Illustration of felt figures gathered around a table with a gingerbread house and a candy bowl in a cozy holiday room (3nd ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST)
Other Christmas Activities

3nd ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING CONTEST

Participants gather with friends, family, or co-workers to decorate a gingerbread house using a kit or baking from scratch. Completed creations are put on display for judging during Christmas in Odessa, competing for category ribbons and a People's Choice Award. Guests can view the festive confectionery designs, though all display materials are strictly non-consumable once submitted.

Dec 4 – Dec 5, 2026 Free to enter.

Website / Tickets

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Plan Your Visit

Hours

Friday, December 4: 4:30-6:00pm drop-off; Saturday, December 5: 3:00pm-4:00pm pickup for contestants who want their creation back. No judging time is given.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, friends, and co-workers who enjoy creative holiday activities

Vibe

Festive and creative

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Tips & Advice

  • Register early because entry places are limited and registration is required for judging.
  • Use a base no larger than 16 by 16 inches and make sure every material and decoration is edible.
  • Drop off the finished entry during the Friday submission window; late submissions are not accepted.
  • Do not eat or remove candy or icing after delivery, as entries are display-only and not safe to consume.
  • Collect your house during the Saturday pickup window if you want it returned.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Contest entry is free; registration is required and limited spots are available, so register early.
  • Registration is open from October 1 through November 28; late entries are not accepted.
  • Ribbons are awarded to first-, second- and third-place entries, plus a People's Choice Award.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter the contest?

Individuals or groups and families may enter; the sign-up also invites friends, family or co-workers to decorate together.

How do I register an entry?

Registration is required for an entry to be judged, and spaces are limited. Register during the stated registration period; late entries are not accepted.

Can I use a kit, and what are the entry requirements?

You may use a kit or bake your own house. The base must be no larger than 16 by 16 inches, and all materials and decorations must be edible.

What happens to the gingerbread houses after drop-off?

They become display items and are not safe to eat. Participants and guests must not eat or remove decorations while the houses are displayed.

Can I get my entry back after the contest?

Contestants who want their house returned must collect it during the stated Saturday pickup window.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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