafty ones!
or Edible and Sweet gingerbread houses, we ask that your creation be mainly made out of edible materials, with a few important notes:
- Your house must be mounted on a sturdy base. Please do not make your base significantly larger than your creation.
- no gelatin (it can create mold) and no buttercream frosting (it can melt)
- Use a sturdy form of gingerbread for the construction of your masterpiece such as this recipe.
- We recommend using Royal Icing to hold it all together. Other icings are not strong enough & tend to melt. Here is a recipe from Wilton Cakes for Royal Icing.
For Creative and Crafty gingerbread houses, we have some important notes and guidelines:
- This is a creative challenge for adults and talented youth who have artistic hobbies other than culinary arts, not children’s groups.
- Are you a woodworker, potter or upcycler? Into leatherworking, needlework or ceramics? We want to see YOUR vision of a gingerbread house!
- Please create a traditional gingerbread house – for example, no trains, beach scenes or decor themes that aren’t seasonal to December. How will you create colorful lights, snowy rooftops and other delicate gingerbread details?
- Please, no craft kits
- Your gingerbread house should fit on a tabletop – if you have something else in mind, please contact Carolyn Venne
Is there a theme I should follow?
You are not required to follow a theme, but if you’d like some inspiration, our theme this year is ” Shiny & Brite” inspired by retro tinsel, Shiny Brite ornaments, kitschy santas and reindeer, and much more!
When should I drop off my house(s)?
For 2023, houses may be dropped off: 
- Thursday, November 16 10am-7pm
- Saturday, November 18 10am-2pm
- Monday, November 20 10am-7pm
What happens to my house after the festival?
You can have your house donated to the raffle OR you can choose to pick it up on Monday, December 18th from 2-5:30pm or Tuesday, December 19th from 2-5:30pm.