92 Gingerbread Masterpieces Transform NIH into a Winter Wonderland
The NIH Clinical Center’s annual Gingerbread House Decorating Contest returned in full holiday spirit this year, transforming the North Atrium into a snowy winter scene and drawing a record 92 teams from departments across the hospital and NIH community.
The displays included imaginative works such as “Wicked,” “Labubu” and the delightfully irreverent “The Grinch That Stole Cancer and Didn’t Give It Back.” Each entry showcased remarkable baking and decorating skills, creativity and storytelling that captivated patients, staff and visitors.
One standout, Wicked, featured shimmering green icing and hand-crafted sugar figures inspired by the beloved musical. Many viewers shared their excitement and nostalgia as they walked through the exhibit. “Amazing! Looks just like the stop-motion movie,” “The details and hand-crafted work are incredible — you really can eat everything!” and “The creativity is unmatched. Seeing this brought tears to my eyes.”
Another display, modeled after The Great British Bake Off tent, drew praise such as: “Stunning representation of the tent! And I love Bill Gahl-ywood. The grass is fantastic and the sheep is adorable!! This is a winner!”
“The Gingerbread Contest is more than a friendly holiday tradition — it brings the NIH community together during the festive season, highlights teamwork across departments, and brings smiles to patients and families throughout the Clinical Center,” said Pius Aiyelawo, Acting CEO of the Clinical Center.
The contest was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Foundation for the NIH who donated the gingerbread house kits, the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences and the Recreation and Welfare Association who provided the gift cards for the winning teams.
-Maria Maslennikov
The gingerbread house Snow Day at NIH by Central Hospital Supply, National Institute of Health, was the first place Kids' Choice of the 2025 Gingerbread House Decorating Contest.