INFORMATION FOR THE 2016 SEASON: Event runs from November 25 – December 10, every day except Tuesday & Wednesday. The event is FREE. Find the latest information here.
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Cut to the chase. Take me to the Momsense.
This year marks the 3rd year of the annual Gingerbread House Festival at Wood Memorial Library in South Windsor, CT. At this event, you’ll find a neighborhood’s worth of confection-covered gingerbread creations that are designed to dazzle. Kind of gives a whole new meaning to the phrase home, sweet home, doesn’t it? 🙂
But you have to hurry because this event only runs through this weekend (ending on Sunday, 12/15 @ 2:00 PM).
The event is FREE, but a small donation to the library is greatly appreciated. Wood Memorial Library is actually a privately funded library and museum. It offers all sorts of programs and events for adults and children. It’s housed in a beautiful old building located in a historic section of South Windsor. And the only thing more spectacular than enjoying its old-fashioned finery, is enjoying it all decked out for the holidays 🙂
The Library is located in a serene neighborhood setting, so don’t be confused by that. You are going the right way. When you arrive, you’ll notice parking areas on either side of the building.
As you may have noticed in the first photo, there are stairs leading up to the front door. If you need a non-stairs option, there is an elevator that is accessible from an entrance at the back left side of the building.
Since we’re talking elevators, let me give you the lowdown on strollers. I did see someone use a stroller to enter the event, but I would not recommend that you plan to wheel your stroller around while you’re in there. The rooms are small, the gingerbread house displays are delicate, and there are parts of the show that you won’t even be able to access with a stroller. There’s really not a great space to leave your stroller once inside either. It’s not that big of an exhibit. You’re much better off putting an infant in a wearable baby carrier and letting your toddler walk. If you must, then you must. But otherwise, give the wheels some time off 🙂
As you enter the building from the front door, there will be someone to greet you at the front table. Then it’s straight ahead to the main part of the library where all those gorgeous gingerbread creations await!
There are strings of lights, festive decor and holiday music playing in the background. It’s really one of those lovely, magical events that make you remember the real, simple joys of the season.
Now, I wouldn’t want to show you too many pictures of the gingerbread houses because that would ruin the fun of discovering them yourself. But I will show you a few, including this stunner from our friends at the South Windsor MOMS Club. Nice work, ladies!
The show is beautifully arranged.
Maybe I’m just hungry, but don’t these look delicious???
If you’re so inclined, you can even bid on one of the houses. All proceeds benefit the Library. Now wouldn’t that make the most amazing holiday centerpiece ever? 🙂
This library also has a cute children’s corner. Some of that space is taken up with the gingerbread exhibit, but there is still an adorable little alcove where the kiddos can take a break, read, play with some toys, put on a puppet show.
I could have stayed for hours and savored every detail of those amazing gingerbread houses, but in reality, it was a nice 30/45-minute activity for us. Short and sweet (hehe, I just can’t help myself with the puns today 🙂 ).
I hope you’ll hurry out and see the Wood Memorial Library’s 3rd Annual Gingerbread House Festival before it ends on Sunday (12/15/13). It’s definitely going to be one of my family’s new holiday traditions.
Holiday cheer!
Wood Memorial Library Gingerbread House Festival
783 Main Street, South Windsor, Connecticut
ph. 860-289-1783
Hours & Admission:
Show runs November 29th through December 15th (for the 2013 season).
Show hours:
Monday, Thursday & Friday 10am-8pm
Saturday & Sunday* 10am-6pm
(closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
*Closing Day Sunday, December 15: Show ends at 2pm
FREE, but a small cash donation to the library is much appreciated.
Tips & Things to Bring:
- Try to avoid bringing a stroller if you can. The space is very small. Plus, the kiddos won’t be able to see anything from their stroller anyway. A wearable baby carrier is a much better option for a non-walker.
- Obviously, there is no touching the gingerbread houses. You might want to give your kiddos a heads up on that in advance. They are so tempting!
- Furthermore, the houses are all out on display without any protective coverings, so just be prepared to keep an eye on those little hands 🙂
- Bring cash so you can make a small donation to the Library.
- On the first Sunday of the event (the Sunday after Thanksgiving) the Library offers a special gingerbread decorating class for the kiddos. Make sure to register in advance (sorry, you’ll have to wait until next year). You do not need to be a South Windsor resident to participate.
- Also check out the Library’s preschool story hour.
- And click here to see a list of all their core programs.
Meet Our Sponsors!
- NEW – The Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School – AFM offers children ages three to twelve years old a free, public Montessori education implemented to the highest standards set by Association Montessori Internationale.
- The Independent Day School – Located on a rural campus in Middlefield, CT is a private pre-school, elementary and middle school, serving families from over 20 communities.
- Kathryn Deane Photography – Kathryn is a natural light photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, child, family, and senior portrait photography.
Are you interested in becoming an Out and About Mom sponsor? Click here for more info.
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