Events
Holiday Classes at Shelton House
Christmas Through the Years
December 11-13
Gingerbread Decorating Contest Guidelines
December 11–13, 2026
Shelton House – Museum of North Carolina Craft and History
Waynesville, North Carolina
Celebrat
e the creativity, traditions, and joy of the holiday season by participating in the Christmas Through the Years Gingerbread Decorating Contest!
Individuals, families, and groups are invited to create imaginative gingerbread creations to be displayed throughout the historic Shelton House during our three-day holiday celebration.
Whether you create a traditional gingerbread house, a whimsical winter village, or an entirely original holiday scene, we encourage you to let your imagination shine. Make this a new holiday tradition with family and friends!Entry Fee: FREE
Contest Information
Exhibition Dates: December 11–13, 2026
Location: Living Room and Kitchen, Historic Shelton House
Registration: Required by email
Delivery Dates: December 6–8, Noon–4:00 p.m.
Pickup Dates: December 14–15, 2026
All entries will be displayed during Christmas Through the Years, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the creations and vote for their favorite in the People's Choice competition.
Registration
Participation is free and open to individuals, families, and groups of all ages.
To register, email info@shelton-house.org with "Gingerbread" in the subject line. Please include your name, contact information, and intent to participate.
Participants will compete in one of two age categories:
Youth: Ages 12 and younger
Adult: Ages 13 and older
Entry Guidelines
1. Size Requirements
Each gingerbread creation must be displayed on a sturdy base suitable for transportation. The overall dimensions, including the base, may not exceed:
18 inches wide × 18 inches deep × 18 inches high.
2. Construction and Materials
The primary structure of each entry must be made of gingerbread. Beyond the gingerbread structure, participants are encouraged to be creative in their selection and use of decorative materials.
3. Creative Design
Entries are not limited to traditional gingerbread houses. Participants may create imaginative structures, holiday scenes, or original designs that celebrate the joy and spirit of the holiday season.
4. Stability and Transportation
All creations must be structurally sound, securely attached to their bases, and capable of being safely transported and displayed.
Delivery and Pickup
Entry Delivery: December 6–8, 2026
Time: Noon–4:00 p.m.
Location: Back door entrance of the historic Shelton House
All entries must arrive fully assembled and ready for exhibition.
Entry Pickup: December 14–15, 2026
Participants are responsible for collecting their gingerbread creations during the designated pickup period.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges. Judges will consider:
Creativity and Originality: Imaginative concepts and unique approaches.
Overall Design and Craftsmanship: Quality of construction, attention to detail, and visual presentation.
Creative Use of Materials: Inventive use of gingerbread and decorative elements.
Holiday Spirit: The creation's overall expression of the joy, traditions, and spirit of the holiday season.
Awards and Prizes
Youth Category — Ages 12 and Younger
First Place: $100
Second Place: $75
Adult Category — Ages 13 and Older
First Place: $100
Second Place: $75
People's Choice Award — $50
Visitors attending Christmas Through the Years, December 11–13, will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite gingerbread creation. The entry receiving the most visitor votes will receive the $50 People's Choice Award.
Join the Holiday Fun!
Gather your family, invite your friends, and bring your most imaginative gingerbread ideas to life! Your creation will become part of the holiday magic at Shelton House as we celebrate Christmas traditions, community creativity, and the joy of the season.
Questions and Registration:
info@shelton-house.org
Shelton House – Museum of North Carolina Craft and History
49 Pigeon Street, Waynesville, NC 28786
www.shelton-house.org
Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
The Shelton House – Museum of North Carolina Craft and History invites the public to celebrate the region's rich artistic and cultural traditions during the 2026 Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend, taking place Saturday and Sunday, August 8–9, on the historic Shelton House campus in Waynesville.
Now in its eighth year, Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend has become one of Western North Carolina's premier celebrations of traditional and contemporary Appalachian craft. This year's festival introduces several exciting additions as the museum celebrates the 150th anniversary of the historic Shelton House.
Visitors will enjoy an expanded festival experience featuring more than a juried arts and crafts fair. New for 2026 is the Haywood Market, located inside the historic Shelton Barn, showcasing Haywood County artists and makers in a dedicated indoor marketplace. The market provides visitors with an opportunity to discover locally made artwork and handcrafted goods while supporting artists from throughout the county.
Throughout the weekend, the museum will also offer free self-guided tours of both the Shelton House and Barn, allowing visitors to explore newly reinstalled exhibitions highlighting North Carolina craft traditions, Appalachian history, and the stories of the families, artists, and makers who have shaped the region.
Festival attendees will experience live craft demonstrations presented by skilled artisans, offering opportunities to observe traditional techniques and learn about the craftsmanship that continues to define the Southern Appalachian region. Demonstrations will complement the work of exhibiting artists while providing an engaging educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The festival will also welcome community nonprofit organizations that enrich the quality of life throughout Haywood County. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about local organizations, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and community resources while enjoying the weekend's activities.
Additional attractions will include live music, local food vendors, family-friendly activities, artist demonstrations, and opportunities to meet and purchase work directly from many of the region's finest artists and craftspeople.
America 250 - Pioneer Heritage Festival
The Shelton House is honored to host the Pioneer Heritage Festival for America’s 250th anniversary on our grounds! Admission to this event is free. On the museum grounds you will be able to enjoy live demonstrations, family-oriented events, food trucks, and exhibits. For more information on this incredible event, click here!
Thank you very much to the Haywood County America 250 NC Committee for this opportunity!
Mountain View Garden Club Plant Sale
The Mountain View Garden Club will be holding their annual plant sale fundraiser at the Haywood Historic Farmer’s Market on Saturday, May 16th! We are so grateful to Mountain View Garden Club for maintaining several gardens on the Shelton House grounds and we hope you will go out to show them some support. To visit their website, click here.
150th Anniversary Fundraiser
For the Shelton House’s 150th anniversary, we are hosting a one-night fundraiser with speakers, cocktails, and dinner!
For tickets, click here: DONATE & TICKETS
Click VIEW EVENT below for more details about this incredible event opportunity!
Appalachian True Heritage Festival
We are pleased to be involved in this two-day celebration of mountain heritage!
Celebrate the traditions of Appalachia with a weekend full of culture, crafts, and music! Main Street will be closed to traffic, creating a festival atmosphere featuring live music, vendors, demonstrators, and more.
The Shelton House Museum of North Carolina Craft and History will present a special exhibition of quilts and coverlets during the Appalachian True Heritage Festival on April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the festival is free.
This featured display will complement the numerous historic and contemporary textile examples currently on view at the museum, further highlighting the rich quilting traditions of our region. In addition to selections from the museum’s own collection, the exhibition will include works by community quilt guilds and quilters, showcasing both time-honored patterns and contemporary interpretations.
The exhibition will be held at the Ministry Activity Center at First Baptist Church on Main Street in Waynesville. The Shelton House itself will also be open during the festival, where additional quilts and coverlets from the museum’s collection will be on view, offering visitors an expanded opportunity to experience the artistry, skill, and heritage of Appalachian quilting.