The Great Gingerbread Build Off is Back — and Bigger Than Ever

Registration and sponsorship opportunities now open for Habitat Northumberland’s expanded holiday fundraiser. Team Henderson Construction with their masterpiece from the 2025 competition.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ON — September 9, 2026 — Get your icing bags ready! Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s Great Gingerbread Build Off (GGBO) returns this November with more ways than ever to build, create and join the fun.

After raising $25,000 in 2025, GGBO is expanding this year with three events: The Showdown, the new Great Gingerbread Academy, and FREE Kids Workshops.

Registration is now open, along with sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and community partners.

The Showdown

Friday, November 20 at 6 p.m. | Lions Club of Cobourg

The signature GGBO competition is getting a bigger stage. Teams of four will race against the clock to create an unforgettable gingerbread build while navigating Roadblocks, surprise challenges and Habitat’s infamous Building Inspectors.

New this year, The Showdown is a live spectator event, so the community can come cheer on the teams and watch the mayhem unfold.

Team registration is $500 per team. Spectator tickets are $40, including food and a drink ticket, and go on sale at the beginning of October.

NEW! Great Gingerbread Academy

Sunday, November 29 at 1 p.m. | Port Hope High School

Intermediate and high school students are getting their own GGBO challenge!

Academy teams will put their creativity and teamwork to the test while racing against the clock and tackling a few surprises along the way.

Registration is now open, and participating teams are encouraged to fundraise in support of Habitat, with a suggested goal of $50 per team member.

FREE Kids Workshops

Saturday, November 14 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | The Mill Restaurant, Cobourg

Sunday, November 22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Knights of Columbus Hall, Port Hope

For builders under 12, our FREE Kids Workshops are all about creativity and holiday fun. Each child receives a pre-built gingerbread house, icing and candy to decorate and take home.

One-hour sessions are available throughout each event. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Parents and guardians must stay during the workshop.

Building More Than Gingerbread Houses

Funds raised through the Great Gingerbread Build Off support Habitat for Humanity Northumberland’s work to create safe and stable housing solutions for people across Northumberland County.

Jacqueline Pennington Real Estate returns as Title Sponsor for the sixth year, continuing its long-standing support of Habitat and the Great Gingerbread Build Off.

“The Great Gingerbread Build Off brings our community together in such a fun and creative way,” says Cathy Borowec, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Northumberland. “This year, whether you want to build, sponsor, bring your kids or cheer from the sidelines, there’s a way for everyone to be part of it.”

Team and Kids Workshop registration is open now. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with spectator tickets for The Showdown & The Academy are going on sale in early October.

Visit habitatnorthumberland.ca for registration, sponsorship opportunities and full event details.

Get ready, Northumberland. November is going to be sweet.

About Habitat for Humanity Northumberland

Habitat for Humanity Northumberland works to create safe and stable housing solutions across Northumberland County through affordable homeownership, home repairs, the ReStore and community partnerships.