The 2025 Surrey Gingerbread Village returns with a movie-themed twist, live demos by chef Jujhar Mann, and a chance to win prizes—all for a good cause!
Sweet Dreams Meet Movie Magic in Surrey
Lights, camera, sugar! Surrey’s most anticipated holiday event—the Gingerbread Village Showdown—is back, and this year’s theme will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight onto a movie set. The 2025 contest theme, “My Favourite Movie,” invites bakers, families, and local creators to turn their beloved films into edible art.
From November 29 to December 7, Central City Shopping Centre will transform into a festive wonderland of frosting, candy, and creativity. Hosted by the Downtown Surrey Business Improvement Association (BIA), the event isn’t just about competition—it’s about community, imagination, and giving back.
Bake, Create, and Compete for a Cause
Ready to show off your baking superpowers? Entry is free, and the deadline to join the fun is November 16. Participants can register online at downtownsurreybia.com/Events/GingerbreadVillage or call 604-580-2321 for more details.
Competitors have the chance to win up to $500 across five categories, and every entry automatically qualifies for the People’s Choice Award. Mall visitors can cast their votes by donating to the Surrey Food Bank, spreading both cheer and charity this holiday season.
Gingerbread creations must be dropped off on November 27–28, right in front of the Winners store at Central City.
Celebrity Chef Jujhar Mann Joins the Fun
The event’s star power gets a delicious boost from award-winning pastry chef Jujhar Mann, who returns as a celebrity judge and live demonstrator. Known for his time on The Food Network’s Great Chocolate Showdown, Mann’s flair for blending South Asian roots, French finesse, and North American creativity makes his desserts truly unforgettable.
At the kickoff event on November 29 (1 p.m.), visitors can watch Mann work his magic in a live decorating demo—an unmissable treat for aspiring bakers and sweet-toothed spectators alike.
“I always admired the art of baking,” Mann once shared. “It wasn’t something expected of me, but I followed my passion—and it led me here.” His bakery, Mann & Co Bakeshop in Newton, captures that very spirit: a place where tradition meets modern indulgence.
A Festival of Sugar, Spirit, and Stories
Last year, artist Carla Maskall wowed judges with her “Spaceship Santa Visits Surrey” gingerbread creation. This year promises even more jaw-dropping designs as bakers draw inspiration from cinematic classics and modern hits.
Whether you’re competing, voting, or just soaking in the sugary spectacle, the Gingerbread Village Showdown is your ticket to a heartwarming holiday adventure. After all, what’s better than a mix of movies, magic, and mouthwatering masterpieces—all in one place?
Mark Your Calendar:
Nov. 27–28: Drop-off days
Nov. 29 (1 p.m.): Kickoff with live demos
Nov. 29–Dec. 7: Public display and voting
Get ready, Surrey—it’s time to bake, believe, and bring your favourite movie to life, one delicious scene at a time!
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