Illustration of children decorating gingerbread houses with icing and candy in a warm kitchen (Lake Tahoe Gingerbread House Competition)

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.

Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Website / Tickets

cityofslt.gov

Hours

1 pm to 3 pm (drop-off).

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families and gingerbread-art fans

Vibe

Festive and creative

Energy Level

Low

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

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.

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 through their website.

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.

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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