The Holiday Festival of Lights officially kicks off November 11 at James Island County Park, but you can be a part of the holiday magic now by taking part in a beloved and delicious holiday tradition – creating a gingerbread house! The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission is inviting all of Charleston and beyond to be part of this year’s Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition.
Warm up those ovens, gather up the sugar and spices, and add a spoonful of creativity to the mix! Registration for the annual Holiday Festival of Lights Gingerbread House Competition is open now through Nov. 4.
Competition coordinator Marianne Bower encourages gingerbread house makers of all ages and experience levels to try their hand at creating a masterpiece. She encourages the use of gingerbread house patterns to assist with construction, but not “all-in-one” kits. Entries must be actual “architectural structures.” Past participants have been inspired by many unusual types of houses, including churches, train stations, the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse and even the South Carolina Aquarium.
