Bakers of all age and skill levels are invited to enter Santa’s Gingerbread Village competition in South Bend. The deadline for entry is Nov. 28.
First-place prizes will be awarded in three categories that include non-professional child (18 and younger), non-professional (individual, family or group) and professional (individual or group).  A people’s choice prize will also be awarded.
Registration is free. Get forms at the Downtown South Bend Inc. office, 217 S. Michigan St.; online at www.downtownfortheholidays.com/gingerbread-village.htm; or by email at rfallon@downtownsouthbend.com.
Mail completed forms to DTSB, Gingerbread Village Competition, P.O. Box 930, South Bend, IN 46624 or fax to (574) 233-7382 by Nov. 28.
Drop off entries, fully assembled, at the College Football Hall of Fame from noon to 6 p.m. Dec. 1 or from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 2.
Judging is Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. with prizes awarded at 3 p.m.
Entries are judged on originality, design, craftsmanship, degree of difficulty and appearance.
Santa House and Santa’s Workshop are located in downtown South Bend on the College Football Hall of Fame campus.
Hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10 and 17;  noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18; 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, and Thursday, Dec. 22; 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23; and 11 a.m.t o 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24. Admission to Santa House and Santa’s Workshop is free and open to children of all ages. Free Santa Trolley rides, underwritten by TRANSPO, will be available Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 21-24.
In addition to the Gingerbread Village display, Santa’s Workshop offers free cookie decorating along with a variety of other fun, hands-on activities and crafts for children.
For more information on Santa’s Gingerbread Village, call DTSB at (574) 282-1110 or visit www.DowntownForTheHolidays.com.