2024 Gingerbread House Contest Rules
- Maximum base size is 15” by 15”. You may NOT attach multiple bases together.
- Entries larger than 15” by 15” will not be accepted.
- Edible materials ONLY! This includes the “glue” that holds pieces together and support on the inside! Exception: you can include plug-in string lights or fairy lights, but no batteries!
- Sturdy base required! Your house will be picked up and moved multiple times during gallery set-up.
- By entering the contest, entrants authorize Portsmouth Historical Society to use their images and images of completed work in promotional materials.
Important Dates
| Thursday, November 21 | Registration deadline |
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Saturday, November 23, 11am – 5pm Sunday, November 24, 11am – 5pm |
House Drop-off: All houses must be dropped off at 10 Middle Street during these days and times. |
| Friday, November 29 | Exhibition opens to the public! We will be open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and until 7:00 pm every Friday in December. |
| Friday, December 6, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Opening Reception, presentation of Community Judges’ award ribbons |
| Monday, December 30 | Exhibition Last Day |
Entry Categories
Participants are required to submit entries under one of these categories. Note: If youth and teens are working together without an adult, please choose the Teen category.
- Business/Non-Profit/Organization
- Adult(s) (Age 18 and older)
- Multi-Generational (Adults and youths or teens working together)
- Teen or Teen Group (Age 13–17, working without an adult)
- Youth or Youth Group (Age 12 and under working without an adult)
Notes
- Entrants will be asked to give their entry a title on drop-off.
- Gingerbread kits are allowed, provided they use only edible materials.
- Plug-in string lights allowed. Battery-operated lights strongly discouraged as the batteries die quickly.
- Your entry doesn’t have to be a “house.” We’ve seen boats, cars, books, barns, trees, etc. Anything goes as long as it’s made of edible materials!