House #1
Jack Hopkins House
Step back in time with this stunning gingerbread replica of the historic **Jack Hopkins House**, future home of Gettysburg’s Black History Museum. This delightful creation reimagines the 1840s house, originally standing witness to the Battle of Gettysburg, in a deliciously whimsical way. Pretzel logs form the sturdy walls, while a toasted cinnamon crunch thatched roof adds a touch of cozy charm. Every detail celebrates the house’s enduring significance as a symbol of resilience and community, making it the perfect centerpiece for honoring Gettysburg’s rich history.
House #2
Gingerbread Sleigh
What a sweet ride for the holidays! This beautifully crafted gingerbread sleigh is filled with marshmallow presents, ready to spread seasonal cheer. Intricate decorative piping adds a touch of elegance, making this sleigh a festive centerpiece full of holiday magic.
House #3
This enchanting gingerbread creation captures the charm of the Netherlands with a towering windmill surrounded by winding canals. A playful nod to Dutch folklore features a gingerbread boy posed beside a canal wall, symbolizing a tale of bravery and quick thinking. In the background, a whimsical mushroom field adds a magical touch to this detailed and imaginative display.
House #4
Gingerbread Townhouses This stunning entry showcases a gingerbread creation of the Gettysburg Cookie Company in a festive winter icing setting. The elegant design features tall facades whimsically decorated with intricate icing details, creating the illusion of snow-dusted windows and charming architectural accents. Gummy bear windows add a playful and colorful touch with a creative and vibrant appeal. A true holiday masterpiece, this display perfectly balances craftsmanship and whimsy!
House #5
Gingerbread Log Cabin Wonderland
Step into a winter wonderland with this charming log cabin gingerbread house! Designed to resemble a rustic retreat, the cabin’s “logs” are crafted from chocolate-covered pretzels, accented with royal icing “mortar” for a realistic finish. The roof is lined with chocolate wafer shingles, and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar snow completes the cozy scene.
Surrounding the cabin is a delightful marshmallow landscape featuring playful gingerbread men frolicking in the snow. Some are building marshmallow snowmen, while others are making snow angels in a sea of powdered sugar.
The centerpiece of the yard is a candy-filled pond, shimmering with blue sugar crystals and lined with gummy candies to mimic icy shores. Floating candy canes and miniature chocolate “rocks” enhance the festive, magical aesthetic.
This edible masterpiece perfectly captures the joy of the holiday season, combining creativity and delectable treats in every detail!
House #6
Ginger-Bob Ross’s Magical Studio Featuring a Happy Little Tree Painting by ACAC Staff
The Adams County Arts Council staff brings holiday cheer and artistic flair with their non-competing entry, Ginger-Bob Ross and The Happy Little Tree! This whimsical creation features marshmallow walls that are magically delicious, paired with an eye-catching orange shag carpet made of coconut shavings to set a retro vibe. At the heart of the display, a gingerbread Bob Ross takes center stage, joyfully teaching his tiny gingerbread men students the art of happy little trees and snowy landscapes.
While this delightful masterpiece can’t win the competition, it can still capture hearts—and votes! It’s a perfect representation of creativity and community, embodying the Arts Council’s spirit in a sugary, smile-worthy display.
House # 7
This house was decorated by six kids and their mom; each designed a side of the house. Inspired by the video game, Minecraft, the Creeper is front and center and stepped on a tree! Can you find the smashed tree?
House # 8
ATM Drive-Thru
This creative gingerbread display brings a touch of modern convenience to the holiday season! Featuring a detailed ATM drive-thru complete with an intricately crafted truck and M&T Bank decorations, it’s a festive nod to everyday life. Be sure to look closely—hidden in the vault, you’ll find a sweet surprise of gingerbread “money,” adding a fun and whimsical twist to this imaginative entry.
House # 9
This house is called, “Rustic Cabin in the Woods.”
