Registration is open to local architecture firms, design professionals, students, and enthusiasts.

• Team registration and orders for additional materials closes Saturday, November 21.

Materials and Tools

1. Teams will be provided one 48” round presentation/ work table, one 8’ x 30” work table, plastic covers, two chairs, and a 10’ x 10’ work area.
2. Each team will have the option of requesting a free 24”x 24” foil wrapped base.
3. Teams may bring their own base but it may not exceed 24” x 36” in size. The base may not be pre-decorated or prepped in any fashion other than wrapped in foil.
4. Each team will be provided two 23″ x  17″ gingerbread sheets provided by Three Brothers Bakery, approx. 2lbs of plain structural icing, peppermint sticks, red and green M&Ms, jellybeans and gumdrops.
5. Teams may bring their own materials including gingerbread. Gingerbread may not be precut into shapes prior to the competition. It must be in rectangular sheets.
6. All construction materials remaining in, a part of, or attached to the final structure and base for presentation must be edible.
7. Materials may not be preassembled. All construction must take place on competition day during the official competition time.
8. Competitors are encouraged to bring any tools and kitchen utensils they wish to use. Any construction tools deemed dangerous or disruptive to the general competition by event officials will not be permitted.
9. Electricity will be available on site at community stations (read: not at team work tables), but not guaranteed and must be shared by competitors. Teams cannot use generators.
10. Non-edible lighting may be placed inside gingerbread structures for judging and exhibition display. Please remove these items at the end of the competition. 

Competition

1. If you have children on your team (12 years old or younger), there must be a ratio of one legal adult (18 or older) to every two children on your team.
2. Each team will receive 5 competition aprons. High School teams will receive 10 aprons. All competing team members must wear a competition apron. Additional aprons may be ordered for $15 each.
3. Team check-in begins at 8:30am on December 12th.
4. Teams will receive their gingerbread, base, materials, and table assignment at check-in.
5. Competition starts at 10:00am and ends at 3:00pm. Judging will take place at 3:00pm with awards at 4:30pm
6. Each team may present one printed 8.5” x 11” page of information to the judges about their concept. The judges are not required to review or consider this information. Teams are not required to present this information.
7. Environment and presentation of structures may be considered by judges.

Team Competition Categories

• Best Architectural Icon
• Tallest Standing Structure
• Best Holiday Themed
• Best Non-Holiday
• Best Houston-centric
• Interpretation of Materials
• Public Favorite
• NEW 2026 Competition Category
  To be announced 

Sponsors with Event Presence

1. Sponsors will be provided an 8’ x 30” table for display with a plastic table cover.
2. Sponsor tables may not be moved without an event official’s approval.
3. Sponsors with teams will be provided a team site for competition.
4.  Click here to register your sponsorship. Contact Aleks Savitski at aleks@aiahouston.org with any questions.

The Park

1. No outside alcoholic beverages or smoking by City Ordinance.
2. No glass containers
3. Street parking available adjacent to the park area. Additional public parking (parking rates apply) is available in the Kirby Grove parking garage located on the corner of Richmond and Wakeforest.
4. All trash must be placed in the bins provided. No trash or recycling should be left at your site at the end of the day. Volunteers will assist your team with disposal.