The gingerbread extravaganza is an annual event put on by the Jacksonville Historical Society. Every year, local organizations, companies, and community members construct gingerbread houses, which are then displayed during December in the old St. Andrews cathedral downtown next to the baseball grounds.
The gingerbread extravaganza is something I look forward to every year. There is a certain magic to the display of community-created architectural confections displayed in that gorgeous historic chapel. If you haven’t been, consider this your invitation!
The gingerbread extravaganza is put on by the Jacksonville Historical Society every year during the month of December. It is open every day except Sunday, 11am-5pm, and 10am-5pm on Saturdays until December 23. There is a suggested donation of $5 per adult and $3 per child. Guests can place a bid on any gingerbread house, and the winner will get a phone call before Christmas to come pick up their gingerbread house. The money goes to support programs of the Jacksonville Historical Society. Don’t miss the scavenger hunt for the kiddos! The scavenger hunt is a page of riddles based on the themes of the gingerbread houses that are displayed.
In addition to the gingerbread houses, there are a variety of beautifully decorated, themed Christmas trees, placards with seasonal tidbits of Jax history, and water and hot apple cider for guests.
Now that you know what to expect, take a look at some of what this year’s gingerbread builders have created:
Gingerbread Extravaganza – Castle
Gingerbread Extravaganza – Frozen
Gingerbread Extravaganza – Hogwarts Castle
Gingerbread Extravaganza – the Quiltmakers Gift
Gingerbread Extravaganza