This Delightful Gingerbread Spectacular In Maine Is Sweet As Can Be

This time of year calls for hot cocoa, festive lights and lots of sugary treats. Cookies are a must, but there's one treat that stands out among the rest. You simply cannot celebrate the holiday season without lots of gingerbread! There are lots of ways to enjoy this treat, but we particularly love the gingerbread houses that make this season so special. One of the best displays of this festive treat takes place in Boothbay Harbor at one very special event.

Every year the Opera House at Boothbay Harbor brings the holidays to life with the Gingerbread Spectacular.

This year's event opens on Friday, December 14 at the Dough Ball Awards Ceremony.

The gingerbread creations on display here are truly unique - ranging from houses large and small, Maine cabins, castles, lighthouses, and even some mythical structures.

There are awards given in categories such as Most Creative, Most Hilarious, and Best Local Landmark, Most Ingredients Used, Best Holiday Spirit and Best Landscaping.

Decorators go all-out to show of their ability and heart for both Maine and Christmas.

And, of course, one special creation will walk away with the coveted Most Spectacular award!

This beautiful gingerbread version of the Ocean Point Chapel is a good example of what you might see here.

Participants include everything from professional bakers to grade school builders.

With the display of creations, live music by Barney Balch & Friends as well as great hors d'oeuvres, there's truly no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with this weekend-long event!

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor is located at 86 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor, Maine. The Annual Gingerbread Spectacular opens on Friday, December 14th and runs through Sunday, December 16th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information (including if you'd like to inquire about participating) give them a call on 207-633-6855.

For another unique way of celebrating this holiday season, check out the Parade of Lights in Portland. You can learn all about it, including the best places to watch the procession, right here.