As the holiday season begins to come into focus, one of the country’s sweetest traditions is preparing to welcome visitors once again. The National Gingerbread House Competition returns to The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina, for its 34th year on Nov. 16, continuing a holiday tradition that blends imagination, craftsmanship and plenty of icing.
Entries are now being accepted through Nov. 9, and if past years are any indication, the competition will once again feature everything from charming cottages and snowy villages to elaborate architectural creations. Every piece must be edible, but the artistry is anything but ordinary.
What started in 1992 as a small community display has grown into a nationally recognized event, attracting professional pastry chefs, amateur bakers, architects, artists and families from 26 states. More than 20,000 visitors travel to Asheville each year to see the display, making it one of the region’s signature holiday attractions.
Two new judges join this year’s panel: Sasha Aleksandra Nary, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-certified pastry chef, confectionery artist and author of “Baking Magic,” and award-winning cookie artist Rabiha Sami, a competitor on Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge.”
“Part of what makes this competition so special is that it reminds us to slow down and reconnect with the traditions we love,” said Bethany Cobb, the resort’s director of marketing. She noted that competitors spend months creating their entries while many families return year after year to make the display part of their holiday celebrations.
Registration is scheduled for Nov. 14-15, followed by judging and the awards ceremony on Nov. 16. The public display opens Nov. 17 and continues through Jan. 3, 2027.
Beyond the holiday magic, the resort also gives back. Since 2013, a portion of parking proceeds has supported Buncombe County nonprofits, generating more than $1.4 million. It’s a reminder that the season isn’t just about beautiful displays — it’s also about community.
For competition rules, entry information or to register, visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition webpage. Entries close Nov. 9.
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