FREE T-SHIRTS FOR THE FIRST 50 WHO REGISTER!
Build It. Bring It. Make It Merry.
December 18–23, 2026 • Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center • Topeka, Kansas
Topeka's holiday season gets a little sweeter when families, friends, co-workers, organizations and local businesses come together to build, show off and celebrate their gingerbread creations.
What's the Showdown All About?
The Gingerbread House Showdown is about getting together, getting creative and having a little holiday fun with the community…
Whether you're building with your kids, challenging your co-workers, gathering your friends, representing an organization or business, there's a place for you. Build your house at home or at Fairlawn Plaza.
Build it yourself or as a team. Then bring it to the Showdown and let the community see what you made.
There are prizes, trophies and definitely bragging rights.
But most importantly?
It's the reason to gather and make something Sweet!
Build It. Bring It. Make it Merry.
If you don’t want to participate in building your own gingerbread house, come and see the creations, cheer on local builders, cast your vote for the People's Choice Award, or participate in the Silent Auction with proceeds benefiting SLI (Success • Learning • Inclusion)
Event Snapshot
December 18–23, 2026 • Inside Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center • 5331 SW 22nd Pl., Topeka, Kansas
Friday, December 18
10:00 AM–6:00 PM: On-site Build Day #1
Saturday, December 19
10:00 AM–2:30 PM: On-site Build Day #2
3:00 PM: Competition Judging Begins
5:00 PM: Open to the Public - People’s Choice Judging and Silent Auction Begins
Wednesday, December 23
12:00 PM: People’s Choice and Silent Auction Winner Announced
Entry Rules & Fees
Before You Build, Know the Basics
Registration Deadline
December 12, 2026
Entry Fees
Kids & Teens: $10 per entry (house)
Adults & Groups: $40 per entry (house)
Who Can Enter?
Kids. Teens. Families. Friends. Co-workers. Organizations. Businesses. Fairlawn Plaza merchants.
All are welcome! If you want to build a gingerbread house, we want you here!
Not ready to build your own house? Join us Saturday, December 19 to see the incredible creations, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award and bid in the Silent Auction with proceeds benefiting SLI (Success • Learning • Inclusion)!
Ready to Build?
Prep for Your Build - Know the Basics
> Build on-site, off-site or a combination of both
> Completed houses must be checked in by 2:30 PM on December 19
> All visible surfaces must be edible
> Battery-powered lights are allowed
> Your house and landscape must fit on a board no larger than 14" × 14"
> Kids in the Kids category may have help from an adult
> Ready for the Fine Print?
VIEW THE FULL RULES & JUDGING RUBRIC
There's More Than One Way to Build
Let's Build Something a Little Sweet!
Build at Fairlawn Plaza
Bring your Gingerbread trimmings, supplies and imagination and build your creation during one or both of the Showdown's build days.
Build at Home
Build some or all of your house at home and bring your completed masterpiece to Fairlawn Plaza.
Build With Your People
Grab your family, friends, co-workers or organization and create something together. Teams can have up to six (6) participants.
Need a Little Help?
The Sweet! Shoppe offers Gingerbread House Building Classes, giving builders tips, tools and inspiration before the Showdown. JOIN A GINGERBREAD CLASS
Categories & Prizes
> Kids (Ages 5–12): $50 Gift Card + Trophy
> Teens (Ages 13–19): $50 Gift Card + Trophy
> Group/Organization/Business: $75 Gift Card + Trophy
> Adult/Pro: $75 Gift Card + Trophy
> Fairlawn Plaza Merchants: Bragging Rights + Traveling Trophy
Additional Prizes
> Best in Show / Judges' Favorite: $100 Gift Card + Trophy
> People's Choice: $100 Gift Card + $100 Fairlawn Plaza Mall Gift Certificate + Trophy
Please Note: Prize amounts are subject to final confirmation and may be updated prior to the event.
Ready to Build?
The People’s Choice Award & Silent Auction
Visitors vote and bid on their favorite house!
Creators, leave your gingerbread house —and let Topeka have a say.
Registered entries must remain on display at Fairlawn Plaza from December 19 through December 23 to be eligible for the People's Choice Voting.
Visitors can stop by during regular Fairlawn Plaza mall hours, check out the creations, cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award and bid on a gingerbread house to take home!
The People's Choice and Silent Auction Winners will be announced on December 23 at Noon.
The silent auction will run alongside the People's Choice experience, with proceeds benefiting SLI (Success • Learning • Inclusion).
The Sweet! Shoppe Connection
Need a Little Sweet Inspiration? The Sweet! Shoppe Has You Covered.
The Gingerbread House Showdown is hosted by The Sweet! Shoppe, your local source for the tools, supplies and inspiration to make your gingerbread creation come to life.
Whether you're a seasoned decorator or wondering how on earth you're supposed to get that roof to stay up, we've got you.
Free Recipes at The Sweet! Shoppe
Stop by our Shoppe in Fairlawn Plaza and grab the gingerbread construction dough and royal icing recipes to help get your build started.
Grab Supplies & Take a Class
The Sweet! Shoppe will have the gingerbread-building essentials you need, including:
Royal icing mix • Buttercream icing • Meringue powder • Gel colors • Piping bags & tips • Isomalt • Sprinkles & edible embellishments • Edible glue • Candy Fondant & gum paste • Candy toppings • Gingerbread house cutters • Boards • Boxes
Want to Learn Before You Build?
Take a Gingerbread House Building Class! Learn techniques, get creative inspiration and leave ready to build your Showdown entry.
All are welcome to this foundational event and we can’t wait to see you!
Build it. Bring it. Make it merry!
