What is the Gingerbread House Festival?
The first Gingerbread House Festival was held in 2010. Depending on how you count houses (individual creations or bases), there are typically 100 to 200 gingerbread houses on display and thousands visit on an annual basis. It is a magical atmosphere that many count as a hallmark of their holiday season. In addition to the display of gingerbread creations, visit our gift shop featuring local artisans! View more general information and the history of the festival here.
Who puts on the festival?
The festival is the largest annual fundraiser for The Watershed History Collective (formerly known as the “Friends”), an independent organization founded in 1971 to support the community with public cultural and educational events. In addition to being overseen by paid, part-time staff, the festival counts on dedicated volunteers year after year.
Where is the festival?
In 2025 the festival will be at Nomad’s Adventure Quest in South Windsor, less than a mile “as the crow flies” from Wood Memorial Library. While we are so grateful to Nomad’s for hosting us, we did not expect to move the festival’s location due to ongoing construction at Wood Memorial Library. But your friends are creative and can pivot when necessary!
When can I visit?
The festival will open the the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, November 28, 2025) through Sunday, December 14, 2025. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. See our daily calendar details here.
How much does it cost to attend?
The festival is FREE and open to the public. However, donations from individuals visiting the festival are greatly appreciated, and we suggest an entry donation of $5-10 per person which can be made as a donation or toward the cost of raffle tickets. If you don’t carry cash and would like to make a donation online, you can do so below.
Can I bring my community group, students or residents?
Yes! We love hosting special groups during regular festival hours. The Festival is ADA accessible. Please note that quiet hours are Fridays from 10am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10am-11am. See our festival calendar for more details. Please consider making a donation for your group’s visit as the festival is an important fundraiser for our organization and we rely on individual donations, raffle ticket sales and gift shop sales. No pre-registration is necessary to bring a group during regular festival hours. If you would like to bring a group outside of festival hours, arrangements may be able to be made with a fee.
Will quiet hours be available?
Yes! On Fridays 10am – 5pm and Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10am – 11am, the area around the festival will be quiet and free of crowds (no arcade games or other adventures are operating). This is a perfect time for small children, large groups or those with mobility or sensory issues to visit. See our festival calendar for more details.
Will there be food and beverages available?
Yes! During select festival hours, hot cocoa and cookie packages will be available for $5, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Watershed History Collective. This package can only be purchased in our gift shop. Check our festival calendar for daily specials and promotions.
Will there be additional activities available?
Yes! During select festival hours, unlimited game cards will be available for purchase in our gift shop! Check our festival calendar for daily specials and promotions. Game packages benefit The Watershed History Collective and two options are available:
- Light-Baked:Â $15 for one hour of unlimited adventure
- Frosted:Â $20 for one hour of unlimited adventure and arcade (no tickets or prizes available)