Science of Gingerbread
The sweetest competition of the season is BACK! Southern California’s LARGEST gingerbread competition is returning to Discovery Cube OC and LA, and YOU can take part! Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned gingerbread architect, your creation can be part of a one-of-a-kind display that blends creativity, engineering, and holiday magic! All participants receive a special invite to our exclusive Science of Gingerbread Awards, plus a chance to win prizes.
Ready to build your masterpiece?
About the Competition
Guests can drop off their gingerbread creations between November 21–29 for a chance to be recognized at our awards ceremony on December 4. Then, the holiday fun continues as these masterpieces go on display for the public from December 5 – January 3 at Discovery Cube Orange County and December 5 – January 10 at Discovery Cube Los Angeles. Come see how imagination, engineering, and a little holiday magic come together in this sweet seasonal showcase!
We can’t wait to see what you build!
How to Enter in 2 Easy Steps
Step 1: Print and fill out the entry form linked below for your Discovery Cube campus.
Step 2: Return the entry form with your creation to Discovery Cube OC or LA from November 21 though 29, 2026.
See competition rules and regulations below on the entry forms.
About the Competition
Participants are invited to submit their Gingerbread creations from November 21-29 between the hours of 11:00 am- 4:00 pm (closed Thanksgiving Day).
Participants are asked to drop off at the Guest Exit in OC and in front of the turnstiles in LA.
For further assistance, guests can contact us at (714) 263-3882.
Entries will be displayed from December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027 for OC and December 5, 2026 to January 10, 2027 for LA, during the Science of Gingerbread seasonal program.
Winners will be announced at the Gingerbread Awards ceremony and notified by phone no later than December 18, 2026.
Pick up of entries (optional): January 4, 2027.
Entries will be judged on creativity, construction, decoration detail, use of gingerbread,
color and adherence to guidelines.
Awards Ceremony
- OC: December 4 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- LA: December 4 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Discovery Cube is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Each entry will receive an invite to our Gingerbread Awards ceremony (up to 4 guests per entry and additional guests may purchase tickets at $10 each).
***Subject to change.
Entry Categories
Junior – Ages 12 and under (individual bakers and builders)
Teen – Ages 13–17 (individual creators)
Adult – Ages 18 and up (individual entries)
Small Group – All ages, teams of up to 5 people
Large Group – All ages, teams of 6 or more
Thematic Ideas
Get ready to dream, design, and build! This year’s Science of Gingerbread competition invites you to unleash your imagination. Here are some ideas to help you get started, the ideas are limitless!
❄️ Winter Holiday Themes – Build your favorite winter celebration in gingerbread form!
🍬 The Science of Sweet Creations – Mix creativity and science for a truly “wow!” design.
🌎 Global Traditions & Landmarks – Take us on a trip around the world with a cultural or landmark creation.
🏠 Eco-Inspired Creations – Give expired or leftover ingredients a second life in your masterpiece.
Tell Us Your Story!
Every great creation has a story behind it. Be sure to include a short description or fun backstory about your design.
SOG Winners 2025
Science of Gingerbread
