Budding bakers deploy their gingerbread creations for a monthlong celebration of salutes and sweets
By Grace Silipigni
Launched in 2021 by the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum and Virginia Beach Restaurant Association, the city’s annual gingerbread competition returns for its sixth year and is slated to be its largest yet.
“For 2026, we are expanding and reimagining the event as Gingerbread & Gratitude: A Military Holiday Gingerbread Trail—taking what had traditionally been a single-location exhibit and expanding it throughout the Virginia Beach community,” said VBRA executive director Martha Davenport.
While official host locations won’t be released until closer to the Nov. 23 start date, Davenport noted visitors can enjoy the city’s culinary scene and holiday displays while viewing the sugary creations. A QR code at each display will allow viewers to vote for the People’s Choice Award, while a judges’ panel will evaluate entries across four categories: adult, youth, student, and culinary professional.
Gingerbread & Gratitude welcomes builders of all ages, but aims to heavily draw participation from active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. The event may also include special theme recognitions, such as Branch Pride, Homecoming, and Most Patriotic Display.
Davenport expects military-inspired builds alongside classic Christmas designs, ranging from ships and aircraft to homecoming scenes. “The intention isn’t simply to create military-themed gingerbread houses; it’s to tell the stories of the people behind them,” she said, noting it celebrates Coastal Virginia’s military heritage while focusing on home, family, and gratitude.
The Gingerbread & Gratitude Trail runs from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31. Visit dinevb.com/events for entry guidelines and participating locations.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
