A Pittsburgh Holiday Tradition
24th ANNUAL
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DISPLAY & COMPETITION
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Be sure to read the full program guidelines before entering!
Registration opens at 10 AM on Thursday, October 1, and will close promptly at 11:59 PM on Sunday, November 8.
2026 Display Dates & Hours:
November 20 - TBA
Hours TBA
Location: City-County Building - 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(please use Ross St. Entrance)
CLOSED: Thanksgiving Day; Friday, November 27; Christmas Day
Friday, November 20: Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremonies, 12:00 PM
Saturday, November 21 (Light Up Night): Hours TBA
2026 GINGERBREAD HOUSE GALLERY
NON-PROFIT CATEGORIES
Non-profit Ages 6 - 9 | Non-profit Ages 10 - 13 | Non-profit Ages 14 - 17 | Non-profit Ages 18+
SCHOOL CATEGORIES
Preschool & Kindergarten | Elementary School 1 - 5 | Middle School 6 - 8 | High School 9 - 12 | Culinary School
CHILDREN'S CATEGORIES
Children Ages 5 & Younger | Children Ages 6 - 9 | Children Ages 10 - 13 | Children Ages 14 - 17
OTHER CATEGORIES
Professional | Family | Adults 18+ | City Departments/Authorities | City Neighborhoods
PRESENTING PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNERS
Contact us at gingerbread@pittsburghpa.gov or join our Mailing List!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did this competition begin?
The Gingerbread House Display and Competition began in 2002 when Downtown Pittsburgh hotels hosted the event to benefit the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund - it has since attracted thousands of entries and visitors to PPG Place, before more recently moving to the City-County Building.
Why is the display in a different location?
In 2019, the display moved to the City-County Building after renovations at PPG's Wintergarden left the competition without a permanent home. The City of Pittsburgh took over operations from Highwoods Properties to ensure the holiday tradition had a place to continue for many years to come.
How are the winners selected?
Houses are reviewed by a panel of judges for soundness of structure, adherence to guidelines, and the following criteria:
- Originality & Creativity
- Difficulty
- Overall Appearance & Appeal
- Precision & Neatness
- The majority of the house and its decorations are edible
Where can I park downtown?
There are many metered spaces, lots, and garages in downtown near the City-County Building and other popular holiday visitor sites. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has an online parking resource and map available to help.
Thank you for your contribution!
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