A Hillsborough Gingerbread Tradition
Downtown Walking Tour of Confectionary Creations
Registration Open: November 1-24, 2026.
Entries will be displayed December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027
2026 Theme: Folk Art Buildings
This year’s theme celebrates 1,200 American Folk Art Buildings collected by Hillsborough residents Steven Burke and Randy Campbell. Gathered over 40 years, this astounding collection is the nation’s largest and only such collection of American Folk Art Buildings. Steven and Randy will open their home for people to view the collection and get inspired:
Saturday, November 7 & Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 - Noon
Registration includes a visit to view the collection at 214 W. Tryon St. (Park in the Whitted Building Lot.) View highlights of the collection online: It Had Wings
Not Your Mother's Gingerbread Competition
Homes for the Holidays is an annual event held at participating businesses throughout Hillsborough, NC to celebrate the creative arts and bring joy to our community this holiday season. Although it's a contest, the goal is to spread joy, create a festive atmosphere...and add to your shopping experience as you explore gift options for friends and family.
All aspiring gingerbread artists and architects are invited to participate and have fun showcasing your creative streak and holiday spirit!
Entry Fee: $25, payable at registration.
PLEASE NOTE: The sub-structure for the house can be made of anything. However, anything that can be seen must be edible! Using Royal Icing as the "glue" to hold the house together is recommended.
New This Year: Sponsor an Entry
Individuals, businesses, and others can “sponsor” entries from school classes and other organizations for whom the registration fee might be prohibitive. Interested in sponsoring an entry? Contact Bridget Booher at bridget.booher@hillsboroughregroup.com.
Peoples Choice Voting: December 5-20, 2026
Special Thanks to Event Creator & Coordinator
Meighan Carmichael, Broker/REALTOR
Hillsborough Real Estate Group
www.hillsboroughregroup.com
Home for the Holidays Hosted By
Homes for the Holidays is organized by the Hillsborough Real Estate Group and the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, with grateful support from the Hillsborough Downtown Merchants Association and the Hillsborough Arts Council.
and participating area businesses