Gingerbread Village at OBU to Spread Holiday Cheer and Raise Funds for Habitat for Humanity Projects in Pottawatomie County

November 14, 2025

Santa Claus, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, and live holiday music await visitors at the kick-off for the “2025 Annual Shawnee Gingerbread Village Celebration,” set to begin at 6 p.m., Monday, December 1 on The Oval of the OBU campus.

This year, funds raised from the Gingerbread Village will support Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to provide safe and affordable housing to working-class families in Pottawatomie County.

“The initiative blends the festive atmosphere of the holiday season with the goal of ensuring secure and affordable housing for working-class families,” said April Grant, Rose Rock Habitat for Humanity Director of Community Engagement. “We are so thankful for our partners, including OBU, TFCU, and New Ideas Printing.”

Highlights of the December 1 kick-off include a tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, Pioneer Library Maker Lab, hot cocoa, cookie decorating, outdoor Christmas Market with local vendors and Charlie Brown Movie Under the Stars. OBU’s Division of Music will provide live holiday music performed by its students. Local leaders will join the festivities to vote for the best gingerbread house, with a trophy awarded to the winning company for creativity and craftsmanship.

“We’re thrilled to bring the community together for this holiday tradition,” Grant said. “It’s a joyful way to celebrate the season while supporting families in need and building a stronger community—one gingerbread house at a time.”

After December 1, the Gingerbread Village will be available for drive-through viewing from December 2 through January 2, nightly from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can cast votes for the People’s Choice Award by scanning QR codes on the displays, with a trophy awarded in the new year.

For more details, contact April Grant at April@RRHabitat.org or (806) 470-0986. To follow updates on the Gingerbread Village vist their facebook page here.