Take a look at a sample of photos from each of our entries in the Gingerbread Celebration this year. Click the link beside each photo gallery to vote for your favorite. $1 = 1 Vote
Voting ends at 2pm on Monday, December 8. Click the images for full-size photo gallery.
Christmas at Grandma’s by Old Thyme Sleigh Bells
Team Members: Paul & Michelle Sneath: Owners/Operators of AAA Appliance Service & Repair
Paired with their family entry, Paul and Michelle Sneath of AAA Appliance Service & Repair thought that their barn needed a farmhouse. Paul used a bandsaw to cut gingerbread and create the wood planks of the porch and intricate “woodwork” was included on the windows. This house is decked out for the holidays with presents and wreaths and includes a duo of gingerbread children enjoying the snow day.
Holiday Treescape by ACAC Staff
Team Members: Lori McCullough, Kylie Stone, Lisa Cordiano, Elizabeth Pellegrino, Maggie Gladson
Reminiscent of the first Christmas portrayed in the classic movie Santa Claus is Coming to Town, the Gingerbread Tree is surrounded by a forest of smaller cookie trees and gingerbread present boxes are filled with candies to enjoy. The tree is decorated with licorice garland, gumdrop ornaments, and topped with a frosted sugar cookie star.
Candyland Snowstorm by Adams County Farmers Market
Team Members: Josi Campos & Muso Nyiwal
A blizzard has made its way across the Candyland board, covering it with pillow marshmallows! While it doesn’t follow the game exactly, the path still includes colored gummy strip places and two gingerbread players ready to make their way to the Gingerbread Castle.
Sugar, Spice, & Everything Nice! by Adalynn Briar
You won’t get far without coming across a piece of candy at this house. Classic holiday figures adorn the roof and an M&M and gumdrop walkway leads to the a delicious-looking front door covered by a candy wreath.
The Crazy House by Bailey Snoots
This candy cabin uses pretzel rods to mimic a rustic log cabin, but candy’s covering the roof bring color to this crazy house! A Santa candy is peeking out the door instead of using the cookie and wafer chimney.
O’ Holy Night by Bard Fuller
This church reimagined is a perfect centerpiece during the Christmas holiday. Fondant carolers are posed outside the front door and Lifesavers were used to create the stunning stained glass window work.
Dreamwalker by Biglerville High School Marching Band
Team Members: Henry, Giuliana, Ivette, Miriam, and Melanie
Based on their 2025 marching band show, all members are represented by their gingerbread in uniform, complete with edible instruments. The drum major sits atop a castle in the sky to direct the band, and a Biglerville logo cookie shows off their school spirit.
Advocacy Tree House by Children’s Advocacy Center
What kid doesn’t love a treehouse? This one is filled with sweet toys and activities, including a wall of chocolate rocks, a candy slide, and a licorice tire swing. The gingerbread people represent the CAC’s advocates and were individually designed by them.
The Candy Land House by Charleigh Smith
Every inch of this gingerbread house’s roof is covered with every candy you can imagine! A matching gingerbread man gummy can be found at the front and back of the house and gumdrops are used for greenery along the sides.
Colton’s Creation by Colton & Lindsey
Colton’s vision brings to life a quintessential winter scene. A pretzel fence surrounds the house and the picture is complete with a Tootsie Roll campfire and Goldfish pond. The house has a matching shed, and a smiley snowman can be found around the back.
A Barnyard Christmas by Dayhoff Construction
Team Members:Emma Cox, Toya Fissel, Xena Dayhoff, Lucas Dayhoff, Jennifer Re, Ralph Valenteen Jr.
Owner Lucas Dayhoff and his family are longtime natives of Adams County, and this barn represents their own farming efforts, as well as the many barn roofs that are repaired by their construction company. Some of the animals here include hand-molded chocolate pigs in their chocolate mudpuddle, pretzel reindeer, and marshmallow chicks.
The Berliner Fernsehturm by Fairfield HS German IV Class
This gingerbread project was inspired by the Berliner Fernsehturm at the Alexanderplatz during the Christmas season. The Alexanderplatz is a major public square in central Berlin known for its history and landmarks, and the Christkindlmarkt is one of the busiest in Berlin. The bear has been a symbol of Berlin since at least 1280, appearing on its flag and coat of arms to represent the city. Since 2001, painted sculptures of bears have been a common sight throughout the city as part of the “Buddy Bear” art project, symbolizing internation cooperation.
A Gingerbread Spa by Gingerbread Gals
Team Members: Bethany Bacsa and Mallory Kessler
Inspired by their yearly spa trips, this is the perfect relaxation package. The melted peppermint walkway will lead you to the rock candy salt room adjacent to the massage room, past the isomalt hot spring, and end at the gingerbread sauna.
First Frost by Team Kennie’s
Team Members: Julie Shuyler
This house is like stepping right into your very own rustic Hallmark movie. The gingerbread house has a roof made of fondant shingles and has a great view of the fondant pond. To top everything, a shimmery red gingerbread truck is there to pick up this year’s Christmas tree!
