A celebration of the most creative of holiday traditions
VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program is helping to bring a festival feel to downtown Nanaimo this holiday season. Soak up the holiday spirit at the Gingerbread House Showcase at the Dorchester Hotel. Admire more than 40 gingerbread houses created by VIU students, along with a selection of creations from professional bakers. Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award and donate to support VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts students.
Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Gingerbread House
Who do you think should win? Voting is open from December 1 to 17 for the People’s Choice Award. The winner will be announced on December 18.
Donate to support student success
All funds raised during the Gingerbread House Showcase support the success of students in VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program. Funds help provide opportunities such as field trips, scholarships and bursaries.
A learning experience for our students
Participating in the Gingerbread House Showcase gives our baking students a valuable opportunity to apply their skills in a creative, professional, and community-focused setting. They learn how to showcase their craftsmanship in public, gain experience working toward professional standards and deadlines, and build confidence in presenting their work.
Baking and pastry professionals are continually planning, preparing and producing specialty products for holidays, celebrations and special events. The Gingerbread House Showcase gives students a taste of what it’s like to work in the industry by connecting classroom learning with a real-world event.
Visit the Gingerbread House Showcase
- December 1, 2026 to January 3, 2027
- 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
Dorchester Hotel
70 Church St
Nanaimo
BC V9R 5H4
Presented in collaboration with:
Professional Baking and Pastry Arts
Are you fascinated by the art and science of baking? With VIU’s Professional Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate, you can shape your interest in baking into career that can take you around the world.