MIDDLEBURY — After a two-year remote version, Vermont Folklife’s annual gingerbread house competition and exhibit will return to the Center this December.

This year’s theme is “Vermont Landmarks.” From round barns to covered bridges to whales’ tails, this year local bakers of all age and skill levels are invited to celebrate a favorite Vermont landmark in gingerbread. Pick a notable scene from your town or around the state and craft it in cookie form. Make it worthy of a picture postcard or an Instagram selfie. Then drop it off at Vermont Folklife in person between now and Dec. 1, or submit online Nov.21-Dec.4

Completed houses will be on display in Vermont Folklife’s 88 Main Street Middlebury gallery, while those who prefer to participate remotely may still submit photos of their house via the Vermont Folklife website. Photos of all houses will be visible online and voting for the “People’s Choice Award” will happen both in person and on Vermont Folklife’s website.

Pre-registration with a $10 fee is required to participate. Find full contest details and sign up at: www.vtfolklife.org/gingerbread-2022. Prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, and the public is invited to vote in-person or online for their favorite entry to be awarded the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

The online and gallery exhibits will both open on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Gallery visiting hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 6-9 and 13-16. Online voting for the People’s Choice award will be open December 6-19. All prize winners will be announced on Dec. 20.