Habitat Victoria’s 17th Annual
November 21, 2025 - January 4, 2026
Thank You for Celebrating Another
Gingerbread Showcase with Us!
As the 17th Annual Gingerbread Showcase wraps up, presented in partnership with Peninsula Co-op and hosted for the third year at the Hotel Grand Pacific, Habitat for Humanity Victoria is proud to celebrate another successful season of community support for affordable homeownership.
An iconic Victoria holiday tradition and Habitat Victoria’s premier annual fundraising event, this year’s Showcase welcomed a record-breaking turnout of more than 21,000 visitors, including school groups, community groups, locals, and tourists. Through generous donations and People’s Choice voting, the event raised $117,359.00 in support of local families building strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.
The Showcase was made possible by the dedication of Habitat Victoria’s volunteer Gingerbread Ambassadors, who engaged with visitors on-site while supporting donations, sharing information, and bringing the event to life.
Professional and home bakers alike spent hundreds of hours interpreting this year’s Showcase theme, bringing it to life in dozens of creative ways using edible materials of all kinds. Their finished creations were judged across the following award categories:
Best First Impression: ‘An Oak River Christmas’ by Geoff Cram (Old Town Bakery)
Best Use of Skill and Technique: ‘The Heart of Home’ by Selena Oliveira
Best Interpretation of the Theme: ‘Every Piece Belongs’ by Nicole Schaaf (Whisk & Willow)
Most Creative and Original: ‘There & Back Again’ by Jessica Hoehne
Most Diverse Use of Ingredients: ‘Home Among the Garry Oaks’ by Sheena & Mel (September’s Hearth)
The People’s Choice Award - ‘An Oak River Christmas’ by Geoff Cram (Old Town Bakery)
The theme for the 2025 Gingerbread Showcase was Homes for All.
Think: A welcoming space where everyone feels they belong—surrounded by comfort, connection, and warmth.
We invite you to create environments, real or imagined, that offer a sense of family, belonging, and possibility. These are spaces where care is built in, and where togetherness isn't just felt—it's celebrated!
This event would not be possible without the help of our friends in the community
Presenting Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Volunteer Sponsor
Sponsor Opportunities available
Media Sponsors
Sugar Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Check out the 2025 showcase creations below!
1- Living - Magic Mess Monster Inspiration: The theme this year, Homes for All, was really the perfect inspiration. It immediately had us designing everything that people need nearby to enjoy their community easily - the necessities, the fun stuff, and everything in between.
2 - Sea-Can Village - See-Can-Do Team Inspiration: Photos on Pinterest of stacked small homes and also a picture of hotel in London that was made with shipping containers to resolve the homeless issues
3 - Animal Apartment - Pia & Kathleen Inspiration: We were inspired by the forests of Vancouver Island, and all the life you can find hidden in the nooks and crannies of a tree stump.
4 - Home Sweet Home - Nicole Crescenzi Inspiration: When I thought of "homes for all” my first thought went to the classic story, The Three Little Pigs. It takes so much effort to build a home; sometimes that means in the form of a physical house, and sometimes in the relationships you hold near you. Things in life can tear that down, and sometimes that can make people hurtful or destructive. But if we leave a little room for forgiveness, teamwork and love, we really can make a home for all.
5 - Home Among the Garry Oaks - September's Hearth Inspiration: The complexity of an ecosystem around a singular object in nature and how many lives can rely on that something for a home, shelter, food, and safety.
6 - The Heart of Home - Selena Oliveira Inspiration: This piece is inspired by the quiet comforts that make a person feel truly at home. It celebrates soul-soothing moments: a cuddly cat, a warm cup of coffee, a good book, and the joy of creating. Home is a feeling found in a cozy quilt, a favorite meal, and laughter around the table. It’s the legacy of a cherished family recipe, connecting generations through taste and memory. An attempt to reflect comfort, creativity, and connection. Together, they form a tapestry of belonging—a reminder that home is built not just from walls, but from the people and rituals that nourish us.
7 - The Not So Lonely “Big Lonely Doug” - Ashley, William and Zoey Inspiration: My inspiration was the old growth Douglas fir tree nicknamed the "Big Lonely Doug". My kids and I walk in the forest all the time, and they love pointing out the mushrooms, insects, lichen, etc. So while some may come just to admire this massive tree that stands "alone" in an area that has been logged all around, next time take a closer look. You will find that this tree isn't Lonely at all. It's home to everything from owls up high, to millions of ants below, and everything in between.