Step into a cozy winter retreat with this charming gingerbread display! A rustic cabin nestled among snowy trees is brought to life with a welcoming gingerbread man ushering in sleds for holiday fun. Keep an eye out for delightful details, including a mischievous cookie cat on the side of the house, playfully on the hunt for a bird. A heartwarming scene full of seasonal charm!
House # 10
Chunk of Home
This charming gingerbread entry showcases a slice of local heritage with a detailed model of Steinwehr Ave. At its heart stands the centerpiece: Bantam Coffee Roasters, capturing the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee. In front of Bantam, the historic Dobbin House is beautifully rendered, adding a touch of classic elegance. This display perfectly blends community pride with seasonal cheer, inviting viewers to appreciate the warmth and character of home.
House # 11
Christmas at the Beach
Celebrate the holidays with a sunny twist in this delightful gingerbread creation! The surf shack, inspired by the creators’ beloved dog, features a party poodle snoozing peacefully on a surfboard. Santa Claus takes to the ocean, riding a festive wave, while piers made from pretzel rods add a clever and tasty touch. This beachside scene is the perfect blend of holiday cheer and coastal fun!
House # 12
Above the Crowd
This imaginative gingerbread entry captures the bustling spirit of York Street with a detailed model of the building at 302 York St. Adding a touch of whimsy is a Rice Krispies balloon. To complete the scene, gingerbread secretary Anita can be spotted peeking out from the lower-right window, bringing playful personality to this creative display.
House # 13
This beautiful house features a stone path, unique roof of shredded wheat, and a clear ice blue sugar pond.
House # 14
This house, a replica of Bradenburger Tor in Berlin, Germany, was created in the classroom of the Fairfield German Club. The German Club students have been dedicated participants in our Gingerbread Celebration over the years.
House # 15
The third entry from the Adams County Christian Academy, this house, entitled Home SWEET Home is special because it is the baker’s own home! She has lived there forever and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else for the holidays.
House # 16
This house was inspired by the creators’ granddaughter, Kennedy, and her love of dinosaurs. From dino footprints to figures, this gingerbread scene has it all!
House # 17
Strawberry Hill is another repeat performer year after year for the Gingerbread Celebration, and we are so grateful! This gingerbread house set was designed to reflect what Strawberry Hill loves most about Adams County – the community.
House # 18
This house, titled, Christmas at a Country Church, was designed and fabricated by Jane Parker and her son, Chris Parker. Jane joins her extensive knowledge and joy of baking with her son, Chris Parker, whose contribution includes his love of stained glass. There are many elements to explore from the creche and its participants and lighted windows, to the towering steeple.
House # 19
This Tiki Hut brings a little sunshine to a cold day. Enjoy this beach oasis, that features a sour tape roof, giant sweet tarts, sand cheerios, and an isomalt ocean as just some of the creative candy choices to make this masterpiece.
House # 20
This is a replica of the Adams County Christian Academy Ram Center. The Adams County Christian Academy has quite a showing this year, with four houses entered!
House # 21
The Adams County Christian Academy went above and beyond with all of their entries this year, and this makes us very happy, which is also reflected in the title of this creation: Gingermen Happy! The creator of this house is 16 years old.
House # 22
A final showing from folks at the Adams County Christian Academy, this house is small but mighty! The baker wants to go to cosmetology school, and with this level of perfectionism, she would be wonderful at it!
House # 23
You might recognize the style of this beautiful house, as the Sneaths have created many winning entries over the years. They also taught a gingerbread class for the Arts Council earlier this year! Famous for their attention to detail, this is another stunning house!
House # 24
This piece is modeled after the Eyler Valley Church in Thurmont MD, which was built in 1857 and is only open for Christmas and wedding events. Would you believe this church had fallen at the beginning of the week it was supposed to be dropped off? What a miracle!
House # 25
Can you guess what movie this is modeled after? Up! What a creative and unique house. We are especially impressed with the enormous bouquet of lollipop balloons!
