CRESTVIEW, Fla., Dec. 2, 2024—The Bush House Museum is celebrating “Christmas at the Bush House” Dec. 14.

The festive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. event includes a Christmas market featuring area artists, crafters and cottage food makers.

There will be a hot cocoa bar, Christmas crafts lessons, a gingerbread house decorating contest, games on the lawn, food trucks and tours of the decorated historic Bush House dressed in its Victorian finery courtesy of a troupe of volunteers led by Mary Richard, owner of A Grand Elegance event planning and catering company in Crestview.

The craftsmen and artists market was organized by Michelle Obey, owner of The Crestview Market, and Sarah Searfoss, founder of the Crestview Artists Collective.

“We’re trying to create a festive vibe for the community to enjoy with their families,” said Searfoss. “We have so much talent right here in the Crestview area and it is exciting to see it all in one place.”

“It’s a great opportunity to get your gift shopping done in one convenient place,” said Obey. “And everything is handmade. That makes the gifts you buy even more special.”

There’s no charge to enter the gingerbread house decorating contest. Houses must be homemade and can be any building the creator wants to make. They must be delivered to the Bush House Dec. 9-14, where they will be put on display. 

“Your ‘house’ can be anything,” said Obey. “I’ve seen everything from castles and churches to Gothic mansions. The main rule is everything has to be edible and you have to make it yourself.”

The public is invited to visit the Crestview History Museum on the days leading up to Christmas at the Bush House and vote on their favorite gingerbread house. The people’s choice winning house creator will receive a $50 gift card. The most creative and most festive houses’ creators, as judged by the event organizers, will each receive a $25 gift card.

Santa Claus arrives around noon and will welcome everyone from the Bush House front porch before holding court in the front parlor.

Christmas at the Bush House is presented by the Crestview History Museum, The Crestview Market and the Crestview Artists Collective. Booth registration fees benefit the Crestview Sister City Ambassadors youth program. Admission is free. 

Call 850-398-5459 or email hughesb@cityofcrestview.org for more details.

Photos and article by BRIAN HUGHES, City of Crestview cultural services specialist