Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event: A Sweet Tradition to Celebrate

The Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event is a beloved annual tradition that attracts families and baking enthusiasts from around the region. This festive gathering takes place in the charming city of Brea, California, nestled in the northwestern corner of Orange County. Held in early December, the event kicks off the holiday season with creativity, camaraderie, and, of course, the sweet aroma of gingerbread.

Event Venue and Date

The event usually takes place at the Brea Community Center, located at 695 E. Madison Way, Brea, CA 92821. This centrally-located venue is easily accessible from all areas of Orange County and offers ample parking for attendees. For 2023, mark your calendars for December 9th, with festivities starting from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

What to Expect at the Event

Gingerbread House Competition

Central to the Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event is the highly anticipated Gingerbread House Competition. Participants from all walks of life – from young children to seasoned bakers – compete to create the most extraordinary gingerbread houses. The competition is divided into several categories:

• Youth Category: For children up to 12 years old.
• Teen Category: For young bakers aged 13-18.
• Adult Category: For participants 19 and older.
• Family/Group Category: Perfect for families or groups who want to collaborate on a single entry.

Judges for the competition come from a pool of local chefs, artists, and community leaders. Entries are evaluated based on creativity, originality, and adherence to the holiday theme. Winners in each category receive prizes that range from gift certificates to local businesses to special holiday-themed gift baskets.

Workshop and Activity Stations

In addition to the competition, the event hosts several Workshop and Activity Stations designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages. These stations include:

• Gingerbread House Decorating Workshops: Learn tips and techniques from expert bakers on how to decorate your own gingerbread house.
• Cookie Decorating Booths: Perfect for the little ones, this area allows children to decorate holiday-themed cookies to take home.
• Hot Chocolate Station: Warm up with a complimentary cup of hot chocolate, complete with festive toppings like marshmallows and peppermint sticks.
• Crafting Corner: Engage in holiday crafting activities, making ornaments and decorations to adorn your home.

Live Entertainment and Performances

The Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event also features an array of live entertainment throughout the day. Local choirs, dance troupes, and musical performers grace the stage to bring the festive spirit to life. A highlight of the entertainment lineup is the performance by the Brea Olinda High School Choir, known for their harmonious renditions of holiday classics.

How to Participate

Participation in the Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event is open to everyone. Whether you're competing in the gingerbread house contest or just attending to enjoy the festivities, registration details are as follows:

• Competition Entry: Entries are accepted up until two weeks before the event. Early registration is encouraged as spots fill quickly. Entry forms are available on the city’s official website BreaEvents.org.
• Attendee Registration: While admission is free, attendees are encouraged to pre-register online, which helps organizers plan resources and accommodations.

Sponsors and Community Partners

The success of the Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event is made possible through the generous support of local sponsors and community partners. Key sponsors include:

• Brea Mall: A prominent venue and retail hotspot in the city, providing sponsorship and prize donations.
• City of Brea Parks and Recreation Department: Instrumental in organizing the event logistics and providing resources.
• Local Businesses: Many local businesses contribute by providing gifts, vouchers, or support to the event.

These partnerships not only support a community event but also foster local commerce and engagement.

Tips for Building a Gingerbread Masterpiece

For those entering the gingerbread house competition, here are some expert tips to make your creation stand out:

1. Plan Before You Bake: Sketch your design and figure out the dimensions before cutting the gingerbread pieces.
2. Use a Sturdy Base: A thick, sturdy base will provide stability to your structure and make it easier to move around.
3. Royal Icing is Key: Use royal icing as the "glue" to hold your gingerbread house together. It dries hard and is perfect for construction.
4. Decorative Edibles: Incorporate a variety of candies, cereals, and edible glitter to add color and texture to your house.
5. Let Your Creativity Shine: Themes are encouraged, whether it’s a traditional chalet, a futuristic abode, or a fantasy castle. Think outside the box!

Why You Should Attend

Attending the Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event offers numerous benefits, including:

• Community Spirit: It’s a chance to connect with neighbors and make new friends while celebrating the season.
• Family Fun: The event offers enrichment activities for all ages, providing a wonderful family bonding experience.
• Inspiration and Learning: No matter your skill level, you’ll leave with new ideas and techniques for your holiday baking.

Conclusion

The Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event is more than just a competition; it's an opportunity to embrace creativity, enjoy community camaraderie, and engage in festive holiday traditions. Whether you're building your gingerbread dream house or simply enjoying the artistic displays, the event is sure to sweeten your holiday season. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this delightful celebration in the heart of Brea, California.

For more information and to stay updated on the event, visit BreaEvents.org or contact the Brea Community Center at (714) 990-7100. Celebrate with us and make this holiday season a memorable one!

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Brea Holiday Gingerbread House Event and is designed to inform and inspire readers to participate in one of Brea’s most cherished holiday traditions.