2026 CUIMC Gingerbread House Competition
We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 CUIMC Gingerbread House Competition! Designed to encourage team building and spark creativity, all CUIMC employees are invited to participate in this friendly, team-based competition. The deadline to register is Thursday, 12/3. If you’re eager to throw your hat in the ring, review the information and guidelines below, then follow the registration link.
Competing entries will be displayed at the CUIMC Employee Appreciation holiday event on Thursday, 12/17 (event details forthcoming). Winners from each category will be announced during the event at approximately 5:15 p.m. In addition to valiant bragging rights, winning teams will be featured in the CUIMC Weekly Update.
Ready to join the challenge?
1. Form your team and determine the category in which you'll compete
Teams must have at least four members who are all CUIMC employees. While we encourage departmental team building, teams are not required to represent or be from the same administrative unit or department.
2. Designate your team's primary and secondary contact person
Think of these designated individuals as your fearless leaders. They will receive all competition-related communication from us so you don’t have to!
3. Determine your foundation (gingerbread kit preference)
Complimentary gingerbread house kits will be available, while supplies last, to teams who indicate interest via their team registration form.
Learn more about what’s in the kit and permitted materials in the Competition FAQs below.
4. You’re ready to enter—time to make it official!
Submit your team registration form by December 3. Only one form is required per team.
registration link will appear here when opened
5. Mark Thursday, 12/17, on your calendar
This is the finish line, where all your team’s hard work pays off.
8 to 10 a.m. Drop-off window for completed entries at 50 Haven Avenue Ballroom
3:30 to 6:30 p.m. CUIMC Employee Appreciation holiday event
~5:15 p.m. Leadership to announce competition winners
Learn more about drop-off day and the CUIMC Employee Appreciation holiday event in the Competition FAQs below.
6. Capture the fun
If there's one thing we know heading into our third Gingerbread House Competition, it's that the journey is the best part, and we want to revel in it with you! Snap photos during your team’s construction experience—the good, the bad, and the ugly—and send them to us at cumc_event_office@cumc.columbia.edu.
Entry from the 2024 competition by the GUARDIAN Newborn Screening Study team. (Photo/A. Renae)
Competition FAQs
What supplies will be provided for participating teams?
Complimentary gingerbread house kits are available, while supplies last, for teams that indicate interest on their registration form.
Kits will include:
- Pre-cut pieces (walls, roof, etc.)
- Assembly instructions
- One bag of white icing (for adhesive, decorating, etc.)
Kits will not include:
- Imagination and creativity
- A platform for your structure (required)
- Additional items for decoration
Can we use non-edible materials for our creation?
Yes! Non-edible items are permitted for both constructing and decorating. The "Holiday Baking Championship" judges aren't on the guest list, so rest assured your creations are for display only.
Does our creation have to be a house?
No! Although we call this initiative the “Gingerbread House Competition,” this is merely because "Gingerbread Structure Competition" doesn’t hit the ear quite as nicely. That is to say, your creation does not have to be a house or even a building. Let your creativity take over and build anything that motivates you.
How does the judging process work?
Structures will be judged in their respective categories using a weighted matrix, scored by independent judges.
What are the contest prizes?
This is a friendly competition, awarding recognition and bragging rights only to first-, second-, and third-place winners in each category. Winning teams will also be featured in the CUIMC Weekly Update.
My team is going ALL OUT, and our magnum opus is huge/intricate/delicate/etc.—can we drop it off early to avoid potential damage?
Entries must be dropped off on Thursday, 12/17, between 8 and 10 a.m. at 50 Haven Ave. We will not have access to the venue prior to then, so we cannot accommodate early drop-offs.
However, teams are welcome to bring any necessary materials, such as hot glue guns, on drop-off day for final touches and/or repairs on-site, ensuring your masterpieces are ready for display!
Can students participate in the competition?
Yes, students may participate as long as they are part of a CUIMC employee-based team; i.e., a team cannot consist only of students.
If I still have questions, who can I contact?
Feel free to reach out the CUIMC Events Office at cumc_event_office@cumc.columbia.edu.
registration link will appear here when opened