Gingerbread Showcase Reception - Chaffee Art Center

The Chaffee Art Center is excited to invite the community to the Gingerbread Showcase Reception!

LOTS of FUN for everyone!

-FREE COOKIE CUTTER by Ann Clark Ltd. (one per family) while supplies last
-Create your own masterpiece at the cookie decorating station
-Make a card for someone special at our card making station
-Sample sweet treats!
-Add your name to our Community Tree
-Holiday selfies or family photos...choose from decorations on 4 holiday trees, grand staircase, 4 fireplaces and more.

While here, enjoy our beautiful holiday decorated 1890's mansion and browse the one-of-a-kind handmade treasures that are perfect for gifting this holiday season with our Holiday Exhibit & Shoppe. The mansion is filled with unique, handmade and affordable gifts starting at $5.

Holiday Shopping Hours 

Wednesday 10am-5pm, Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm.

Gingerbread Contest Rules & Guidelines — 2025

Dec. 6–Jan. 3 — GINGERBREAD CONTEST
Theme: “heART-ful” (Entries due to Chaffee Dec. 3 & 4)

The Chaffee Art Center is excited to announce the dates for the 2025 Gingerbread Contest!  Interested bakers, schools, organizations, businesses, families, individuals, and young people are invited to submit their imaginative gingerbread creations. Entries should pre-register.

All entries must be delivered to the Chaffee Art Center on either Wednesday, Dec. 3 (3–5pm), OR Thursday, Dec. 4 (10am–12pm), or by appointment. The gingerbread creations will be on display in our historic 1890’s mansion from the Gingerbread Showcase Reception on Dec. 6, 12–2pm until Jan. 3. Theme: “heART-ful”. Awards in a variety of categories for People’s Choice! 
Happy Baking!

Rules/Guidelines:

• FREE Entry. Registration is not required but is appreciated.
• Must be made from Gingerbread. NO KITS PERMITTED. Designs may be 2D or 3D.
• Open to all ages, individuals, and groups.
• Awards will be announced in a variety of categories for People’s Choice.
• Entries major components must be made of gingerbread. The rest of the display can be constructed and decorated with edible material.
• Internal structural support for large gingerbread entries do not have to be edible as long as it is not visible from any angle. Only 5% of entry can be NOT edible.
• Royal icing strongly recommended. Please remember when choosing your edible materials, that the creations will be on display at room temperature for weeks.
• All structures should be attached to a sturdy base (plywood) enabling it to be free standing. No larger than 14”x14”.  NOTE: We will be picking up and moving them, sturdy and not extremely heavy is appreciated.
• All entries must be delivered on either Wednesday, Dec. 3, 3–5pm or Thursday, Dec. 4 10am–12pm. Please attach a copy of the entry form to your structure.
• Delivery location is the Chaffee Art Center at 16 South Main Street in Rutland, Vermont. 
• All gingerbread creations will be on display from the Gingerbread Showcase Reception on Dec. 6 12–2pm, until Jan. 3.
• Entries can be picked up on Saturday, Jan. 3, 11am–2pm (or by appointment). Entries not picked up by 2pm Jan. 3, 2026, will become the property of the Chaffee Art Center.
• The Chaffee Art Center reserves the right to not display an entry considered to be inappropriate or not showing quality, and to take out a display that is showing signs of deterioration. 
• The Chaffee Art Center and staff/volunteers cannot be held responsible for any damages incurred to the displays while on the Chaffee Art Center’s property.

info@chaffeeartcenter.org