8 - An Oak River Christmas - Geoff Cram - Old Town Bakery Inspiration: My grandmother's house on my mother's side. My mom and her 10 siblings were all born and raised in a home reminiscent to this and we visited each Christmas. The knitted, textile theme is a playful nudge at my mom as I was the only kid that never received a handmade afghan. Every Christmas I make a display gingerbread house for each of our family businesses in Ladysmith & Nanaimo, respectively: Old Town Bakery, Wild Poppy Market and Cold Front Gelato--the pattern and form of this house is similar to what's on display at our Wild Poppy Market location.
9 - Together - The Spivey Family Inspiration: We saw the beautiful gingerbread houses last year and said that would be so much fun for us all to do together. We hope to put stained glass together Windows with a lot of different textures and colours to make a very playful and fun gingerbread house.
10 - There and Back Again - Jessica Hoehne Inspiration: Homes come in all shapes and sizes and in fiction these differences can become fantastical. I jumped at the chance to create homes from one of my favourite franchises, The Lord of the Rings, where everyone can find a place to call home. From the comfort of a hobbit hole, the glory of the golden hall, and the majesty of Rivendell, homes play a pivotal role in grounding people and creating safe havens.
11 - Canada's School for the World - Pearson College UWC Inspiration: Homes for All as the theme really speaks to our mission, as a United World College. UWC Day - Sept. 21st, the United Nations International Day of Peace, (also called United World College Day). Pearson College UWC celebrates the diversity of their 200 students from 100 different countries, nations, and territories from all over the globe. We take a photo on our dock every year with every student and their flag, in their traditional clothing, which is the image we are trying to share in this project, as we are known as "Canada's School for the World, a home to all."
12 - Habitat Home Sweet Home - Swallowfield Bakery Inspiration: Everyone welcome.
13 - Creature Castle - Charlotte and Ashley / The Bestie-boo Baker-roos Inspiration: We wanted to create a place for all the Studio Ghibli creatures to live together. Fans of the anime studio may recognize this castle!
14 - Growing poinsettias for the holidays - Amy Rice Inspiration: My inspiration was traditional gingerbread techniques, Victorian architecture and poinsettias.
15 - The Power of One Voice - FIVE Behaviour Inspiration: Our creation is an interpretation of Dr. Suess's Whoville residents welcoming the Grinch back home. At FIVE, we value inclusion, so the Grinch being included and finding a home in Whoville, despite his differences was key for us. As well, with everything going on in the world today, we were inspired by the reminder that a single person has the power to create change.
16 - Co-op Community - Peninsula Co-op Inspiration: Caring for the community is a big part of what we do at Peninsula Co-op, the Homes for All theme really lent to our inspiration of creating our very own Gingerbread Co-op Community. It's A place to feel welcome, warm and comfortable.
17 - Gumdrop Gardens Housing Cooperative - Maia, Isabel & Friends Inspiration: We believe that housing cooperatives are an excellent alternative to help address the housing crisis. Even though municipalities are putting effort into creating more affordable rental housing, the reality is that most of these units remain out of reach, as rent can take up a third or more of a household’s income. Cooperatives provide families with peace of mind, knowing that even if they are not owners of their units, they won’t be asked to move every year. They also foster a strong sense of community and contribute to creating safer, more stable neighbourhoods.
18 - From Tents to Towers - Philippa Tattersall Inspiration: This year’s theme “HOMES FOR ALL” reminds me how deeply the idea of home matters. Everyone deserves a safe, warm, and dignified place to call home - not just as shelter, but for a sense of belonging. A tent can offer temporary protection for a night, but it is no substitute for stability - we all need more than a tent. My display traces the cycle from tents to towers and back again, reflecting how easily stability can shift, and how connected we all are in our shared need for home. A reminder that the line between security and struggle is thin.
19 - The Quarterly Crumb - S.H.A.CK Inspiration: We all enjoy doing different activities throughout the year. Every season has something for everyone.
20 - Coastal Connections - Michelle Thut & Jennifer Dumont Inspiration: We are members of the T’Sou-ke First Nation, inspired by Tribal Journeys where we connect with our community, neighbours, and family across the waters. From our home in Siaosun, these waters carry us to other First Nations across Vancouver Island and beyond the borders, strengthening friendships and cultural ties. For us, home isn’t just one place it’s where we feel connected to our roots, our culture, and our family near and far. Home lives in the mountains, ocean, and beaches that sustain us, and in the gatherings that remind us we are part of something greater. The scene depicts multiple canoes gathering from many nations along the shoreline waiting in turn to ask permission to land their canoes on the beach to join the host community in culture protocols & celebration.
