The Building Codes (skip straight to Registration)
- We encourage you to be creative and welcome ALL entries to the Gingerbread Village Display.
- We accept ALL houses from ‘decorated pre-cooked kit’ to ‘expert build’.
- Kids creations are encouraged…adult creations are too!
- There is NO charge to participate in the display.
We do ask you to observe the following:
- All building materials should be edible. Need a recipe, template, or directions? Check out this website. Using pre-made gingerbread kits is perfectly acceptable as well!
- All buildings should be built on a stiff foundation such as foam core or cardboard so that the house can be moved for display.
- Notify the Gingerbread House Event Organizer if your entry requires electrical outlets or special handling.
- Decide whether you will donate your house for raffle or simply loan it for the display.
The Builder’s Challenge
The Builder’s Challenge is an option open to all builders to design to the THEME – this year’s theme is “Let’s go to the Movies”. To learn more about this year’s theme, follow the link on the front page to see pictures and suggestions for buildings. We offer a Builder’s Challenge to add fun and inspiration to the event, but this is a voluntary option. If you would prefer to build freestyle, simply choose the “general builder’s permit” on the registration form.
Donating Your House: Gingerbread House Raffle
Each house that is donated will have a box for raffle tickets in front of it. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event to raise money for St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen, Lowell. At 7:00 PM on Sunday, December 4, 2022, we will draw the winning tickets and notify the lucky winners. Gingerbread houses must be picked up that night by 8 PM or you can make arrangements to pick it up in the following week
St. Paul’s Gingerbread Person Trophy for Best in Show!
For fun, the event will be visited by a mystery judge- each year it is a new judge- who will award the St. Paul’s Gingerbread Person Trophy to the best house in the show. Ribbons will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd runner-ups. All entries receive awards that are displayed next to their house- please be sure to pick yours up when you visit.
Builder’s Timeline
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM &
Friday, 1 December 2023, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Builder’s drop off their Gingerbread Houses at the All Saints’ Church back entrance (double glass doors). Large entries can be accommodated with prior notification. See Builder’s Code for more information.
- Include a 3×5 index card with your entry listing the names of the builders and verifying whether or not the gingerbread house is being donated for the raffle.
- Brochures and business cards from participants may be displayed.
- If you cannot drop off during this time, please make arrangements with the Gingerbread House Event Organizer
Saturday, 2 December 2023, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Public showing: Suggested admission for visitors is a donation of $10.00 per family.
- Raffle ticket sales begin.
Sunday, 3 December 2023, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
- Public showing: Suggested admission for visitors is a donation of $10.00 per family.
- Raffle concludes and winning tickets will be drawn at 7:00 PM
- Gingerbread house pick up between 7:00 – 8:00 PM