Tuesday, December 9, 2025
By Kalyn Tippett?
Georgetown introduced a new holiday tradition this month with the debut of the Georgetown Gingerbread House Competition, a community initiative that brings together some of the neighborhood’s top culinary talent to raise funds for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.?
Donations made through the competition directly support the foundation’s mission to deliver hope and holiday cheer to families in need.?Marine Toys for Tots distributes millions of toys every year to children across the country.
Inviting visitors to tour gingerbread houses at Georgetown’s most highly regarded hotels and restaurants, the inaugural event, sponsored by luxury real estate and media company SERHANT., runs the entire month of December. It was conceived by Chris Itteilag, a founding member of SERHANT., to blend his passions for home, hospitality and holiday generosity.
“The event turns whimsical gingerbread houses into a force for good, raising funds for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and inspiring the joy and imagination that a single toy can spark in a child’s life,” said Itteilag.?
Built from edible materials on 30-by-30-by-30-inch frameworks, the delightful miniature structures are inspired by architectural themes such as real estate, design and craftsmanship.?
Each chef or culinary team created a unique design that reflects both Georgetown’s historic charm and the creativity that stems from the neighborhood’s dining scene.?Participating businesses include the Four Seasons, CUT by Wolfgang Puck at the Rosewood, Clyde’s Restaurant Group, Call Your Mother, Fiola Mare and La Bonne Vache.
Throughout December, guests can stroll from location to location to view the displays and scan QR codes to vote for their favorites with a minimum $10 donation to Toys for Tots. Every dollar counts as a vote, also entering donors in drawings for prizes from the participating venues.
Three winners will be named at the end of the month. The Most Donations award will go to the entry that raises the most money, while a panel of community leaders and benefactors will select the winners for Most Joyful Design and Most Technically Sound.?
“The Georgetown Gingerbread House Competition is a perfect example of bringing together incredible local businesses and talent to celebrate the season while giving back to those who need it most,” said SERHANT. founder and CEO Ryan Serhant.
More information, including photos and a complete list of participating venues, is available at georgetowngingerbread.com.?
See more photos from the competition below.