Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is seeking classrooms, youth groups, and community partners to decorate a gingerbread house for the 12th Annual Gingerbread Festival, taking place December 11–20. We are once again collaborating with The Mall at University Town Center to safely present this annual event.  

This year’s festival will be on display at the former Stein Mart location in the West District at University Town Center (119 N Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, Florida 34243, next to Old Navy). We are excited that this venue allows a large presentation space adhering to social distancing guidelines. 

Last year, we welcomed more than 16,000 people to experience the creativity of more than 150 houses, and this year, we hope to display 200 Gingerbread houses comprised of a variety of shapes and sizes.  

Houses are limited and registration is required. New this year, gingerbread house kits may be picked up the day after your registration from the customer desk at The Mall at UTC (located within the entrance near Cheesecake Factory and Seasons 52). You will need your confirmation email and ID for pick up.  

 For your convenience, houses may be picked up the day after registering for the event

There are a limited number of houses available—be sure to register early to avoid the wait list! Registration ends December 2 or before all houses are reserved.

• Gingerbread kits are FREE for schools, classrooms, youth-serving nonprofits, Girl Scout troops, and youth groups (limit one per group; additional kits available for $10); $25 for community groups and other nonprofit organizations; and $50 for businesses. (Payment is due upon registration.) 
• Pick up gingerbread kits, at your convenience, from customer service at The Mall at UTC between November 19 and December 5 during mall hours (visit UTC for info).     
• Completed houses MUST be delivered to the former Stein Mart location on December 9 or 10 between 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS CAN BE MADE. Delivery details provided during pick-up.
• The Gingerbread Festival is open to the public for viewing during select hours beginning Friday, December 11 through Sunday, December 20. As in years past, all gingerbread house entries become the property of Girl Scouts. Net proceeds from the festival support Girl Scout programs. This year, we will be selling all gingerbread houses online and you are welcome to “buy back” your creation for $25. More information regarding buy back will be provided during drop-off.