Celebrate the Season at The Gingerbread Cocktail Party, Santa in St. Michaels

Bakers and pastry chefs of all ages and talent levels are encouraged to get their gingerbread house games on with the return of the Christmas in St. Michaels Gingerbread House competition this December, and a purse totaling $2,000 in prizes is up for grabs. Participation is free, with categories listed and pre-registration needed at www.christmasinstmichaels.org/events.

Christmas in St. Michaels invites you to celebrate the season at one of the town’s most anticipated holiday events—the Gingerbread Competition Preview Cocktail Party and Silent Auction—held Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Michaels Community Center, located at 103 Railroad Avenue.

This festive evening features handcrafted cocktails, passed appetizers by Chef Mike Willis, and the first viewing of this year’s whimsical gingerbread creations. Each edible masterpiece, designed by talented local bakers and artists, will be showcased before being opened to the public during the Christmas in St. Michaels weekend.

“The cocktail party is truly the highlight of the holiday season,” said Pat Martin, chair of Christmas in St. Michaels. “It’s a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and generosity—and it sold out quickly for our inaugural event last year.”

Guests can also participate in a silent auction to bid on their favorite gingerbread houses, with proceeds benefiting local nonprofits supported by Christmas in St. Michaels.

“Your bid helps make a difference right here in our community,” said Amy Horne, executive director of the St. Michaels Community Center. “This event combines holiday cheer with the spirit of giving back, which is what the season is all about.”

Tickets are $75 per guest and limited to 120 attendees. Advance registration is required and available online at www.christmasinstmichaels.org/events.

Enter the Gingerbread Competition
While the gala is limited to adults, community members of all ages are encouraged to enter their own gingerbread creations for the competition. Entries will be judged on creativity, craftsmanship, and presentation, with winners announced during the cocktail party. Details and registration are available on the website or by contacting Amy DeWitt at amy@stmichaelscc.org.

Drop-off hours for gingerbread entries will be Tuesday, December 9, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, December 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The gingerbread houses will be on public display at the St. Michaels Community Center from Friday, Dec. 12, through Sunday, Dec. 14, as part of the Christmas in St. Michaels festivities. Friday viewing hours will run from 2 to 5 p.m. to accommodate the center’s food programs.

Snap a Photo at Santa’s Workshop, Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, Dec. 13, SMCC, in partnership with S.M.Y.L.E., will host Santa’s Workshop, featuring a Foto Berry photo booth for families to capture special holiday memories.

During the festive weekend of Christmas in St. Michaels, guests can immerse themselves in a delightful blend of holiday cheer, tradition, and community celebration throughout the historic waterfront town.

A family-favorite event includes Saturday’s Breakfast with Santa for children ages 4 to 9 years old, which takes place from 8-10:00 a.m. at the waterfront Foxy’s Harbor Grille, with limited $10 tickets available for advance purchase.

Highlights include historic homes decked out for a special Tour of Homes, lively parades both on land and water, holiday meals, and the popular Marketplace & Sweet Shoppe, where artisan gifts, treats, and seasonal décor await shoppers.

Since 1987, Christmas in St. Michaels has brought holiday joy to the Eastern Shore while raising more than $1.7 million to benefit organizations that strengthen the St. Michaels and surrounding communities year-round. For more information, including event details and online purchases, visit www.christmasinstmichaels.org

AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.

Francoise Sullivan is the new Associate Editor of The Chestertown Spy and a community advocate based in Worton, Maryland. She previously served a term on the Kent County Board of Education, where she focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and student-centered policy. Sullivan also serves as Chair of the Kent County Chapter of the Delmarva Pride Center. Her work centers on local government, education, and civic engagement, providing clear, accessible coverage of issues affecting Kent County.