Oh Snap! Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

Think you’ve got what it takes to build the most spectacular gingerbread house in town? Join us for the first-ever Oh Snap! Gingerbread House Decorating Competition — a festive, friendly showdown of sugar, spice, and serious holiday spirit!

Date: Saturday, December 13th
Setup Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Public Judging: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Market Street Café (across from The Taylored Cookie & Bakery)
Entry Fee: Free — registration required through Eventbrite
Limited Spots: Only 24 spaces available (2x2 ft. decorating area per entrant)

Each participant (or team) will receive a 2’x2’ space to display and decorate their gingerbread masterpiece. You may assemble your house beforehand, then complete the decorating during the setup window from 3–5 PM.

All entries must be made entirely of edible materials — icing, candies, cookies, cereal, pretzels, fondant, chocolate, etc. If you can eat it, you can use it! (Sorry — no non-edible supports or décor.)

Participants must bring all of their own supplies and decorations. Tables will be provided.

From 5–7 PM, the public is invited to come in, view the entries, and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Awards in three categories:

• 🖌️ Most Artistic
• 💡 Most Original
• 🌟 Best Overall

After voting concludes, our panel of judges will select the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners for the official competition. Winners will be announced at the end of the event!

This contest is open to all ages — individuals, families, or teams! Whether you’re a cookie artist or just in it for the holiday fun, everyone’s welcome. If you are registering as a team please only use one name to enter, we need one name/team per 2x2 space.

• Each entry must fit within a 2x2 ft. space.
• Entries must be made entirely of edible materials.
• You should have your house assembled before you arrive, but can make final decorating changes/improvements during the event until 5pm.
• Participants must bring all their own supplies and tools.
• Only 24 spots are available — registration is required to reserve your space.
• Please arrive early to set up and be ready by 5 PM for public judging.
• Entries must remain on display until judging concludes at 7 PM.
• Photos will be taken, and participation grants permission for social media sharing.

This is more than a contest — it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and holiday cheer! Bring your imagination (and your sweet tooth) and join us for an evening of gingerbread magic during Portsmouth’s Winterfest.

Spaces will fill fast — click “Register” to claim your free spot and get ready to say…
“Oh Snap!”

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Market Street Cafe, 212 Market Street, Portsmouth, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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