Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition Details
Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition by showcasing your creativity and skill in one of our most beloved holiday traditions. Compete alongside talented bakers and builders as your gingerbread masterpiece is displayed at Mohonk Mountain House and viewed by thousands of guests throughout the season.
In addition to judged prizes and special awards, all entries are eligible for Viewers’ and Competitors’ Choice honors. The day also includes festive fun like photos with Santa, holiday music, and a beautifully decorated setting—plus the opportunity to support a great cause through donations to the Regional Food Bank.
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED
ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED
Enter the Competition
We are no longer accepting entries as registration is now filled. We look forward to seeing all your creations on December 7!
To enter, please review the official Rules & Guidelines, then complete the Competitor Entry Form.
All completed forms must be emailed to [email protected] by 5pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, or until available spaces are filled.
Competition Process & Important Dates
Round 1: Judging by Panel of Experts
A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate all entries based on five criteria:
• Overall Appearance
• Originality & Creativity
• Difficulty & Precision
• Consistency of Theme
Round 2: Special Recognition Awards
Beyond the top category prizes, judges will select winners for Special Skills Awards such as Best Innovative Structure, Best Holiday Spirit, and more. These awards recognize standout creativity in specific areas.
Judge-selected winners will be revealed at the Awards Ceremony on Sunday, December 7 at 4pm.
Important Dates
Entry Form Deadline: Friday, November 7 by 5pm
(or until all spaces are filled)
Entry Confirmation: Tuesday, November 11 by 5pm
Competition Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Winning Gingerbread Display Dates: Monday, December 8 – Thursday, January 1, 2026
Entry Pick-Up for Non-Winners: After awards ceremony on Sunday, December 7 or Monday, December 8 between 9am–5pm
Entry Pick-Up for Display Winners: January 2–3, 2026 between 9am–5pm
What to Expect on Competition Day
Sunday, December 7 is a festive and exciting day for all gingerbread competitors! Here’s what to expect:
Competitor Perks
All Day
As a valued participant in our 10th Annual Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition, you’ll receive a festive welcome gift upon arrival, complimentary day access to the Mountain House and grounds, and entry to the Competitor Lounge with coffee, tea, water, and light snacks. Competitors also enjoy 30% off brunch in the Main Dining Room and 30% off an overnight stay on Sunday, December 7.
Registration & Setup
8:30am – 11:30am
Upon arrival, check in at the Gingerbread Registration area in the Parlor. You’ll unload and carefully place your entry in a pre-assigned display space. Final touches may be made during this time—but all entries must be fully set up by 11am. Staff will be on hand to help direct traffic and open doors, but competitors are responsible for handling their own pieces.
Competitor Voting
11am – 11:15am
Once your entry is set, you’ll receive a ballot to vote for your favorite creation (excluding your own) as part of the Competitors’ Choice Award.
Judging
11:30am – 1pm
Our panel of expert judges will evaluate entries behind closed doors based on creativity, difficulty, execution, and theme. During this time, the Parlor is closed to both the public and competitors.
Public Viewing & Viewers’ Choice Voting
1pm – 3:30pm
Friends, family, and guests are welcome to view the incredible gingerbread creations. Guests may vote for their favorite entry in the Viewers’ Choice Award during this time.
Awards Ceremony
4pm
All prizes—including category winners, special awards, and crowd favorites—will be announced live at the Awards Ceremony in the Parlor.
Questions?
Email us at [email protected]
Our 10th Anniversary Judges
Mohonk Executive Pastry Chef, Audrey Billups
Audrey Billups is the Executive Pastry Chef at Mohonk Mountain House and has more than 15 years of experience in baking and pastry operations. Before returning to Mohonk in January 2017, Billups served as the pastry chef at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, New York. Prior to her role at Topping Rose House, Billups was the pastry sous chef at Ai Fiori, a one Michelin-starred restaurant, and Marea, a two Michelin-starred, in New York City. Early in her career, Billups served as an assistant pastry chef at Mohonk Mountain House before moving to San Diego to work as the pastry chef de partie at Addison at The Grand Del Mar.
