Relive Holiday Memories with our annual Gingerbread House Contest!

November 29–December 30

Open Daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Be a part of this beloved Portsmouth holiday tradition! Join us at Portsmouth Historical Society from November 29 through December 30 to enjoy our 34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibition.

Participant Registration

Registration closes Nov 20!

Theme for 2024: Holiday Memories

Recreate your favorite holiday memory out of gingerbread! It could be an indoor scene with everyone snuggled around a cozy fire, a candy cane tree farm, a poured sugar ice skating rink – anything that takes you back to a treasured moment. Infamous memories are welcome as well – the aftermath of an epic silly string fight, the time the turkey caught fire, any story that brings a smile to your face when you tell it is fair game.

As always, the “Holiday Memories” theme is completely optional – we welcome all your wonderful, whimsical gingerbread creations!

Help Support Preservation in Portsmouth with a Cookie Plaque

Help support Portsmouth Historical Society and the Portsmouth Advocates’ efforts to preserve our historic architecture. Just like the plaques in our Historic House Plaque Program, you can buy a cookie plaque for your gingerbread creation! Just $5 for members, and $10 for non-members.

If you live in an historic home, check out the Plaque Program. You can start the process of commissioning a plaque and research the history of your house!

Programs and Events

Gingerbread House Workshop on Saturday, November 9 at 11 am and 1 pm. Option to buy a gingerbread kit included. Image shows a cute, small gingerbread house on a blue background

Gingerbread House Workshop
Saturday, November 9, 11am & 1pm

Gingerbread opening reception and Judge's Award presentation on Friday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm. Free and open to the public

Gingerbread Reception and Awards Party
Friday, December 6, 5:30–7:30 pm

Family Cookie Swap, Saturday December 14, 1–3pm

Family Favorite Cookie Swap
Saturday, December 14, 1–3 pm

Gingerbread Smash on Saturday, January 4.

Gingerbread Smash
Saturday, January 4, 1 pm

Extended Gingerbread Hours:

Saturday, December 7 open until 9 pm for Shop & Stroll
Friday, December 13 open until 8 pm
Friday, December 20 open until 8 pm

Member-Exclusive Viewing:

Wednesday, December 11, 9–10 am
Wednesday, December 18, 5–6 pm

Gingerbread viewing, refreshments, and gift wrapping

Thank you to our sweet sponsors:

7 Comments

Doreen Whitley on October 11, 2024 at 8:21 pm

Can’t wait!

Nicole on October 31, 2024 at 10:35 am

Hi I work in child care can I do a gingerbread with my students age 3 to 5

Portsmouth Historical Society on November 4, 2024 at 9:28 am

Absolutely! We would love to have you enter. There’s a multi-generational category or a kids category that you could enter the house under.
Reply

Deidre Merritt on November 16, 2024 at 10:33 am

What days are the exhibition and are tickets required?

Portsmouth Historical Society on November 18, 2024 at 1:41 pm

The exhibition is open daily (with some disruption for the holidays). We are open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. most days. Tickets are not required for this free exhibition. Hope to see you there!
Reply

Cheri Field on November 17, 2024 at 10:14 am

What time does your event start on Friday, November 29? We want to come and see the gingerbread houses.

Portsmouth Historical Society on November 18, 2024 at 1:42 pm

Doors open at 10 a.m. We always have a line waiting outside the door to come in and see this fun holiday event.
Reply

34th Annual Gingerbread House Contest