Peddler's Village Grand Illumination & Gingerbread Competition

About this adventure

Peddler's Village in Lahaska / New Hope kicks off the holiday season the weekend before Thanksgiving with its legendary Grand Illumination, when Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus officially switch on more than one million jewel-colored lights draped across 60 country shops and garden paths. The sparkling village lights glow brightly every evening throughout Thanksgiving weekend. A centerpiece attraction for families is the 42nd Annual Gingerbread Competition & Display housed in the Visitor & Event Center. Over 100 whimsical, masterfully handcrafted gingerbread creations—spanning categories from traditional holiday cottages to intricate 3D storybook castles—fill the heated gallery, and admission is completely free. Children can cast paper ballots for the 'People's Choice' award, ride the historic 1920s carousel at Giggleberry Fair, and enjoy roasted marshmallows around village fire pits.