Chico Community Gingerbread House Contest & Showcase
Get ready to deck the halls (and your gingerbread) for Chico’s newest and sweetest holiday tradition! Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned gingerbread architect, we welcome you to create, display, and compete for fun, bragging rights, and festive cheer.
Completed gingerbread houses will be on display at various Downtown Chico businesses as well as monca. Folks interested in checking out all of the amazing gingerbread creations can participate in a "passport" style experience, wherein you will receive a printed passport with a list of participating businesses. When you visit the participating businesses, upon request, an employee will initial to confirm you visited the gingerbread house on view at the business. If you get all business locations initialed, signifying that you have visited every gingerbread house on view, you are eligible to receive a small prize. Printed passports will be available at monca and participating businesses from December 6-18, 2025. One passport will be issued to a household/family or a single participant. Learn more about the contest below!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry Delivery Location: monca (900 Esplanade, Chico, CA)
Eligibility: All are welcome – individuals, families, schools, clubs, and businesses
Categories:
Child: Ages 5–8*
Youth: Ages 9–12*
Teen: Ages 13–17
Adult: Ages 18+
Professional
Please Note: Each entry must be accompanied by a brief description of your gingerbread creation, including inspiration and notable details (50–100 words).
*Parents can help with up to 25% of construction.
TIMELINE
November 1–20: Online entries accepted
Friday, December 5 from 11AM – 5PM: Entry drop-off at monca
Friday, December 5 from 5:30PM – 6:30PM: Judging
Saturday, December 6: Houses on display at monca for public viewing
Monday, December 8: Top 15-20 entries delivered to participating downtown stores for public display
Friday, December 19: Public voting ends and houses returned to monca
Saturday, December 20 from 3-4PM: Celebration & Awards Ceremony and houses available for pick-up
GENERAL RULES & GUIDELINES
1. Edible Construction: At least 85% of the house must be edible and contain gingerbread (candy, cookies, icing, pretzels, etc.). Non-edible items may be used for structure/support but should be minimal and not visible.
2. Base Size: Base must not exceed 18" x 18."
3. Stability: Structures must be secure and able to move without falling apart.
4. Original Work: Entries must be your own creation – kits are allowed but must be creatively modified.
5. Theme: Holiday/Winter theme encouraged, but not required.
6. Identification: Your name and entry category must be attached to the underside of your base.
7. Judging Criteria: creativity, overall appearance, difficulty, and execution.
8. Pickup: Any houses not picked up by the designated time on December 21, 2025 will be discarded.
JUDGING & AWARDS
A panel of judges will award “Best in Category” for each age group, as well as “Best Overall.” The public will also have a chance to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” through participating downtown stores.
Please fill out this Google Form to enter into the contest. Entries will be considered only when the $20 submission fee is paid.
If you or someone you know is interested in displaying a completed gingerbread house in your Downtown Chico business, please fill out this Google form. No guarantees that your business will be accepted as a host location. We appreciate your participation!
