Gingerbread Display and Competition Announces Official List of Winners

Published on November 24, 2025

23rd Annual Gingerbread Display and Competition Announces Official List of Winners, Opens People's Choice Award Voting

Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh’s 23rd Annual Gingerbread Display and Competition presented by Clearview, now officially open for the holiday season, is pleased to announce this year’s winners. 

Nearly 400 entries were received in 2025, with local schools, families, professionals and neighbors represented in the competition, and a panel of judges has carefully selected their top choices. Viral trends and holiday movies were popular themes, with Pittsburgh-related topics appearing in almost every category, including variations on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Trolley and the City’s historic funiculars. 

In addition to 18 category awards, one entry was again awarded the Clearview Choice, an honoree selected by the City’s official event partner, and an additional entry was named the Curator’s Choice, an annual pick from one of Carnegie Museum of Art’s own curators. The awards were presented to their respective winners at an official ribbon cutting ceremony held November 21. 

After careful deliberation, Clearview representatives selected “Langley’s Little Library”, created by students at Pittsburgh Public Schools’ Langley Pre K-8. “The Gingerbread Display is a tradition that truly reflects the spirit of Pittsburgh, and Clearview is proud to support it for a second year,” said Erin Forrester, AVP of Public Relations & Community Engagement. “The Langley Little Library really stood out because it shows how a small and welcoming space can bring a neighborhood together. It captures the kindness, creativity, and community pride that make this city feel like home. This spirit of caring for our neighbors is at the heart of Clearview’s commitment to the communities we serve.” 

Rachel Delphia, Alan G. and Jane A. Lehman Curator of Decorative Arts and Design at Carnegie Museum of Art, selected “Modern on the Mon” by Melody McDonald of Munhall as the 2025 Curator’s Choice, marking the third year for CMOA to present the honor.  “In constructing a gingerbread house, the focus is often on the decorative elements, from intricate piped designs to candy-tiled roofs,” said Delphia. “This cozy modern house demonstrates that a 'less is more’ style can work for gingerbread too, so long as there are a few elevated details. The starburst pretzel clock is a gem worthy of any midcentury mantel.” 

This year’s entries will remain on display through December 31, 2025 in the grand lobby of the historic City-County Building. Visitors are able to view the display weekdays from 10:00 am-6:00 pm, and on weekends from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Holiday closures will occur November 27-28 and December 25, 2025. Those unable to attend in person can visit pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread to view the online gallery, where voting is currently taking place for the 2025 People’s Choice Award, a chance for any viewer to vote for their favorite entry of the year. People’s Choice voting will also conclude on December 31st, with a winner to be announced shortly after the new year. The full official list of category winners can be found at the end of this release. 

The Gingerbread House Display and Competition began in 2002 when Downtown Pittsburgh hotels hosted the event to benefit the Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund and since has attracted thousands of entries and visitors to PPG Place before moving to the City-County Building in 2019. The 23rd Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Display and Competition presented by Clearview is produced by the CitiParks Office of Special Events, with media support provided by KDKA Radio, 100.7 Star, Y108, WAMO 107.3, and 93.7 The Fan. 

For more information on this event, please email gingerbread@pittsburghpa.gov or by calling 412-255-2493. 

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The full list of 2025 winners, by category, are: 

Pilar Briggs
Pilar.Briggs@Pittsburghpa.gov
412-925-5518