Gingerbread House Exhibit

Handcrafted gingerbread creations and festive tours at Heritage Square

Where Bakers, Builders and Imagination Meet

Come see the Gingerbread House Exhibit, one of the Christmastime traditions in Oxnard, California. The exhibit consists of multiple intricately handcrafted gingerbread houses that have been created by hand and countless hours of work. The houses on display are created by local families, students and businesses. On some occasions, submissions have even been made from out of state! It’s a festive atmosphere full of community celebration. Visit SoCal for the holidays and see the lively exhibit in Heritage Square Hall as it typically runs from December to early January. There are always events happening in Downtown Oxnard, the Gingerbread House Exhibit is a long running tradition you have to experience. Celebrate the holidays in Oxnard there’s plenty to be a part of!

The Gingerbread House Exhibit
A charming gingerbread house beautifully decorated with candy, icing, pretzels, and festive trees on a wooden shelf.

Handmade Holiday Creations

Step inside Heritage Square Hall to experience the exhibit up close. Each display reflects the creativity and care behind these edible builds.

A Closer Look at the Craftsmanship

Created by local students, families and residents, these gingerbread houses go far beyond simple holiday treats. Each display showcases intricate icing work forming windows, doors and structural details, along with miniature landscapes that recreate homes, neighborhoods and imaginative scenes.

With upwards of 30 houses on display, visitors will find colorful candies mimicking lights, rock walkways and carefully designed settings. Builders often incorporate creative materials like cookies, mints, pretzels and even ice cream cones to bring their designs to life. The sights and sweet aromas inside Heritage Square Hall make the exhibit a festive and memorable experience.

Gingerbread House Contest
A charming display of gingerbread houses on a festively decorated table set before a colorful stained glass window and holiday garland.

Friendly Competition with Festive Flair

Beyond the displays, the exhibit also invites participants to compete. Each entry is part of a judged contest that celebrates creativity across all ages.

How the Competition Comes Together

The exhibit isn’t just something to admire, it’s also a community-wide competition with multiple categories for participants:

  • Children under 12
  • Teen (12–17)
  • Adult (18+)
  • Business/Professional
  • Family

These categories make it easy for individuals, families and teams to get involved, whether it’s a first-time build or a more detailed design. Group entries, in particular, offer a chance for families and businesses to collaborate on a shared holiday activity.

All submitted houses are displayed publicly throughout the exhibit, giving visitors the opportunity to view each creation up close. Entries are then judged based on creativity, originality and overall presentation, with standout designs recognized across each category.

Participation forms and additional details can be found on the Heritage Square website.

Sweet Treats Around Oxnard

After taking in the gingerbread displays, satisfy your sweet tooth with these local favorites.

Heritage Square Holiday Tours
Beautifully decorated Victorian house with a grand Christmas tree and sparkling festive lights brightening the welcoming front yard.

Guided Tours Through Historic Homes

Take a break from the exhibits and step into Oxnard’s history. Guided tours of Heritage Square offer a closer look at the homes and stories behind the setting.

Heritage Square Guided Walking Tour

Take a guided walking tour of Heritage Square and learn about the Victorian-style homes that help define Downtown Oxnard. Originally built between the late 1800s and early 1900s, each home was relocated from different parts of the city and carefully moved to its current location over time, requiring coordinated lifts and years of restoration.

Tours are led by knowledgeable, festively dressed docents who share insights into the architecture, original homeowners and early development of Oxnard. Tours are available on select dates, with weekday group tours offered by request. Most tours run approximately 45 to 55 minutes and are available for around $5 per person.

Sip, Taste & Tour

Enjoy the Sip, Taste & Tour along Ventura County’s Christmas Tree Lane, a limited-time experience perfect for those looking to pair the season with local flavors. Guests can sample wines, craft beers and bites from Oxnard restaurants while taking in the festive surroundings. Availability is limited, so early reservations are recommended.

Holly Trolley

Climb aboard a double-decker trolley for a guided ride through Oxnard’s holiday displays. The tour includes stops at the Gingerbread Exhibit and Christmas Tree Lane, offering a unique way to see the city lit up for the season. Departing from Heritage Square, the experience lasts about 50 minutes and includes beverages along the way.

A Closer Look into Heritage Square
A charming Victorian house beautifully decorated for Christmas, featuring a glowing tree and vibrant ornaments in the front yard.

Historic Charm in the Heart of Downtown

Heritage Square offers more than a backdrop for seasonal events. It’s a preserved collection of historic buildings that tell the story of Oxnard’s early years.

Exploring the Grounds of Heritage Square

Walking through Heritage Square feels like stepping back in time. Victorian-era homes, a cobbled walkway and carefully restored structures reflect the character of Oxnard during its early development.

