free event participate directions

Gingerbread House Competition & Display

Welcome to the annual Gingerbread House Competition held during Christmas in St. Michaels.

The contest is open to all and entries are divided into five categories. Professional (chefs and caterers), Adult, Young Adult (13-18), Children (12 and under), and Adult with Child (12 and under). Cash prizes will be awarded.

Houses are on public display from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon at the Woman's Club of St. Michaels on St. Mary's Square. No admission is charged. Many of the creations are available for sale and make fabulous tabletop centerpieces or a welcomed addition to your front hall for the holidays. Proceeds from the sale of these houses go to support our Christmas in St. Michaels beneficiaries.

Viewing Times

  • Fri. - Houses on display Noon to 4pm
  • Sat. - Houses on display 10 am to 5pm
  • Sun. - Houses on display 10 am to 2pm





What you need to know...

For additional information on how to bake, ice and decorate your gingerbread house please call 410-745-0745. Tips will also be given on themes and how to make your entry unique.

Play by the rules:

  • Participants must send in their entry forms by the Friday before Thanksgiving (Click on the Participate button to get the form).
  • House walls and roof must be made of gingerbread. No graham crackers or cookies.
  • All decorations on houses must be edible. Candies wrapped in foil, cellophane or plastic must be free of the wrapper.
  • Lights may NOT be used on entries.
  • Completed houses must be secured to a base and must be completely covered with some edible substance (e.g. Icing). House base for Children's Entries (12 and under) not to exceed 12"x12". House base for Adult and Young Adult Entries not to exceed 18"x18". House base for Professional Entries not to exceed 24"x24". The edge of the house base board may be covered with ribbon.
  • Entries must be delivered the FIRST Saturday in December (the weekend before Christmas in St. Michaels weekend), between 9am and noon, to the Woman's Club of St. Michaels on St. Mary's Square. Houses will be judged on design and general overall appearance. Judging will be held on the first Sunday in December.
  • The sale of any donated house will support our beneficiaries.
  • Checks and awards will be given to the winners at 1pm on Sunday afternoon of Christmas in St. Michaels weekend, at the Woman's Club of St. Michaels on St. Mary's Square. The Viewer's Choice Award will also be made at this time.

Get ready - Get started - GO!