Terri Conklin | Teacher & Gingerbread House Extraordinaire
About the Class:
Get into the holiday spirit with this fun and festive gingerbread house decorating class for kids! Each child will design and decorate their own gingerbread house with all materials provided. Completed houses can be entered into the Joplin History & Mineral Museum’s Annual Gingerbread House Contest for a chance to win sweet prizes, including a Family Membership to the Joplin Historical Society for all entrants.
The contest features multiple age categories, both kit and original designs, with judging based on overall appearance, creativity, neatness, and use of materials. Winners will be announced on December 14 during the Museum’s Christmas Open House. Visit Joplin History & Mineral Museum’s website. to learn more!
2025 Gingerbread House Contest Rules & Categories
Miniature size houses
- Miniature size houses must not be larger than 4” long x 4” wide.
- Category 1 – Houses made from kits – miniature size – Children 3 – 6 years old
Regular size houses
- Category 2 – Houses made from kits – regular size – Children 6 – 10 years old
Original houses not made from a kit
- Category 3 – House not made from a kit – Children 7 – 10 years old
- Category 4 – House not made from a kit – Children 11 – 15 years old
- Category 5 – House not made from a kit – 16+ years old
Class Information:
Cost: $25
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Ages: 7–14; ages 3–6 with a parent
Skill Level: All skill levels
Max Capacity: 12 participants, pre-registration required.
Check-In: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in at the 1st-floor welcome desk, then take the elevator to the 3rd floor.
Parking: Visitor parking is available on the west side of the building off Wall Avenue. Additional parking can be found along Wall Avenue, on 8th Street, and in the Liberty parking lot on 7th Street.
Registration:
Members enjoy early registration access from August 15–30! Use the code provided in your Spiva Newsletter or Membership email, or contact us to receive it. Youth classes often fill quickly—reserve your spot early to ensure your child’s participation. Not a member yet? Join today to enjoy early registration and other exclusive perks! Family Memberships are available for the entire family.
