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Annual Gingerbread House Competition

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Gingerbread House Competition 

December 5 - 13, 2026

A huge thank you to all participants, hosts, and admirers who joined us downtown for the sweetest tradition in Cary. We hope you see you in 2026!

2025 Entry Pictures

2025 Winners

 A detailed gingerbread house titled "A Carolina Christmas" by beautiful living designs by Heather Butler. The house is two stories and adorned with festive trees, garland, and wreaths. Two award ribbons are with the house.

First Place Overall &

First Place Adult

A Carolina Christmas

by Beautiful Living Designs by Heather Butler
 Gingerbread house titled "The Reading Roost" by Anne and Matthew Christian featuring a red cabin a top a hill surrounded by trees. An award ribbon is with the house.

Second Place Overall 

The Reading Roost

by Anne and Matthew Christian
 A detailed gingerbread house replica of the Winter at Portland Head Light by Beth Gorney, presented with a winner's ribbon

Third Place Overall 

Winter at Portland Head Light

by Beth Gorney
 Gingerbread house titled 'The Mistletoe Manor' by Team Two TurtleDoves, displayed with a 'Please Do Not Touch' sign. The house features intricate icing decorations, cookie shingles, and candy accents, flanked by snowy trees.

People's Choice 

The Mistletoe Manor

by Team Two Turtledoves
 Gingerbread house titled 'The Cozy Cocoa Café' featuring intricate piping details and sugar windows and surrounded by miniature trees.

First Place Family/Group 

The Cozy Cocoa Cafe

by Pleasant Christmas
 Rosehill Cottage gingerbread house with first-place teen ribbon. House features shingle roof and stone walls.

First Place Teen 

Rosehill Cottage 

by Sofia P. - age 16
 A detailed gingerbread house titled "The Garden Greenhouse" featuring a multi-color candy roof and piped decorations.

First Place Youth 

The Garden Greenhouse 

by Rosie R. - age 7

2025 Gingerbread House Competition Entries

Updated on 12/09/2025 9:46 AM

Participating

2026 Entry information will be available in the fall. 

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

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!

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.

Questions?

Contact Maddie Lamkins.