Gingerbread Horse of Doom by Langville Family & Friends
Inspired by the story of the Trojan War, this edible Trojan horse is hiding the Greek Teddy Graham soldiers that come out of the structure to attack the Troy gummy bear army.
Hopkins House Museum Preview by Lincoln Cemetery Project Association
Team Members: Jean Green and Heather Ross
This sure is a “sweet” sneak peek of the upcoming Hopkins House Museum! The original log cabin structure was recreated using pretzels and a cereal roof, and gumdrop greenery decorates the exterior. A gentleman is set up outside of the museum reading up on Jack Hopkins’ history while listening to the carolers.
A Happy Little Christmas by Littlestown HS Art Honor Society
Team Members: Haley Hall, Shay Golding, Penny Huber, Cassandra Horn
It may be 2D, but this little gingerbread house is just as impressive! Hand painted using frosting and food coloring, this wintry scene was created by students after voting on their favorite design. This Bob-Ross style painting sits atop a gingerbread easel, complete with a brush and water cup.
Oona’s Odyssey by Team Myers-Winzeler
Team Members: Joanne Myers, Jane Winzeler, Oona Winzeler
There can still be a festive holiday without snow, and this Southwest home is a perfect example. The landscape includes a raked zen garden with chocolate and a pool lined with Pez candy to cool off during this green Christmas!
Snoopy’s by New Oxford Art Honor Society
Team Members: Karter Olewiler, Destiny Iva, Abigail Fett
A classic holiday character comes to life with Snoopy’s doghouse. This gingerbread home is painted the iconic red with frosting, and an edible Snoopy can be found napping on top of a light-strewn roof.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees by Paul & Michelle Sneath
Social media came in handy to help decide on a barn structure, which quickly turned into a full Christmas Tree Farm! This farm is complete with a stable of horses named after Paul and Michelle’s granddaughters with nameplate made from alphabet soup noodles.
Santa’s Enchanted Carousel by Piggly Winks Baking Club
Team Members: Katie Schwartz, Tammy Schwartz, Cindy Burnsteel, Patti Schwartz, Ray Schwartz
‘Twas the moment before take-off… This gingerbread creation has been a long time coming since the lead designer’s daughter had her carousel-themed nursery years ago. This family project includes reindeer to ride on the rotating platform, and hand painted décor on the canopy. After joining Santa for a ride, stop outside for a cup of cocoa from a gingerbread vendor outside.
Christmas in Oz by Sharon Kauffman
The house blew to Oz and landed on the Wicked Witch while Santa was still on the roof. Adding some holiday elements to what has become a popular movie during the season, Christmas in Oz features a yellow “jellybean” road and edible cyclone swirling around the house.
Mars Curiosity Rover by Space Cadets
Team Members: Evlyn Licharowicz and Eli Gates
Get ready for the Mars landing! This gingerbread robot is excavating this extraterrestrial surface made with brown sugar, cake mix, and brownie brittle to get the perfect Mars color. The vehicle itself is rolling across the chocolate rock terrain using its licorice wrapped wheels while digging up rock candy minerals.
Civil War Log Cabin by Strawberry Hill Foundation
Team Members: Anne Gageby
Strawberry Hill’s entry is a throwback to our mountain’s early days, represented by a Civil War-style log cabin and an up-close view of cabin life inside. Elements include a combination of a stone wall topped with stake-and-rider fences, a side garden, fieldstone fireplace, and handmade “wool” rug. All elements are made of gingerbread, graham crackers, pretzels, candies, and dried wood ear mushrooms foraged on Strawberry Hill’s property.
Christmas Rail Station by Team Phillie
Team Members: Emily Harte and Petey Bender
This rail station is carrying some precious cargo including rice Krispie presents, popcorn, and marshmallows. The train cars are covered with holiday graffiti and many pay homage to the staple holiday character, the Grinch. Make sure to look out for Phillie the Dog who makes an appearance every year.
Silent Night by The Bollingers
Team Members: Dawn & Garry Bollinger
This church has been in the works for at least two years since the chocolate bell has been stored in the freezer! Gingerbread stars were cut, stacked, and frosted to create the largest pine tree while the rest have an ice cream cone base. The church roof is shingled with Triscuit crackers, and the rose window at the front was created using a dried orange slice.
Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? by The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway!
Team Members: Brittany, Jay Jay, Jason, Quinton, Addy, Charleigh, and Jaymin
Team baker Brittany’s mom told her to scale it down this year, but she also always told her to “go big or go home.” This gigantic confection display is a recreation of the castle built by Elsa in Disney’s Frozen. The base of gingerbread was molded into its shape using a combination of rice Krispies, ginger clay, and sugar glass.
Walt Disney World Cinderella’s Castle by Whisk Upon A Star
Team Members: Alexa Vetter, Jeanna Vetter, Bob Vetter, Kody Kulkusky, Monique Ingraham
This castle replica made entirely of gingerbread brings you right into Disney World in the winter. The tops of the spires and trees are made with ice cream cones, and dried fruits were added for additional décor. Look around for all of the hidden Mickeys on this castle just like at the theme park!