The square includes eleven historic homes, along with a church, storehouse, water tower and pumphouse, all relocated from around the city and restored to preserve their original charm. Built between 1876 and 1912, these structures represent the foundation of Oxnard’s growth while creating a unique setting for visitors to explore. History sets the stage, but it’s the spaces and businesses within the square that bring it to life.

Heritage Square Chapel

Step inside the Heritage Square Chapel, where a stained glass window faces the heart of the square. Originally built in 1903, the red brick church now stands as a central landmark within the district. The chapel is open for public viewing and is also available to rent for weddings and special events.

Pipiripau

Pipiripau is a local apparel brand that reflects Mexican culture through art, clothing and community events. Run by two brothers, the business began as a passion project and has grown into a creative presence within Heritage Square, adding a modern cultural layer to the historic setting.

Today, Heritage Square also serves as a gathering place for community events, from summer concerts and weddings to seasonal celebrations and educational programs. Throughout the year, the space transforms with décor and lighting that reflect each season.

Planning Your Visit
A beautifully lit Christmas tree and a charming gazebo adorned with colorful lights brighten a park at night.

Know Before You Go

Location

Oxnard welcomes you to Heritage Square Hall for the Gingerbread House Exhibit. The Hall can be found at 731 South A Street in Downtown Oxnard.

Admission

Admission to view the Gingerbread House Exhibit is free to the public! Guided tours of Downtown Oxnard generally cost around $5 per person and last around an hour.

Timing

The Gingerbread House Exhibit typically run during the holiday season. You can view the community's creative works from December through early January each year. For exact dates, check the official event page for the current year schedule.

Group Visits

If you are interested in viewing the Heritage Square with a group, take a group tour! Group tours or weekday visits may be scheduled by appointment on the Heritage Square website.

Where to Dine in Downtown Oxnard
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree with vibrant lights shines among palm trees on a lively, festive street at night.

Explore Oxnard’s Dining Scene

Oxnard boasts some of the best eats on the West Coast due to its unique position along the California Coast. The merging of cold and warm currents create an ecosystem unique to the area. Taste the freshest catches at Oxnard's favorites below.

Otani's Fish Market & Restaurant

The Otani Family has been serving Oxnard since 1908, when the business first opened. After five generations, they're still going strong and using grandpa “Izzy’s” recipes at this casual, no fuss eatery. You can find them on ‘A’ Street, serving Japanese-American style dishes including chow-mein, teriyaki bowls, fish and fires and Mexican style shrimp cocktail!

Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina

A local area gem in Downtown Oxnard’s food scene is Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina. They make guacamole fresh at your table, have hand made tortillas and award-winning salsa! Stay in the spirit of the holiday with mariachi bands and enjoy Mexican and fresh seafood!

Dominick’s Italian Restaurant

A longtime Downtown Oxnard staple, Dominick’s offers classic Italian dishes in a warm, welcoming setting just a short walk from Heritage Square. Known for its homemade pastas, hearty portions and traditional recipes, it’s a great option for a sit-down meal after exploring the exhibit or taking a holiday tour.

Where to Stay in Downtown Oxnard
Welcoming entrance of Best Western Oxnard Inn with elegant palm trees, clear blue sky, and a prominent hotel sign.

Turn the Holidays into a Getaway

Best Western Oxnard Inn

Turn your visit to the Gingerbread House Exhibit into a weekend experience and stay close to the action at the Best Western Oxnard Inn. Located just minutes from Heritage Square and Downtown Oxnard, the hotel offers convenient access to holiday events, local dining and shopping, along with comfortable accommodations and complimentary breakfast.

Staying nearby makes it easy to enjoy the exhibit, explore seasonal activities and take in more of Oxnard’s winter offerings without the rush of a day trip.

For additional accommodations throughout the city, explore the full places to stay page to find the option that best fits your visit.

Celebrate the Sweet Side of the Holidays
A beautifully lit Christmas tree with vibrant ornaments stands before a festive, decorated Victorian house at dusk, radiating holiday cheer.

A Festive Favorite in Oxnard

Wrap up your visit with one of Oxnard’s most creative seasonal experiences. The Gingerbread House Exhibit brings together imagination, detail and festive spirit in one memorable display.

A Holiday Experience to Look Forward To

Be part of the festivities at the Gingerbread House Exhibit, where creativity and seasonal celebration come together in a uniquely memorable way. Each year, the displays continue to evolve with new ideas, designs and imaginative builds that keep visitors coming back.

From first-time guests to returning visitors, the exhibit offers something fresh to experience every season. With its mix of detailed creations and festive atmosphere, it remains a standout way to take in the holidays in Oxnard.