Gingerbread nirvana: Check out the winners of the Norway House contest

Jess Fleming, Pioneer Press
·2 min read

Norway House Gingerbread Wonderland is back for the ninth year in a row, bringing whimsy and family fun to the Twin Cities.

Last year, more than 14,000 visitors toured the exhibit, which is inspired by the world’s largest gingerbread city exhibit in Bergen, Norway. Entrants have constructed elaborate gingerbread structures that range from a rotating version of the Barbie Dream House to a cookie.

A panel of judges — Nicole Hvidsten (food editor for the Star Tribune), Jess Fleming (food editor for the Pioneer Press), cookbook author (and former Star Tribune writer) Kim Ode and Lori Ann Reinhall (editor in chief of The Norwegian American) — determined the “Best in Show” awards, which are depicted here. There were so many great entries that didn’t make this short list that it’s absolutely worth a trip to see the rest. I like to take three or four laps, as I see different details every time I look!

Visitors also get to participate by voting for a “People’s Choice” award. Entry is ticketed and buying your tickets online in advance is recommended.

Best of MN

“Holiday Glamping” by Joan Moser and Karen Nejedly (#73)

Best International

“Mount Kransekake” by Sue Cain Paulson (#104)

Most Creative

“Aurora Borealis Lodge” by Emily Antolick (#15)

Most “Koselig” (Cosy)

“Cozy Christmas Cottage” by Carrie Bourland (#37)

Best Pop Culture

“Mojo ‘Dough’-Jo Casa House” by Renee and Kirsten Poppenhagen (#103)

Best Amateur Baker

“Welcome to Whoville!” by Annette Korolchuk (#155)

Kids (5 and Under)

“Winter Garden” by Alis Soto Andert (#158, not pictured)

Youth (6-10)

“McDonald’s Land” by Molly (age 7) (#97)

Youth (11-15)

“Santa’s Workshop” by Ellie Beeck (age 12) (#124)

Youth (Mixed Ages)

“Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty” by Sophia (age 13), Eliza (age 11) and Zora (age 9) — (#110).

Adult (16+)

“Waiting for Santa” by Sue Fuller (#154)

Family (Intergenerational)

“Musegard Mouse Manor” by Susan and Grace Fischer (#105)

If you go

What: Norway House 2021 Gingerbread Wonderland exhibit

When: Through Jan. 7 (Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m.; Wed-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day)

Where: Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis

Cost: General admission, $15; members, $10; children under 12, free

More information: 612-871-2211; norwayhouse.org

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