2025 Gingerbread House Contest - A Dickens Holiday

Let your imagination run sweet! Join us for the annual Gingerbread House Contest during A Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville — where bakers of all ages, students, families, and local businesses bring their most creative (and delicious) designs to life.

This beloved holiday tradition celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit as part of Fayetteville’s kickoff to the Christmas season.

• Youth (Ages 6–17) or Student
• Adult / Home Baker
• Professional / Culinary Student
• Business / Organization

Each judged division will recognize 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

• Registration is free!
• Deadline to register: Friday, November 14, 2025
• Complete the appropriate registration form:
• • Public, Professional, & Business Entries: https://forms.gle/yV8ueBoqL6QLCfEG9
  • Youth Entries: https://forms.gle/JMwJMcRoTmHUk14C7

All entries must comply with the official contest rules and guidelines posted at ADickensHoliday.com.

Deliver your entry to the Gingerbread House Area inside A Taste of West Africa, 116 Person Street, Fayetteville, NC.

• Thursday, November 20 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Friday, November 21 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Saturday, November 22 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Wednesday, November 26 – until 12 PM

• In-person voting begins Wednesday, November 26 at 12 PM.
• Judging and public voting close Friday, November 28 at 6:30 PM.
• Winners announced 7:30 PM Friday, November 28 at A Taste of West Africa.

Participants may offer their entry in the Silent Auction held during the public viewing period. Proceeds support A Dickens Holiday programming and future community events.

By entering, participants grant permission for A Dickens Holiday and Downtown Creative Works, Inc. to photograph entries and participants for promotional and archival purposes.

A Dickens Holiday is produced by the Downtown Alliance in partnership with Downtown Creative Works, Inc. (DBA A Dickens Holiday and Spark Downtown).

Every winner receives a special award!

• Student winners receive a seasonal treat delivery for their entire class from the Downtown Elves (s’mores and cocoa).
• People’s Choice Awards honor Best Themed Design and Best Use of Candy, Color, and Accessories, with Downtown Gift Baskets for winners.
• Judges’ Favorite receives a Downtown Experience Package.
• Business / Organization winners receive a Community Spotlight Feature on our social media and website, along with a framed certificate of recognition.

All winners are featured on A Dickens Holiday social media, website, and the Up & Coming Weekly Thank-You Graphic.
Awards will be presented on Friday, November 28 at 7:30 PM at A Taste of West Africa, 116 Person Street.

• Registration is free!
• Deadline to register: Friday, November 14, 2025
• Complete the appropriate registration form:
• • Public, Professional, & Business Entries: https://forms.gle/yV8ueBoqL6QLCfEG9
  • Student/Youth Entries: https://forms.gle/JMwJMcRoTmHUk14C7

All entries must comply with the official contest rules and guidelines posted at ADickensHoliday.com.

Deliver your entry to the Gingerbread House Area inside A Taste of West Africa, 116 Person Street, Fayetteville, NC.

• Thursday, November 20 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Friday, November 21 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Saturday, November 22 – 12 PM to 6 PM
• Wednesday, November 26 – until 12 PM

• In-person voting begins Wednesday, November 26 at 12 PM.
• Judging and public voting close Friday, November 28 at 6:30 PM.
• Winners announced 7:30 PM Friday, November 28 at A Taste of West Africa.

Participants may offer their entry in the Silent Auction held during the public viewing period. Proceeds support A Dickens Holiday programming and future community events.

By entering, participants grant permission for A Dickens Holiday and Downtown Creative Works, Inc. to photograph entries and participants for promotional and archival purposes.

A Dickens Holiday is produced by the Downtown Alliance in partnership with Downtown Creative Works, Inc. (DBA A Dickens Holiday and Spark Downtown).

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