Exeter, NH — The sweetest event of the season is back! The 17th Annual Gingerbread House Competition will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Exeter Congregational Church, 21 Front Street, as part of Exeter’s beloved Festival of Trees celebration.

This year’s theme, “A Storybook Christmas,” invites bakers, builders, and dreamers of all ages to bring their favorite tales to life in gingerbread form. Whether you’re a first-time decorator or a seasoned confectionery artist, this event is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting a great cause.

Categories include:
Child (12 & under)
Teen
Youth Group
Adult/Adult Group
Family
Business

Each entry must be entirely edible (except the base), no larger than 24”x24”, and delivered to the church on Wednesday, December 3rd, between 4–6 PM. Entry fee is $20, with all proceeds benefiting the Community Children’s Fund, part of the Exeter Area Charitable Foundation, which supports local students and families in need.

Winners will be announced the morning of December 4th, with multiple award categories and plenty of holiday cheer!

How to Enter:

Register online today at www.exeterareacharitablefoundation.org/gingerbread-house-registration

Space is limited — so don’t wait!
Special thanks to our generous sponsor Meredith Village Savings Bank. 
Come admire the creativity, vote for your favorites, and enjoy the spirit of the season at one of Exeter’s most charming holiday traditions.

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About the Community Children's Fund:  Established in 1989, the Community Children’s Fund was created by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce to raise funds to provide warm winter clothing and bedding to children in need that reside in the Southern NH Communities. Through the generosity of businesses and individuals, the Foundation has assisted more than 14,000 children and distributed over 1.5 million dollars to local NH families in need.