21 - Gingerbarn - Melody Burns Inspiration: Animals! They all need a home
22 - What a “sweet” Neighbourhood - The Gingerbroads and Gingerboys Inspiration: It was fun to think of different sizes and types of homes people live in from apartment buildings to tiny homes. And also to think of different places that animals call home like burrows and nests. We enjoyed putting them all together to create a neat community and then placed them on connected islands to add a bit of whimsy to the neighbourhood.
23 - Living the Dream - Kim Barnard Inspiration: I wanted to create a sense of immersive West Coast living - in community, cozy and slow, in harmony with nature! I envisioned a "tiny home" sized, off-grid setting with majestic trees, and a place for everyone to gather, for celebrations and helping each other. We each have many experiences to offer, surrounded as we are by everyday storytelling. I should add that I get to live (and bake gingerbread!) beside a very snail-friendly forest, which is such a gift that's ever-changing with the seasons. To me, home is having a place of belonging that I wish for everyone to enjoy!
24 - Homes for All: The Magic of Believing - Bayside Middle School (Class 2 of 2) Inspiration: Inspired by The Polar Express, our gingerbread house celebrates the warmth and wonder of belonging. Just as the train gathers children from every background on a shared journey, this sweet creation represents a home for everyone—a place of comfort, kindness, and community. Sugary snow, glowing candy windows, and shimmering details capture the magic of the North Pole, reminding us that home is built on love, not walls. Like the bell that still rings for those who believe, this gingerbread home invites all to share in the season’s greatest gift: believing in one another.
25 - Four Seasons for Everyone - Bayside Middle School (Class 1 of 2) Inspiration: Our inspiration came from how fortunate we are to live on Vancouver Island surrounded by amazing landscapes that change with every season. From the lush forests to the ocean shores, nature provides endless inspiration. There are many homes that exist here — cozy nests, sturdy dens, and welcoming houses — built by both people and animals alike. Our gingerbread house celebrates the idea that everyone deserves a safe, warm, and wonderful place to live. Through our creation, we hope to share the beauty of our island home and the spirit of kindness and community that makes it so special.
26 - Home is Where the Heart Is! - 100.3 The Q! / The Zone @ 91-3 Inspiration: "Homes for All" connects to the Festival of Trees theme “Home is where the Heart is” by celebrating the warmth, love, and belonging that make any house a home. A giant heart stands tall over all the homes, symbolizing the great heart Victoria has for caring, giving, and creating a place where everyone belongs.
27 - Tropical Paradise - Jaclyn Ellis Inspiration: My inspiration for "Homes for All" came from the beauty and peace of tropical island life. I wanted to create a display where every creature, sea animals, birds, flowers, and tall trees, has a place to belong. The vibrant colors of many islands and how nature thrives together.
28 - Dreamy Docks: Where Every Character Belongs - Sarah Hoffman Inspiration: Simple childhood nostalgia mixed with a dreamy space showing that being different is truly what belongs.
29 - A Christmas Walk - The Kenny Clan! Inspiration: My inspiration came from my daily rambles on the chip trail near my home. Observing the local wildlife, greeting my friends and neighbours, and being part of this peaceful community makes me feel very fortunate. I wish this sense of belonging for everyone
30 - Every Piece Belongs - Whisk and Willow Inspiration: Our gingerbread house was inspired by our family’s journey with an invisible disability. Each puzzle piece represents the idea that home isn’t perfect or uniform — it’s made up of different shapes, strengths, and challenges that fit together through care and understanding. Home means something different to each and everyone of us. For us, a true Home for All means creating space where every person’s ability is celebrated. The design reminds us that a truly welcoming home — and community — is built when every piece, every person, fits and belongs just as they are.
31 - Opportunity Knocks - Cassandra Cherneff Inspiration: This creation was inspired by “homes for all” and new development opportunities being created in our city! Team work makes the dream work.
32 - The Blue Terrace - Darcelle Chow Inspiration: The inspiration came from seeing terraced homes in London. They were all neatly arranged and had a good sense of practicality. The community had a comfortable atmosphere and a beautiful shared garden.
Trillium West Shore Heritage Village - By West Shore Gingerbread Crew Inspiration: We are employees in a Senior Living Community Trillium Westshore Village at 333 Wale Rd, on the West Shore. Our company offers Boutique Senior Living to the elderly, with 8 communities in Greater Victoria, as well as Shawinigan Lake, Nanaimo and Abbotsford. Our inspiration was to showcase life in our community and raise awareness about the need for safe, affordable housing for seniors, advocating for those who cannot afford private-pay options. Our hope is to build support for increased funding that will provide more affordable housing for seniors in BC. Please note this creation is at Trillium Westshore, not Hotel Grand Pacific.
Interested in baking in our 2026 showcase? Please fill out our interest form.