November 21, 2025 – January 11, 2026

Each year the Erie Canal Museum transforms into a festive 1800’s canal town street scene with gingerbread creations on display in storefront windows. In a typical year, we see over 4,000 visitors during the Gingerbread Gallery! 


From November 21 – January 11, admission to the Museum, which includes the Gingerbread Gallery, is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $5 for children 3-17, and free for children 2 & under.

Museum Members receive a Family Pass good for admission for up to six people. Join today to receive your Family Pass. You can also join at the Museum when you come to visit the Gingerbread Gallery.

Upcoming Dates

Call for Bakers Announced: Wednesday, October 1

Baker Registration Deadline:Wednesday, November 5

Gingerbread Drop Off: Monday, November 10 – Sunday, November 16

Opening Day: Friday, November 21

Grand Opening: Friday, November 28 (with music from Merry Mischief from 4 – 6 PM)

Holiday in Hanover: Saturday, December 6

Judged Winners Announced: Thursday, December 11

People’s Choice Announced: Friday, January 2 

Closing Day: Sunday, January 11

Gingerbread Pick Up: Monday, January 12 – Sunday, January 18


The Erie Canal Museum’s annual Gingerbread Gallery started as a one-day gingerbread event. Its popularity has increased over the years, and it is now a seven-week long event featuring dozens of gingerbread creations made by local bakers of all ages! Everyone is invited to participate in the Gingerbread Gallery.

From the Fall 1987 Erie Canal Museum Canal Packet Newsletter:

“On December 13, 1986, over 700 visitors toured the Weighlock Building to view the Museum Gingerbread Gallery and enjoy a day full of holiday entertainment. Choruses, carolers, and choirs of bells provided a musical background for visitors strolling down our nostalgic Gingerbread Lane, lined with storefronts right out of the 1800’s.

“Through the magic of theater set design the Museum’s second floor exhibition gallery became a canal town street complete with toy, curio, floral, and baked goods shops, all trimmed for the holidays. Proudly displayed in the window of each shop was a gingerbread work of art – a house, a train, and gingerbread models of local historic buildings – created by Syracuse’s finest bakers.”