It’s once again time for a Fort Gibson family tradition! On Saturday, December 20, site staff will begin pulling gingerbread cookies from our 1860s bake oven for visitors to decorate in the traditional 19th-century style.

Decoration stations will be set up in the pre-Civil War commissary and include frosting and candies available to folks in the 1800s. Decoration supplies include cherry licorice laces, spice drops, candy wafers, and, of course, giant gingerbread people!

Gingerbread cookies can be decorated in the commissary, or kits can be purchased to go. These kits will contain all supplies available in the decoration station except for the frosting. In addition to the fun on Garrison Hill, site staff waive admissions for the day, so bring your family and friends to explore Oklahoma’s history while enjoying a fun winter tradition!

Cookies go on sale for $7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. or while supplies last. All supplies in the decoration station are included with purchase. This event is first come first served and we are unable to hold supplies. Batches come out of the oven every half hour or so and the Bakehouse will be closed to the public until the last of the batches go in (around 2 p.m.) to maintain oven temperature. We ask for patience during the baking process as we are cooking in an oven from the 1860s. While it is a large oven, it is still quite old and is powered by wood fire. Few things happened quickly on 19th century posts and our oven is no exception. This program offers a leisurely time for guests to enjoy with their families.

Take home kits will be sold in the 1870s Hospital Visitor Center located at 803 N Garrison Ave, Fort Gibson OK 74434 as long as supplies last.

Cookies to be decorated on site will be sold in the Commissary located at 907 N Garrison Ave, Fort Gibson OK 74434. The Commissary and 1870s hospital are located on the same block and bookend the magazine and 1860s Bakehouse.