The Gingerbread Games

Next date: Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM

Fairfax City invites you to build something sweet! Put your creativity to the test in our gingerbread house building and decorating competition!

Each participant will receive a gingerbread kit complete with everything needed to create a one-of-a-kind holiday masterpiece. But there's a fun twist! Every team will also receive three tickets, which can be exchanged for one additional decorative item each—such as extra icing, gumdrops, pretzel sticks, or other surprise treats—to help bring their creative vision to life. Join us for a fun-filled event celebrating creativity, holiday spirit, and a little friendly competition!

Registration Information and Application

Registration Information

The first 12 teams (6 Youth and 6 Teen & Adult Categories) to submit their application and the $35 registration fee will be accepted. All those who apply after the initial 12 applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

There are two team categories:

“Little Dough Builders” (majority 12 yrs. and under)

Team of 3 - 6 people
Majority of the team members must be 12 years of age and under. 1 teen/adult (13+) per every 2 youths (12 and under) allowed.

“Cookie Constructors” (13 yrs. and over)

Team of 3-6 people
All team members must be 13 years of age and older

Competition Application

The Gingerbread Games - Competition Application(PDF, 880KB)

Please Note:

All applications are due by Nov. 18. Any application received after this deadline will be automatically placed on the waitlist.
No team changes or refunds after Dec. 1.

Rules and Regulations

The Gingerbread Games: Rules and Regulations

Team Registration

Teams may only consist of participants listed on the submitted application. No additional team members may be added/changed and no refunds permitted after DECEMBER 1. Please email changes.
Each team is responsible for ensuring all listed members are present and participating.

Materials & Supplies

Each team must use only the materials provided during the competition. Outside materials are not permitted.
Teams may only handle and use their own assigned materials. Supplies may not be shared or traded between teams.
Food allergies: Participants take part at their own risk. Please consider all ingredients and materials before participating. Ingredients will be listed on the city’s website page prior to the event.
Each team will receive three decorating tickets. Each ticket may be exchanged for one additional decorative item (1 ticket = 1 additional item). Unused tickets may not be transferred to another team, and teams may not trade tickets or supplies.

Competition Guidelines

Teams will have 45 minutes to complete their gingerbread creations.
All decorating must stop immediately when time is called.
No eating of competition materials or supplies is permitted during the event.
The finished structure must remain standing through judging. Structures that do not hold together may receive a deduction in points.

Audience & Participation

Audience members must remain in the designated viewing area and may not interfere with, guide, or participate in a team’s construction.
Participants must work only on their own team’s creation.

Design Guidelines

Designs must be appropriate for all ages. No inappropriate or offensive designs will be permitted.

Judging & Schedule

Each category (Creativity/Originality; Construction Quality/Presentation; Use of Theme) is worth 20 points. All judges’ decisions are final.
All teams must be fully checked in and seated by 9:50 AM. The competition will begin promptly at 10:00 AM and conclude at 10:45 AM.

All participants will be asked to signa a waiver at the event that acknowledges that they have read and agree to follow all competition rules and guidelines. Teams agree to participate with respect, integrity, and good sportsmanship throughout the event.