Amber Spiegel
While studying marketing in college, Amber of SweetAmbs Cookies realized that her true passion was decorating cakes and cookies – a profession where she could combine her artistic skills with her love for baking. She went on to obtain a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from The Culinary Institute of America and now entertains millions of viewers with her mesmerizing cookie decorating videos tutorials. Amber has authored two books, Cookie Art and Cookie Canvas, and founded the Cookie Art Club where she teaches others to create their own edible works of art.
Chitra Agrawal
Chitra Agrawal is the Founder & CEO of Brooklyn Delhi, a premium Indian food brand specializing in simmer sauces, condiments and heat & eat meals available at grocery stores nationwide. Chitra is the author of Vibrant India: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes from Bangalore to Brooklyn (Penguin, 2017). She has specialized in teaching, serving and writing about vegetarian food rooted in her family’s recipes from India for over a decade. Her work has been featured in dozens of publications including the New York Times, Saveur, Food & Wine, and beyond.
Josiah Brown
Josiah Brown, or the New York Sherpa as he is called in the tourism industry, is the President/CEO of Famous Destination Marketing. He is the founder of the New York’s Best Experiences Mobile Visitor Center brand and tour and the founder/editor of the New York’s Best Experiences Travel Guide. Josiah resides with his family in the Catskill Mountains of New York. He loves sushi, candy and everything travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gingerbread Competition
What is the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition?
The Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition began in 2016 at Mohonk Mountain House. Individuals and teams create Gingerbread display pieces and compete for top honor. Pieces are judged and the winning pieces are displayed in the Mountain House during the Holiday season. For the past nine years we have seen some of the most artistic and innovative designs enter the competition and are excited to continue this tradition. We are honored to partner with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to humbly contribute to an amazing cause.
When is the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition?
Sunday, December 7, 2025.
How do I enter the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition?
Registration will close Friday, November 7, 2025. Follow the instructions to fill out the PDF forms above and email them back to [email protected].
How do I find out the rules and guidelines for competitors?
Rules & guidelines are listed above on www.mohonk.com/hudon-valley-gingerbread-competition-details
Will there be an in-person event and awards ceremony open to the public on the day of judging?
Yes, there will be an in-person event open to the general public on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
I can’t make it the day of the competition. How else can I visit all of the gingerbread pieces that will be on display at Mohonk Mountain House?
In addition to the official competition on Sunday, December 7, 2025, we will offer a Gingerbread Pass to come view the top 17 pieces on display around the Mountain House. Gingerbread Passes will be offered on December 7th (Competition Day), 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th 2025. The Gingerbread Pass will be $15 per person and can be purchased online 72 hours before the selected days. All of the entry fees collected for the Gingerbread Pass will be donated to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Those with a pass or who are registered guests of the Mountain House are welcome to tour the top 17 pieces, plus winners from the additional awards.
What days will the Gingerbread Pass be available to purchase?
There will be a limited number sold each day and sale of the passes will open 72 hours prior to the selected date. Gingerbread Passes will be offered from Monday, December 8, 2025 through Thursday, January 1, 2026. Passes can be purchased at www.mohonk.com.
What else can I do while I visit your resort for the day with a Gingerbread Pass?
Each guest will receive a Gingerbread Passport at the Mohonk Gatehouse. We encourage you visit our Ice Skating Pavilion, Gift Shop, Greenhouse, Ski Shop, Spa and more! While visiting these locations get a stamp on your passport. If you collect all the stamps on your passport, you will be entered in to win a one-night stay for 2 people at Mohonk Mountain House.
There is a special Gingerbread rate to ice skate for $20.00 per person per session. Additionally, receive 20% off qualifying purchases at select retail locations.
For an additional fee, you are welcome to enjoy lunch in our Carriage Lounge or make advance reservations in our Dining Room for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
How does the judging and voting process work?
