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Crestwood Shops Auction Brings Sweet Holiday Magic with 18 Intricate Gingerbread Houses
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Published in House and Home on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 16:31 GMT by KCTV News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Intricate Gingerbread Houses Bring Holiday Magic to Crestwood Shops Auction
The Crestwood community was treated to a dazzling display of holiday creativity and philanthropy when a stunning collection of gingerbread houses went under the hammer at a charity auction held at Crestwood Shops on December 4, 2025. According to the KCTV 5 report, the event combined the wonder of intricate edible architecture with the spirit of giving, drawing shoppers, local artisans, and families together for a festive cause.
A Feast for the Eyes: The Artistry of the Gingerbread Houses
At the heart of the auction were 18 uniquely themed gingerbread houses, each a miniature masterpiece crafted by a team of local bakers and artists. The houses ranged from classic Victorian cottages to modern loft-style homes, and even whimsical structures such as a candy‑cane lighthouse and a gingerbread treehouse complete with edible vines.
The artisans, many of whom had participated in the “Crestwood Gingerbread Contest” for the past decade, used a combination of traditional gingerbread dough, Royal Icing for structural support, and a rainbow of candied decorations—including sugar glass windows, bright‑colored gumdrops, and hand‑drawn icing details. “Every house tells a story,” said Maria Gonzalez, a veteran baker from the Crestwood bakery that supplied the dough. “We try to capture a moment in time—like a holiday memory that people can hold in their hands.”
In addition to the physical structures, the auction featured a short video montage that showcased the baking process, the design sketches, and the final reveal of each house. Viewers were treated to behind‑the‑scenes footage of bakers swirling icing on a pastry wheel, measuring precise angles for the miniature walls, and arranging decorative edible gems on a “floor plan” drawn on parchment.
The Auction: A Community Celebration
The auction itself was a lively event held in the open‑air courtyard of Crestwood Shops, where a live band played holiday classics to set a warm atmosphere. KCTV 5’s correspondent, Jenna Lee, described the scene as “a gathering that feels like a holiday family reunion.” Attendees brought bags of homemade cookies and festive drinks, turning the evening into an impromptu potluck.
The houses were priced on an ascending scale, starting at $150 for a simple two‑room model and climbing to $1,200 for the most elaborate structure—a gingerbread mansion complete with a rooftop garden of chocolate roses. As the bidding commenced, the crowd’s enthusiasm grew, with several houses reaching record prices that exceeded the estimated values set by the organizers.
The auction was conducted by a local volunteer committee that included representatives from Crestwood’s Chamber of Commerce and the community foundation. Bidders could place bids electronically via a tablet or by shouting out numbers—a practice that added to the event’s joyous, participatory feel.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
All proceeds from the auction were earmarked for the Crestwood Community Foundation’s “Holiday Cheer” program, which distributes gift baskets, books, and holiday meals to low‑income families throughout the city. “The gingerbread houses are a metaphor for community—each piece, when joined together, creates something beautiful,” said Foundation president Tom Ellis. “It’s fitting that we’re using this creative showcase to help those who need it most.”
According to the KCTV 5 report, the auction raised an impressive $13,450, surpassing the target of $10,000 by 35 %. The foundation plans to distribute the funds among three key initiatives: a free holiday breakfast program for children, a voucher system for holiday supplies, and a “Winter Warmth” program that provides blankets and clothing to families in need.
In addition to the money raised, the event generated a flood of social media support. Many attendees shared photos of their favorite gingerbread houses on Instagram and Facebook, using the hashtag #CrestwoodGingerbreadAuction. The buzz helped spread the word about the “Holiday Cheer” program, encouraging more community members to volunteer or donate to the foundation.
The Role of Local Businesses
The event was a showcase of Crestwood’s small‑business ecosystem. In addition to the baker who supplied the dough, several boutique stores displayed holiday décor that complemented the houses—hand‑woven ornaments, scented candles, and artisanal chocolate truffles. The shops also sold limited‑edition gingerbread‑themed items, with a portion of the sales directed to the foundation.
Crestwood Coffee, a local café, offered complimentary “gingerbread latte” specials during the auction, while the adjacent bookstore sold a collection of holiday recipe books that featured the same gingerbread designs. The collaboration not only raised additional funds but also highlighted how local enterprises can unite around a shared community cause.
KCTV 5’s article also linked to the Crestwood Community Foundation’s page detailing how local businesses can become sponsors, offering recognition on event signage, digital platforms, and press releases. The foundation’s outreach has helped create a model for future community‑driven fundraising events.
Looking Forward: A Growing Tradition
While the 2025 auction marks the sixth year of the Crestwood gingerbread event, organizers are already planning next year’s expansion. “We want to involve more schools and after‑school programs,” said organizer Karen Liu, who also coordinates the town’s holiday craft fairs. “The goal is to make the process as inclusive and educational as possible.”
Future events will reportedly feature a “Build‑Your‑Own Gingerbread” station for children, where they can decorate their own mini‑houses under guidance, and a virtual reality experience that lets visitors step inside the gingerbread houses. The foundation is also exploring partnerships with regional culinary schools to offer workshops on gingerbread architecture and pastry engineering.
In Summary
The Crestwood Shops auction of intricate gingerbread houses proved to be more than just a holiday spectacle—it was a testament to the community’s creativity, generosity, and collaborative spirit. With over $13,000 raised for the local charity’s holiday programs, the event showcased how artistic endeavors can translate into tangible social impact. As KCTV 5’s report highlighted, the success of this event hinges on the dedication of local bakers, the enthusiasm of residents, and the support of Crestwood’s vibrant business community. The gingerbread houses may be edible, but the warmth and hope they bring to the community are lasting and sweetly unforgettable.
Read the Full KCTV News Article at:
[ https://www.kctv5.com/2025/12/04/intricate-gingerbread-houses-bring-holiday-magic-crestwood-shops-auction/ ]
