Architecture Center Houston will host the 16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Competing teams will create 100% edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy, and all sorts of other sweet treats (of which leftovers will be composted)! More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, and see Santa! All of that entertainment is free and open to the public!
Who can participate?
Team registration is open to local architects, designers, engineers, high school and college students, and holiday enthusiasts of all kinds, seeking fame and fortune with their sugary structures.
Competition Categories
The 2025 Competition Category – Bring your favorite movie moments to life—one gumdrop at a time! This category celebrates iconic films reaching milestone anniversaries in 2025, transformed into edible cinematic masterpieces. Send a gingerbread DeLorean racing Back to the Future, stack candy boulders in the Goonies’ treasure caves, or fill Andy’s room from Toy Story with marzipan toys and frosted building blocks. Think big, build bold, and let your favorite flick inspire the sweetest creation yet. Lights, camera… confection!
Teams may also compete in one of the other categories: Architectural Icons, Tallest Standing Structure, Best Holiday Themed, Best Non-Holiday themed, and Best Houston-centric.
Team registration for the 2025 event is open to local architecture firms, design professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking the coveted B.A. Riesner Grand Prize for their edible structure.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE:
8:00am–9:00am Gingerbread Team Check-in
9:00am–2:00pm Gingerbread Team Competition Building
10:00am–3:00pm Kids’ Construction Zone, Scavenger Hunt and Lawn Games
3:30pm–4:30pm Gingerbread Team Award Winners Announced
TEAM REGISTRATION IS OPEN:
Team registrations and additional materials must be completed by Friday, November 21, 5pm.
Register your team here.
Additional materials can be purchased here.
Team registration details and rules can be found here.
Additional materials and tents will open soon.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer to help with the Gingerbread Build-Off! ArCH needs help with the Kids Construction Zone, as well as setup/teardown of the event. Email jennifer@aiahouston.org. Educational and civic groups welcome!
SPONSORS
Icing on the Roof
Candy Cane
Environmental Partner
