Gingerbread House Competition and Stroll 

December 6 – 14, 2025 | Downtown Cary

Be part of Cary's sweetest tradition! Bakers and builders can register through November 23 to showcase their gingerbread creations. The community is invited December 6 – 14 to stroll Downtown and see the builds at local businesses. All winners will be on display at the Cary Arts Center December 16-31.

Vote Here

2025 Map

2025 Entry Pictures

2025 Entries by Location

2025 Participation Info

Gingerbread Stroll Locations

Be sure to check each business's hours online, as they may vary.

1.  Annelore's German Bakery
2. Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
3. Warm 'n' Fuzzy
4. Cary Gallery of Artists
5. Peak Olive Oil
6. Esteamed Coffee
7. Douglas Realty Group
8. Kitchen and Bath Galleries
9. Geluna Gelato
10. The Cary Theatre
11. The Williams House
12. The Mayton
13. Home for Entertaining
14. The Cary Arts Center
15. Cary Regional Library

New in 2025 - there are two ways to participate!
Registration for all entries will be available online here October 20 - November 23.

Competition Entry (Judged)
Ready to compete? Submit a gingerbread house that meets our competition rules to be eligible for prizes.

This year's grand prize package includes a stay at The Mayton and four any-night tickets to the NC Chinese Lantern Festival. All seven winners will take home an award ribbon and Cary goodies to celebrate their holiday handiwork!

Special thanks to The Mayton for sweetening this year's competition!

• Drop-off deadline: Thursday, December 4
• Strict construction and decoration rules apply
• Eligible for judged awards and People's Choice
• Winners will be displayed at the Cary Arts Center December 16 - 31

2025 Competition entry rules can be found here.

Display Entry (Just for Fun)
Want to join the fun without the pressure? Submit a gingerbread house to be part of our festive display - no judging, just joy!

• Drop-off deadline: Friday, December 5
• Flexible decoration rules
• Eligible for People's Choice only
• People's Choice winner will be displayed at the Cary Arts Center December 16 - 31

2025 Display entry rules can be found here.

Hosting

Interested in hosting one or more gingerbread houses at your Downtown business? Please contact caryartdaze@carync.gov.

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Questions?

Contact Maddie Lamkins.