Nichols Community Center - 515 East D Street · Belleville, IL
Ready to get baking?! Let your imagination run wild! This longstanding Belleville tradition is a fun (& FREE!) way to celebrate the holidays. With four skill-based categories to enter, there's something for everyone! All gingerbread entries are evaluated by an experienced panel of judges with over $4,000 in prize money to be awarded! Click here for rules & guidelines of the contest. 2026 Categories Include: Beginner: little or no experience. Novice: some experience but still learning. Proficient: significant experience. Expert: you're a PRO! There will also be categories for groups and children based on grade level. Creativity Challenge! Incorporate one or more of these elements for the opportunity to win additional prize money: one of Belleville's sculptures a Main Street building a Belleville Event a Christmas tree a bicycle a vehicle Mexican decorations Italian decorations kidney beans Entries must be turned in for judging on Saturday, November 21 (8am-12pm). Open house and awards will be given out at the reception party on Sunday, November 22 (starts at 1pm). Your creation will then be displayed in the window of a downtown business through the holiday season with final pick-up being January 5. Registration is OPEN NOW! It's never too early to start on your creation, so get baking, be creative, and have fun!
