3rd Annual Gingerbread Build-Off

Tired of the heat? That's cool, so are we. Know what's even cooler? Designing your own Winter Wonderland. It's almost time to ice the eaves, so bust out your spatulas and floorplans, round up the worker elves, and let the merry making begin! Join ArCH and our partners, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, C2 Creative, and Houston Downtown District in Market Square Park for the 3rd Annual Gingerbread Build-off.

Teams can be comprised of architects, designers, artists, bakers, enthusiasts, doctors, lawyers, and you! The only requirement to compete is the desire to have fun with gingerbread in the park.

36 teams will compete in this year’s build-off. In addition to the coveted Grand Prix de Show, prizes will be given in categories including Public Favorite, Best Architectural Icon, Tallest Standing Structure, Best Traditionally Themed, Best Non-Traditionally Themed, and Most Creative Interpretation of Materials. Gingerbread buildings will be judged by an independent panel of food, design, art, and architecture experts. Winners and select competitors will be featured in a one week exhibition at the Architecture Center Houston.

Team registration is $125 per team. The entrance fee includes an apron for 5 team members, a 48" round presentation and work table, a 8' x 18" work table, 2 chairs, a 10' x 10' work area (tents available for an additional $75), a regulation sized foil-covered base, and basic gingerbread structural materials including: Four 8”x11” gingerbread sheets, frosting, red-hots, peppermint candies and canes, gumdrops, and toothpicks. Teams may bring their own gingerbread and extra edible materials for their design - NOTE: ALL MATERIALS MUST BE EDIBLE! Design preparation prior to competition day is encouraged, but all construction must take place at the event. Each team will be provided with an official set of rules prior to the event.

Click here to register your team before November 30th.