Community Homeworks is excited to announce its 5th Annual Homes for the Holidays: Gingerbread House Contest, returning to locations throughout downtown Kalamazoo this holiday season. This signature event raises awareness and support for Community Homeworks’ mission while celebrating creativity, community, and the joy of the holidays.
This free, family-friendly contest is hosted at downtown retail locations to support local small businesses during the critical holiday shopping season. The event has grown each year and now features over 30 gingerbread house creations on display, with most entries showcased in the front windows of participating retailers along the Kalamazoo Mall, West Michigan Avenue, and adjacent streets. The contest officially begins this year to coincide with Art Hop on Friday, December 5, 2025.
The public is encouraged to get involved by voting for their favorite entries during the first week of the contest. Votes can be cast online at communityhomeworks.org/gingerbreadhousekzoo
The entries with the most votes by December 14 at 11:59 p.m. will be honored with the 2025 People’s Choice Award and a special trophy. Most entries will remain on display the following week, through December 20.
In addition to public voting, a panel of celebrity judges will select winners in several other categories, including Professional and Amateur Builders. The 2025 celebrity judges include:
- Michelle Pittel, Consumers Energy Helping Neighbors Program
- Hon. Jen Strebs, Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners
- Jay Morris, Midwest Communications
- Nancy Loftis, Advia Credit Union
- Clarence Lloyd, Southwest Michigan First Chamber
The event is made possible through the generous support of our 2025 sponsors, with Advia Credit Union serving as the presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year.
Starting December 5, participants and visitors can download a PDF map of all entries from the event landing page or pick up a printed copy at any participating downtown retail location.
“We are thrilled to again present this year’s contest in downtown Kalamazoo to support our area small businesses during the holiday season and further increase awareness about Community Homeworks’ vital mission to support Kalamazoo County homeowners,” said Chris Praedel, Executive Director. He added, “We hope to create an annual holiday tradition in downtown Kalamazoo and bring the community together each December. We are grateful for all our sponsors, builders, and hosts who make this special event possible and keep it growing each year.”
To learn more, visit the event landing page at communityhomeworks.org/gingerbreadhousekzoo. The voting page and PDF map go live on the page, beginning on Friday, December 5th! Check back often for updates!
Thank you to our 2025 presenting sponsor
