Norway House’s

NOVEMBER 21, 2025 - JANUARY 3, 2026

WONDERLAND QUICK LINKS

Join us for Gingerbread Community Build Days:

Wednesday, November 13th | 6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursday, November 14th | 1:00pm-3:00pm
Sunday, November 16th | 1:00pm-3:00pm

Calling all Bakers!

It’s time to draw up those 2025 gingerbread design plans!

Gingerbread Wonderland is for every baker, young and old, novice to expert. Norwegian heritage and experience NOT required!

Over the years, Gingerbread Wonderland has hosted more than 2,000 charming gingerbread creations — gingerbread houses, castles, campers, Minnesota landmarks, Whoville- and Barbie-inspired constructions, and so much more — produced by both professional and amateur bakers from around town to across the globe.

A Village… that Takes a Village

HOME IS WHERE YOU BAKE IT
In its 11th year, Gingerbread Wonderland 2025 is celebrated alongside the bicentennial (200 years!) of the first organized crossing of Norwegian emigrants to the Americas. In celebration of this milestone, this new category is being introduced. Celebrate the ways we create home through tradition, creativity, and community. Just as recipes are carried across borders and generations, every home is shaped by the roots we bring with us and the new ground we make our own. Participants are invited to design gingerbread structures that reflect the theme Home is Where You Bake It—drawing on family stories, heritage, or the imaginative ways we connect past and present. From ancestral cottages to new-world farmhouses, from symbolic designs to personal dream homes, each creation tells a story of belonging. 

2025/2026 CATEGORIES:

BEST OF MINNESOTA
Celebrate the flavors, sights, and stories of Minnesota! From gingerbread cabins by the lake to iconic landmarks, loons, or lumberjacks—this category highlights designs inspired by the North Star State. Whether you lean into local traditions, seasonal scenery, or classic Minnesota humor, this is your chance to show state pride in gingerbread form.

BEST CLASSIC
Think timeless traditions. This category honors gingerbread creations that showcase the essence of classic holiday baking: cottages dusted with sugar-snow, elegant rooflines, gumdrop lined pathways, and designs that bring to life the cozy spirit of a traditional gingerbread house. It's all about capturing the heart of holiday baking in its most beloved form.

BEST POP CULTURE
From movies and music to TV and TikTok, this category is for gingerbread with star power! Recreate your favorite characters, scenes, or trends—or put a sugary spin on today's icons. Whether it's a blockbuster castle, a comic book lair, or a meme-worthy moment, this category celebrates the playful side of gingerbread design.

JUDGING CRITERIA AND SCORING
The categories mentioned above will be judged across four different criteria:

  1. Connection to Theme: Evaluates how well the structure embodies and communicates the intended theme. Judges consider symbolic elements, integration of theme-related details, and how clearly the concept comes through.

  2. Creativity & Originality: Measures the uniqueness of the structure’s design, style, and decoration. Points are awarded for innovative ideas and fresh approaches.

  3. Craftsmanship & Construction: Assesses the technical skill, quality, and execution of the build. Attention to detail, sturdiness, and overall finish are considered. Clean, precise, and intentional work will score highly.

  4. Presentation & Storytelling: Focuses on the visual impact and the narrative behind the structure. This includes the way the piece is displayed, the clarity of its story, and how effectively it engages the viewer.

Up to (5) points can be awarded in each category, up to a max-score of (20) points. Judges will score individually and then compare and total scores. Highest number of points will be the winner in each category.

See the Magic!

Closed Monday
Tuesday: 12pm-5pm
Wednesday: 10am-5pm
Thursday: 10am-8 pm
Friday: 10am-5pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm

Exhibit Hours:

Holiday Closures:

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Norway House invites you to celebrate 10 years of our beloved community-curated gingerbread town. Inspired by the world’s largest gingerbread village — “Pepperkakebyen” in Bergen, Norway — our own festive Gingerbread Wonderland has been delighting the Twin Cities annually since 2015.

This year’s gingerbread season promises to be extra spectacular as we build upon the incredible community display you’ve come to love with new attractions, classes and more!

The 2025 Season is almost here!

Gallery of Wonder

  • Best Adult

    Gingerbread Cafe by Katherine Goertz

  • Best Community Build

    Pretzel House by Vivian Chow

  • Best International & People's Choice

    Cats of Paris by Joan Moser and Karen Nejedley

  • Best Minnesota

    James J Hill Historic Wayzata Train Depot by Susan Droegemueller

  • Most Original Concept

    The Seven Dwarves Mine by Woodward Burdge Family

  • Best Youth

    NFL Snack Shack by Bryce Denzer

  • Best Teen

    Elf Dormitory by Ellie Beek

  • People's Choice (youth)

    Camp Birkebunner by Elizabeth Hilton, Isla Kim, and Buoy Larsen

Step into last year’s gingerbread village to experience the magic of a delectable town built from scratch by bakers of all ages, abilities and backgrounds!

Be Part of the Wonder

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in celebrating a decade of festive magic at Norway House!

Your sponsorship helps us continue this beloved holiday tradition, bringing joy to thousands of visitors each year.

With your support, we can make the 10th anniversary of Gingerbread Wonderland more memorable than ever. From whimsical gingerbread creations to community events and special activities, this year’s celebration promises to be our best yet!

2025 sponsorship opportunities coming soon…

Contact Christina Carleton at ccarleton@norwayhouse.org