top of page

2026 Gingerbread House Contest Rules  

5 categories

​

Miniature-sized houses (not larger than 4” L x 4” W)  by Children 3-6 years

Houses made from kits – miniature size – Children 3 – 6 years old

 

Regular-sized houses by Children 7-10 years

Houses made from kits – regular size – Children 7 – 10 years old

 

Original houses not made from a kit by Children (7-10) (11-15) and Adults (16+)

House not made from a kit – Children 7 – 10 years old

House not made from a kit – Children 11 – 15 years old

House not made from a kit – 16+ years old

 

Gingerbread House Rules

  1. Only edible items are allowed as decorations - no stickers, no plastic, no paper/cardboard/wood.

  2. Non-edible items may be used to stabilize the gingerbread walls and roof. These include plastic forms, foundation, glue in the frosting to hold walls and roof together, etc.

  3. The base (the cardboard, plastic, plate, etc., holding the house) of the entry must be no larger than 18” x 24”

  4. Any additional structures – non-house walls, fences, trees, etc. – must be made from edible materials.

  5. Bring entries to the museum from December 1 to December 10 during regular museum hours.

  6. Houses displayed from arrival until December 19.

  7. No names are allowed on the houses.

  8. All entrants are given a number to place with the house entry.

  9. The judges’ decisions are final.

  10. Winners are announced and prizes given at the Christmas Open House on Dec 12.

  • 11:00 a.m. for the miniature-sized houses by children 3 -6,

  • 12:00 noon for the regular size houses and original houses by children 7 – 10

  • 1:00 p.m. for the original houses by children 11-15

  • 2:00 p.m. for the original house by adults 16+

  1. Entrants may pick up their houses from December 15 to December 19 during regular museum hours.

  2. Houses not removed by December 19 will be discarded.

 

Prizes

  1. All entrants receive a Family Membership to the Joplin Historical Society.

  2. First-place winners receive monetary prizes.

  3. Second and third place winners receive prizes.

  4. Every entry receives a certificate.

  5. Judges’ decisions are final.

  6. Winners are announced and prizes given on December 12 at the Christmas Open House. Winners must claim their prizes in person at the museum by December 19; otherwise, the prize will be forfeited.

Entries will be judged on overall appearance, creativity/originality, neatness/tidiness, and use of materials.

 

Judging

Overall appearance                0 – 10 points

Creativity/originality                0 – 10 points

Neatness/tidiness                   0 – 10 points

Clever use of materials           0 – 10 points

Total possible:                         40 points

bottom of page