SOUTH BEND – Bakers of all age and skill levels are invited to enter Santa’s Gingerbread Village competition by submitting a handmade Gingerbread House. The deadline for entry into the competition is Monday, November 27th. Registration is free and forms are available at the Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB) office, 217 South Michigan St. or online at www.DowntownForTheHolidays.com.

Entries are to be dropped off, fully assembled, at the South Bend Museum of Art from November 29th from 5-6 p.m. and December 30th from noon to 1:00 p.m. The gingerbread village will be on display for public viewing in the South Bend Museum of Art as part of Santa’s Workshop from December 1st to December 24th.

First place prizes will be awarded in three categories that include non-professional child (18 and under), non-professional (individual, family or group) and professional (individual or group). A people’s choice first place prize will also be awarded. Judging will take place on December 17th at 2:00 p.m. with prizes awarded at 3:00 p.m. Entries will be judged on originality, design, craftsmanship, degree of difficulty and overall appearance. Everyone is encouraged to attend and place their vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Santa’s House is located in downtown South Bend at the Gridiron. Hours are Fridays, December 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd; 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd; Noon to 6:00 p.m.; Sundays, December 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th; Noon to 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday, December 20th; 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and Thursday, December 21st; 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Admission to Santa House and South Bend Museum of Art is free and open to children of all ages. In addition to the Gingerbread Village display, South Bend Museum of Art offers free cookie decorating along with art activities and a Santa letter writing station.

For more information on Santa’s Gingerbread Village call DTSB at 574.282.1110 or visit www.DowntownForTheHolidays.com.