It's been a holiday tradition in downtown Syracuse for close to four decades. The Erie Canal Museum has opened its 36th annual Gingerbread Gallery to show off the hard work of Central New Yorkers of all ages.

There is a lot of time and focus put into these gingerbread homes for the display. From the use of candy canes to jelly beans, each house has been crafted with care. The gallery features 30 submissions this year and the display is open until early January.

Museum officials said all the entries will be judged while categories include a senior, youth, family and confectioner's competition. This year also marks the 200th birthday for the Erie Canal, so many of the houses have a historical canal theme.

​Of course, visiting the display is a tradition for so many families in Central New York.

"We see families that come here year, after year, after year, that coming to the gingerbread gallery is part of what their family does to celebrate the holidays and we're so happy and glad to welcome those families in. And, they may do it as part of a longer day out," said Erie Canal Museum Executive Director Natalie Stetson.

Stetson said many will follow up a visit to the Erie Canal Museum with some ice skating or shopping downtown. She said this time of the year is by far the busiest for the museum with local guests.

You can visit the museum to see the display from now through January 9. Don't forget, you can also vote for your favorite as part of the "People's Choice Award."

Admission for the museum is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $4 for children.