🎄 Wainwright House Presents Westchester’s First Gingerbread Showcase

This holiday season, Wainwright House is bringing a brand-new tradition to Westchester with the launch of the first-ever Gingerbread Showcase, running from Saturday, November 29, through Friday, December 12 (National Gingerbread Day!).

This marks the first year of what Wainwright House plans to make an annual celebration of creativity, community, and generosity. With the enthusiastic support of County Executive Ken Jenkins, the showcase promises to be a highlight of the holiday season.

🍪 Celebrating Local Creativity

The Gingerbread Showcase will feature an extraordinary collection of gingerbread structures created by talented local bakers and artists. From whimsical cottages to intricate architectural designs, each entry will reflect the artistry and holiday spirit of its creator.

A distinguished panel of judges will select the winners:

• Congressman George Latimer
• Tina Zaccardi, Winner of The Great American Baking Show, Season 4
• Claudia Ossa, Founder of Westchester Foodies

Prizes will be awarded for the top three entries: $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third.

❤️ Supporting Feeding Westchester

In the spirit of giving, Wainwright House has partnered with Feeding Westchester to support families facing food insecurity. With the reduction in SNAP funding, the need for assistance is greater than ever.

Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate when visiting the showcase. This partnership reflects Wainwright House’s ongoing mission to foster community and compassion, particularly during the holiday season.

🎉 Opening Day: November 29 at 4 p.m.

The showcase will officially open on Saturday, November 29 at 4 p.m. Families are invited to view the spectacular gingerbread creations, enjoy seasonal refreshments, and participate in festive activities. We are asking for a small donation of $10 per family to attend this opening. You can register HERE.

During the opening celebration, the Mayor of Rye will proclaim the Chocolate Rye Cookie—a creation by Culinary Instructor Melanie Underwood—as the Official Cookie of Rye. Guests will have the opportunity to sample the cookie along with other holiday treats.

📸 Event Sponsors

Sotto Il Sole, the Naming Sponsor of the Wainwright House Gingerbread Showcase, brings the authentic flavors of southern Italy to this year’s celebration. A purveyor of fine farm-to-table products from Calabria, Italy, Sotto Il Sole offers an exceptional selection of extra virgin olive oils, artisanal vinegars, gourmet condiments, sun-dried fruits and vegetables, and signature Vesuvio tomatoes — all of which will be available for purchase at Wainwright House during the event. These premium organic foods capture the essence of Italian craftsmanship and are perfect for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. In the spirit of generosity, Sotto Il Sole will donate 15% of all event sales to Wainwright House, supporting the organization’s mission of community enrichment and celebration.

Wainwright House is proud to partner with Christmas in America, the event’s official sponsor. American Christmas is donating a life-sized gingerbread structure, offering visitors a fun and festive setting for family photos throughout the showcase.

At the conclusion of the event, this one-of-a-kind structure will be raffled off, and guests will receive a special discount coupon for use at Christmas in America Mt. Vernon store. The sponsorship underscores the company’s commitment to spreading holiday joy across the region.

🎁 Holiday Events Throughout the Showcase

Over the 13-day celebration, Wainwright House will host a series of special programs and community events, including:

• A Ladies’ Night Out with Tina Zaccardi, featuring a gingerbread decorating demonstration
• Teen gingerbread workshops, co-sponsored by the Rye Free Reading Room
• A festive Holiday Cookie Swap open to all community members

Registration is required for all events, and attendees are encouraged to make a suggested $10 donation for the Opening Celebration on November 29. Advance registration helps ensure space for all guests and supports Wainwright House’s ongoing community programs. Click HERE to register.

These events will provide opportunities for connection, creativity, and plenty of holiday cheer.

🌟 A New Westchester Holiday Tradition

Wainwright House invites families, friends, and neighbors to join in celebrating the season at Westchester’s first Gingerbread Showcase.

The event combines artistry, community spirit, and generosity — all in support of a worthy cause. Visitors can find more information, event details, and updates at wainwright.org/gingerbreadshowcase.

This November, Wainwright House welcomes the community to celebrate creativity, share kindness, and make memories — one gingerbread cookie at a time. 🍭✨