Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Contest

To participate in the contest, kids must register between Wednesday, October 25th and Tuesday, November 15th. The cookie to decorate may be picked at the West Volusia Historical Society Conrad Center beginning November 8th until November 15th. Participants decorate their cookies however they wish and return them to the Conrad Center prior to November 26 and the entries will be displayed at the Christmas in Bloom event on Saturday, November 26. Cookies will be judged, and prizes awarded at 1 pm. Additionally, all those attending the Christmas in Bloom event may cast their votes for People’s Choice awards. See the details for the contest below.

This is an event sponsored by the West Volusia Historical Society, held in the beautiful outdoor pavilion at Select Growers in DeLeon Springs. In addition to the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Contest, there will be a Holiday Boutique, delicious baked treats in our Old Fashioned Bake Shop, and a Wreath Decorating Contest. This will be a fun event for the whole family. There is no cost to attend Christmas in Bloom and there is plenty of parking. For more details about Christmas in Bloom, click on this link.


Programs and services provided by the Historical Society are funded in part through this annual event.

Registration is Required.  You may call 386-740-6813 to register, or register in person at the West Volusia Historical Society Conrad Educational and Research Center located at 137 W Michigan Avenue in DeLand. The office is open Tuesday – Saturday from 12 noon to 4 pm.

Pick up your baked cookie at the Conrad Center between Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 16.


Decorate the cookie as you wish! They may be decorated as gingerbread boys or girls, in a traditional or contemporary style, or with a holiday theme.


Return the decorated cookie (wrapped and on the numbered board) during either of these times: Tuesday, November 22 between 1pm and 4 pm, or Friday, November 25 between 9 am and 1 pm.


Remember that cookies must be on the number board and covered with a clear wrapper (Saran wrap, etc.) so use frosting that hardens!

Rules and additional information

Questions? Contact us at 386/740.6813 

What is Christmas in Bloom?

Who can enter the contest?  Kids 15 years of age and younger are eligible for the contest and compete in age groups: 5 years old and younger; 6 years old – 10 years old/ 11 years old – 15 years old. Note: Kids 16 years and older may want to participate in the Wreath Decorating Contest. See information on the Wreath Decorating Contest here. 

When is registration?  Tuesday, October 25th thru Tuesday, November 15th.  Registration Fee - $5 per person

Judging: All entries will be displayed at the Select Growers Garden Center during the Christmas in Bloom event. Judges will be looking for creativity and neatness. Additionally, all those attending Christmas in Bloom will be able to vote for People’s Choice by dropping coins into jars that correspond to each cookie entry. Our team of judges will award prizes at 1pm.


Note: Entries not picked up at Christmas in Bloom will be discarded at the end of the event. You do not have to be present to receive a prize. We will notify prize winners the following week if prizes are not picked up at the event.