Judging will take place to select the winners for the Adult, Junior, and Employee categories. They will also select winners for the Most Innovative Structure, Best Use of Edible Mixed Media, Best Holiday Spirit, Best Mohonk Inspired, and Best Food Inspired.
On the day of the competition, we will hold voting for a Viewers’ Choice and a Competitors’ Choice.
The top 17 pieces, plus winners from the additional awards, will be on display through December at the Mountain House. The winners will be announced live on Sunday, December 7th at 4:00 pm and then will be listed on our website.
How can we find out who won the 2025 Competition?
The competitors whose pieces are selected by our judges will be listed on our website and throughout the Mountain House by Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Who can we contact with questions about the competition?
For questions about the competition please email [email protected] and one of the committee members will respond.
How can I make a donation to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley?
Donations can be made to the Regional Food Bank on the day of competition through QR codes we have placed throughout the House. Donations can also be made through the Mohonk Mountain House website, on the Gingerbread Competition event page.
What are the prizes for this year’s competition?
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, including Wine Pairing. (Approximate value up to $5,050).
Second Place: A one-night stay at Mohonk Mountain House for two adults and a $500 Mohonk Gift Card (Approximate value up to $2,150).
Third Place: Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our hiking trails for four people and a $100 Mohonk Gift Card (Approximate value up to $660).
Honorable Mention: A gift certificate of 4 Hiking Passes (Approximate value up to $140).
Junior Category:
First Place: Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House, Recreation Access Passes for four people, and a $50 Mohonk Gift Card (Approximate value up to $980).
Second Place: Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our hiking trails for four people and a $50 Mohonk Gift card (Approximate value up to $610).
Third Place: Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House with access to our hiking trails for four people (Approximate value up to $560)
Honorable Mention: A gift basket and a $50 Mohonk Gift Card.
Mohonk Employee & Families Category:
First Place: A two-night stay for two adults at Mohonk Mountain House and a $500 Mohonk Gift Card.
Second Place: A one-night stay for two adults at Mohonk Mountain House.
Third Place: Lunch or Dinner at Mohonk Mountain House for four people and a $50 Mohonk Gift Card.
Honorable Mention: A gift certificate of 4 Hiking Passes (Approximate value up to $140).
Special Skills Awards:
Best Use of Edible Mixed Media: – (Examples include a variety of techniques, but not limited to fondant, chocolate, spun sugar, pastillage, isomalt, marshmallow, piping, etc.) Judges will select the entry that they feel has the best use of edible mixed media. The winner will get a $250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Innovative Structure: Judges will select the entry that they feel has the most innovative structure. The winner will get a $250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Holiday Spirit: Judges will choose the entry that best embodies holiday joy and tradition. The winner receiving a $250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Mohonk Inspired Award: The judges will select the design that embodies creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to the essence of Mohonk. The winner will receive a $250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Best Food Inspired Award: This award recognizes the gingerbread piece that demonstrates a fun, festive, and fantastic food inspired creation. The judges will select the design that captures originality, execution, and how well the piece brings a food concept to life, with the winner receiving a $250 Mohonk Gift Card.
Viewers’ Choice Award: Each visitor to the Mountain House on Sunday, December 7, 2025 can cast one vote for their favorite entry to help choose the overall Viewers’ Choice winner. Voting will start at 1pm until 3:30pm and the winner will be announced at the award’s ceremony at 4pm. The Viewers’ Choice winner will receive a Gift Basket and $50 Mohonk Gift Card.
Competitors’ Choice Award: Exclusive for our Gingerbread Competitors, each entry (individual or team) will be given one ballot to vote for their favorite entry. Competitors can vote for an entry in any category, except their own entry. Voting will take place at between 11am and 11:15 am at the end of the set-up and registration period. The winner will be announced during the awards ceremony at 4:00 pm. The Competitors’ Choice winner will receive a Gift Basket and $50 Mohonk Gift Card
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