2026 Holiday Festival Tradition
3rd Annual Gingerbread Bake-Off
A festive community baking tradition celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit in Southwest Virginia.
Hosted by the Virginia Highlands Festival, the Gingerbread Bake-Off invites individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to design and build imaginative gingerbread creations for public display throughout the holiday season.
From traditional holiday houses to elaborate themed displays, the Bake-Off has quickly become one of Abingdon’s most creative and community-centered winter events.
About the Bake-Off
A Holiday Tradition for All Ages
Open to all ages and skill levels, the Gingerbread Bake-Off encourages creativity, teamwork, and holiday fun through edible art and friendly competition.
Participants can enter individually or as teams and compete across multiple categories ranging from traditional gingerbread houses to highly imaginative themed creations.
Selected entries are displayed publicly during the holiday season, allowing the community to experience and celebrate the creativity of local bakers, artists, students, and families.
Open to all ages
Individual and team categories
Public holiday display
Community voting opportunities
Awards and recognition
Family-friendly holiday programming
Competition Details
3rd Annual Gingerbread Bake-Off
Competition Categories
- Traditional Gingerbread Houses
- Creative & Themed Displays
- Youth & School Entries
- Business & Organization Teams
- Family Creations
Date(s): Dec 5 – Jan 3
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: Abingdon Commons
Cost: Free
Note: Sundays are 9am-6pm
Registration: Required
Date(s): Nov 22
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: SWVA Higher Education Center – Executive Auditorium
Cost: Free
Capacity: Limited seating available
Registration: Required
Gingerbread Workshop
Gingerbread Workshop with Julie Andreacola
Learn creative gingerbread decorating and construction techniques during a special holiday workshop led by Julie Andreacola.
Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this workshop offers participants the opportunity to learn professional decorating tips, structural techniques, and creative approaches to designing memorable holiday gingerbread displays.
While 2026 plans are in the works, check out our 2025 worshop with the champions themselves!
Workshop Experience
Gingerbread construction techniques
Decorative icing tips
Holiday design inspiration
Family-friendly participation
Creative skill-building
Returning Holiday Favorites
Celebrating Creativity & Community
The inaugural Gingerbread Bake-Off was a tremendous success, featuring imaginative entries from across the region and drawing visitors throughout the holiday season.
From detailed gingerbread homes and festive storefronts to playful trains and themed displays, the event showcased the creativity and holiday spirit of the Southwest Virginia community.
Best in Show & First Place Adult Category (scratch only):
Connie Kurki from Wytheville, VA: “A Traditional Christmas”
First Place Team / Family Category (bonus points were given for scratch):
Full Bloom Farmhouse, Abingdon, VA: "Alvarado Strong”
People's Choice
Dawn Williams Team, Abingdon, VA: “Did you try icing it?”
Our Leading Sponsors
We’re grateful for the partners who help make the festival possible.
Additional Sponsors & Community Partners
This project was supported [in part] by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Get Involved
Join the Holiday Tradition
Interested in entering the competition, volunteering, sponsoring the event, or helping support future community programming?
We’d love to hear from you.