Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition Details
SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Show us your incredible gingerbread creations and you could win an overnight stay at Mohonk!
Join in on the holiday fun with our 9th annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition. From gingerbread steamships, robots, and dinosaurs to the most detailed, exquisite, fairytale houses and cottages – This competition will showcase it all!
What will you make for the 2024 edition?
We can’t wait to see!
PRIZES
All competitors will receive a welcome gift at registration.
ADULT CATEGORY:
First Place
A two-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House for two, a $1,000 Mohonk Gift Card, and dinner for two at our Chef’s Table experience.
Second Place
A one-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House for two & a $500 Mohonk Gift Card.
Third Place
Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our Hiking trails for four people and a $100 Gift Card.
Honorable Mention
Gift Card for four hiking passes.
JUNIOR CATEGORY:
First Place
Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House, Recreation Passes for four people, and a $50 Mohonk Gift Card.
Second Place
Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our Hiking trails for four people and a $50 Mohonk Gift Card.
Third Place
Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our Hiking trails for four people.
Honorable Mention
Gift Card for four hiking passes.
MOHONK EMPLOYEES & FAMILIES CATEGORY:
First Place
A two-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House for two and a $500 Mohonk Gift Card.
Second Place
A one-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House for two.
Third Place
Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our Hiking trails for four people.
Honorable Mention
Gift Card for four hiking passes.
VIEWER’S CHOICE:
First Place
A Gift Basket and hiking trail passes for four people.
SPECIAL SKILLS AWARDS:
Best Use of Mixed Media:
This award honors the most innovative and skillful integration of edible materials like fondant, chocolate, spun sugar, pastillage, isomalt, marshmallow, Ginger Clay, and piping. Judges will select the entry that exemplifies exceptional creativity and technique in blending these mediums.
$250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Innovative Structure Award:
This award recognizes the most inventive and imaginative gingerbread creation, highlighting originality and architectural creativity. Judges will select the design that stands out for its unique structural concept and execution.
$250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Holiday Spirit Award:
Celebrating the gingerbread creation that most effectively captures the festive cheer of the holiday season, judges will choose the entry that best embodies holiday joy and tradition.
$250 Mohonk Gift Card.
COMPETITION PROCESS
Round 1
Our three judges will select eight pieces from the Adult Category and two from the Junior Category that will advance into the next round of competition. The pieces will be on display at the Mountain House and will also be featured virtually online. They will be judged on:
- Overall Appearance
- Originality & Creativity
- Difficulty
- Precision
- Consistency of Theme
Judge Selected Winning Pieces Announced: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 4pm
Round 2/Final Round
There will be one Viewer’s Choice winner out of all entrants. Each visitor to the Mountain House on competition day can cast one vote for their favorite entry to help choose the overall Viewer’s Choice winner.
Voting period: Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 1pm – 3:30pm
Winning Viewer’s Choice Gingerbread Piece Announced: Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 4pm
IMPORTANT DATES
There is no fee to participate in the competition.
Deadline to submit entry form: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 5PM EST (or until available spaces are all filled).
Entry Confirmation: By Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 5PM EST.
Gingerbread Competition: Sunday, December 8, 2024.
Gingerbread Pieces Displayed at Mohonk: Monday, December 9, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
December 8, 2024
Registration and Set up
8:30am – 11am | Parlor
(Pre-registered competitors only)
Ice Skate Session
9:30am – 12:30pm | Pavilion
Please sign in at the Skate Shop prior to entering the rink. $20 per person, per session. Complimentary to overnight guests.
Competition Day Lunch
11am – 5pm | Carriage Lounge & Founders
Enjoy artfully prepared dishes using hardwood-fired grills, ovens, tandoor, and woks utilizing open wood fire and smoke cooking techniques. Select from a bounty of options, including a children’s menu. A la carte menu available for purchase. Complimentary to overnight guests.
Competition Cocktail Special: Gingerbread Martini
11am – 11pm | Carriage Lounge
Raise a glass to the competition with today’s featured ‘Gingerbread Martini,’ available for purchase. In addition, enjoy a curated selection of handcrafted cocktails, hyper-local draft beers, and more than 20 varieties of premium New York spirits.
Judging
11:30am – 1pm | Parlor
(Closed to public and competitors)
Pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus
12pm – 1pm | Grove Parlor
See the jolly ole elf himself! Mr. & Mrs. Claus will be available for Christmas wishes and pictures. Complimentary.
Viewer’s Choice Voting
1pm – 3:30pm | Parlor
Vote for your favorite piece and submit your vote between 1pm – 3:30pm.
Public Viewing
1pm – 5pm | Parlor
From gingerbread steamships, robots, and dinosaurs to the most detailed, exquisite, fairytale houses and cottages – come check out this year’s masterful gingerbread creations. Vote for your favorite piece and submit your vote between 1pm – 3:30pm.
Ice Skate Session
2pm – 5pm | Pavilion
Please sign in at the Skate Shop prior to entering the rink. $20 per person, per session. Complimentary to overnight guests.
Awards Ceremony
4pm | Parlor
Join us as our judges crown our winners of the 9th annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition!
Sounds of the Season
4pm | Lake Lounge
Enjoy a mixture of traditional carols and holiday favorites with pianists from across the Hudson Valley.
Winter Lights
5pm – 9pm | Greenhouse Road
Our talented team of craftsmen have created an immersive lights display celebrating the magic of winter this holiday season. Delight in surprises at every turn as you explore our collection of winter-inspired Instagram-worthy displays. Approximately 10 minutes.
Holiday Trivia
7:30pm | Council House
Prepare to be challenged on a wide variety of trivia questions. Join us for this family friendly activity featuring 5 categories with 5 questions each.
Vinnie Martucci Trio featuring Vocalist Laurel Massé
9pm | Lake Lounge
Pianist Vinnie Martucci brings a polished jazz trio featuring drummer Jeff Siegel, and bassist Rich Syracuse; all of which teach across several local universities. Founding vocalist of the Manhattan transfer Laurel Massé joins this trio to bring some holiday favorites to life.