Lake Tahoe Gingerbread House Competition
Participants design and build custom gingerbread structures to compete in adult and youth divisions. Entries are evaluated on originality, overall appearance, use of materials, design difficulty, and precision. Creations are showcased for public viewing during the holiday season before being displayed at local businesses around South Lake Tahoe.
What to Expect
Creative gingerbread creations competing for cash prizes and holiday display.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and gingerbread-art fans
Vibe
Festive and creative
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 1 pm to 3 pm (drop-off).
Tips & Advice
- Register by November 22, 2026, and arrange your entry well before the deadline.
- Build an original creation rather than using a pre-made kit, and make the roof and walls from gingerbread.
- Use edible materials for every visible part, unwrap candies, and leave perishable items out of the design.
- Keep the freestanding plywood base within the stated size limit and conceal it with an edible product.
- Plan to deliver your completed entry to the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center on December 11; drop-off times are assigned in advance.
Special Events & Promotions
- Adult competition winners can receive cash prizes and trophies, including a trophy for the People’s Choice winner.
- The youth entry winner receives a professional baking set and the annual trophy.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter the gingerbread house competition?
Individuals, teams, and businesses can enter. Adult registration is for ages 16 and up; the youth category is for ages 15 and under.
What are the main requirements for an entry?
Entries must be original, made primarily of gingerbread, freestanding, and built with edible visible materials. Pre-made kits are not allowed, and the base cannot exceed 24 by 18 inches.
How are entries judged?
A panel of local artists, chefs, and community leaders judges originality and creativity, overall appearance, use of materials, design difficulty, and precision.
What happens to the gingerbread houses after judging?
Entries are featured at the Festival of Winter Lights and then displayed at participating local businesses as part of the Gingerbread House Crawl. Participants must donate their house to the crawl.
How are entry drop-offs arranged?
Drop-off times are scheduled in advance, and participants are contacted with their assigned time.
More Christmas Events near South Lake Tahoe
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