9th Annual Gingerbread Competition Registration at University Place – Orem, UT

Hello Baker!

It’s that magical, frosting-swirled time of year again—gingerbread house competition season! Registration is officially open, and we can’t wait to see gumdrop rooftops, candy-cane fences, and maybe even a marshmallow snowman or two. Join the fun, let your imagination run wild, and show us your sweetest, most whimsical creation yet!

PRIZES: (entry's can only win one prize):1st Place prize - $1,500 cash, 2nd Place prize - $750 cash, 3rd Place Prize - $375 cash

Category Prizes: ($200 University Place Gift Card)- Most Holiday Spirit/Festive- Best Theme- Unique Use of Candy- Most Unique Structure- Best Use of 18x18 space around the house.

Judging Panel:

We are pleased to announce the returning judging panel will include Pete The Mighty Baker, Mary Crafts the Founder/Former CEO Culinary Crafts, and Alyssa Morrison with Nothing Bundt Cakes Orem.

Here is how it works:

October 5 - November 13

Registration open. Interested bakers that are 14 years old or older must submit this entry form by Friday, November 13 at 11:00 pm. The Registration fee is $10.00.

Saturday, November 21

Entries must be delivered to University Place by appointment on Saturday, Nov. 21st between 6:00-9:00 pm. Entries not delivered by 9:30 pm will be disqualified. Please plan accordingly as this is the only drop off time and the shopping center will be locked up by 9:30 pm. If there is a story or explanation with your creation that you would like to leave for the judges you can use up to a 4"x6" card.

Monday, November 23

Judging will be done.

Tuesday, November 24

Awards event will start at 6pm. This will be a time for bakers to visit with judges, ask questions and talk about their creations. All winners will be announced around 6:30pm. Attendance is optional but encouraged.

November 23 - 30

Gingerbread House Competition display will be open to the public during shopping center hours. Homes will be on display in the northwest entry hallway between Locals and Lenscrafters and the North Parking Garage.

December 1

Bakers must pick up their Gingerbread House between 10:00 am - 9:00 pm on December 1st. Others will be discarded or donated.

See below for entry form and contest rules/information sheet.

If you have any questions, contact Jared Mower at j_mower@woodburycorp.com.

Feel free to share with your fellow baking friends! We look forward to hearing from you and hope that you will

Participate! Don’t forget, 1st place prize is $1,500!

Please note that the 2025 1st Place winner is not eligible to win 1st place prize this year. They are eligible to win all other prizes.

CONTEST RULES & INFORMATION:

-Age Limit - those age 14 and up are allowed to enter a creation.

-1st Place winner of the previous year is not eligible to win the 1st place prize the following year. They are eligible to win the 2nd, 3rd, or a category prize.

·Entries must be freestanding and mounted on an 18”x18” wood base. Due to space restrictions any size deemed too big may be disqualified and not allowed to display. Cardboard bases will not be allowed. Construction should not be taller than 24”.

·Entry must be original – no gingerbread kits allowed. All components of the display must be edible. Edible materials include candy, nuts, cereal, cookies, crackers, pasta and other food items that do not include wrappers. Wrappers should be removed from candy and other decorations.

·NO perishable food items can be used.

-NO Electronics allowed. The only exception being battery operated lights or strands of fairy lights inside the structure. No lights are allowed on the exterior of the structure. Lights will not be turned on or off or have batteries replaced by University Place staff. If they burn out, they burn out.

·Entry must have all major components (such as walls and roofs) constructed of gingerbread (not graham crackers, cookies, rice krispies etc.)

·Entries must be constructed in 2026.

-Judging will be based on 3 criteria:

General Appearance, Originality, Technical Difficulty

See Judging Rubric example below.

CANCELLATION POLICY: University Place understands that situations may cause bakers to withdraw from the competition. In the event you are no longer able to compete, please inform us by Friday, November 13 by email to j_mower@woodburycorp.com. No refunds of the registration fee after November 13th.