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Entry deadline has been extended to November 20th! Get your entry in today.

The Historical Bear Mountain Inn Gingerbread Competition 2025!

The sweetest season of the year has arrived at Bear Mountain Inn. Our annual Gingerbread Competition is back for 2025, and this year promises more frosting, creativity, and holiday cheer than ever before. Families, friends, and master bakers from across the Hudson Valley will gather to showcase their most imaginative gingerbread creations.

Bring your holiday spirit and join us as we celebrate community, tradition, and a little friendly competition, all against the backdrop of Bear Mountain’s winter beauty.

Download Competition Entry Form

The Gingerbread Competition at Bear Mountain Inn is more than just sugar and spice, it’s your chance to win big!

In the Adult Category, winners can enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at Restaurant 1915 paired with generous Bear Mountain Trading Post gift cards; top honors include a dinner for 2 with wine and dessert plus a $200 gift card, valued at up to $400.

The Junior Category offers fun-filled recreation passes, from paddle boats to the carousel, along with Trading Post prizes that will make young bakers smile.

Our Non-Profit Group Category celebrates teamwork with recreation passes, Trading Post certificates, and team T-shirts for winners.

And don’t forget the Public Favorite awards in every division, where the crowd picks the winners for even more sweet surprises.

Whether you’re aiming for first place or hoping to be the fan favorite, the prizes this year are as delightful as the gingerbread houses themselves.

Category for Entries:

• Adults: 18 years old and above who are entering as a single entrant or a team.
• Junior: 10–17 years old who are entering as a single entrant or a team.
• Non-profit Groups: 9–14 year olds who enter as a team (up to 8 members per team). Groups or clubs with more than 8 members are limited to one entry.

Entries will be judged on the following:

1. Overall Appearance
2. Originality & Creativity
3. Difficulty
4. Precision

Important Dates:

• Entry form submission: by October 29, 2025
• House delivery to Bear Mountain Inn: by November 29, 2025
• Public viewing and voting of gingerbread houses: November 30–December 28, 2025
• Optional pick-up of gingerbread house: January 4, 2026

To be eligible for the competition, a completed Competition Entry Form must be submitted and received by 4:00 PM on October 29, 2025, or until available space is filled, whichever comes first.

The entry is not limited to a house structure. Competitors are encouraged to use creativity in their design and construction. Please keep your design appropriate for families with young children.

For additional information or questions, please email [email protected].