Public Viewing: November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
The beloved National Gingerbread House Competition is back!
Following the cancellation of the 2024 competition in the wake of Hurricane Helene, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is overjoyed to welcome back the National Gingerbread House Competition. For over three decades, this tradition has filled Asheville with holiday magic, creativity, and heartfelt craftsmanship—and its triumphant return is a testament to the strength and spirit of the gingerbread community.
A Holiday Tradition
Held at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville, this nationally recognized competition and display features whimsical and elaborate handmade gingerbread houses of every size, shape, complexity, and theme. Expect to see everything from rustic cabins to candy-encrusted castles and sugar-spun landscapes—all built entirely from edible materials and made of at least 75 percent gingerbread.
Contestants from all over the country submit their creations across four age categories: Adult, Teen, Youth, and Child.
Join from Near or Far
Even if you can’t make it to Asheville this holiday season, you can still be part of the fun. The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa will continue its popular “12 Days of Gingerbread” tradition by showcasing this year’s incredible entries on Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) from December 1–12, 2025—bringing Ginger-love to all during the happiest season of the year.
When You Go: Public Viewing Details
2025–2026 National Gingerbread House Competition
- Viewing Dates: November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Public Viewing Times: After 6 p.m. Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday (based on parking availability).
- Closed Dates: November 27, December 7, December 23–26, and December 30–January 1.
- Fridays & Saturdays: Reserved for registered resort guests and confirmed dining reservations only.
- Capacity Note: During the Gingerbread season, access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic.
- Pets: Only registered resort pets are permitted. No outside pets are allowed at the display.
Holiday Parking Program
Since 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has donated a portion of each parking charge to local non-profits, with contributions now exceeding $1.1 million.
- Valet Parking: $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking: $30 for day parking & overnight guests
Information Hotline: For the latest Gingerbread updates, call (800) 413-5778.
In the 21st century, the Inn stands as a prime example of the Arts and Crafts movement in America and to one man’s contribution to the “Golden Age of Asheville.” Just as in 1913, when the Inn officially opened, today’s visitors are drawn to its expansive exterior and breathtaking location overlooking Asheville and the ancient mountains that surround this vibrant southern city.
From its Arts and Crafts Roycroft furniture and accessories to displays of antique china and caricatures of its many famous guests, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is overflowing with history.
If you go: 2024-2025 National Gingerbread House Competition
- PUBLIC VIEWING DATES: November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025
- During the time frame above, The Omni Grove Park Inn invites non-guests to view the display after 6 p.m. Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday (based on parking availability). On the following dates, the display will not be open to the public: December 8, 23 - 26 and December 30 - January 1.
- Only Registered Resort Pets are permitted. No outside pets are allowed at the display.
- HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM: Since 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn has donated a portion of each parking charge collected to a variety of local non-profit organizations. Total donations now exceed $1.1 million.
- Valet Parking | $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking | $30 for day parking & overnight guests
- INFORMATION HOTLINE: To reach the Gingerbread Hotline for the latest on all things Gingerbread, call (800) 413-5578.
A Storied Setting
While you’re enjoying the Gingerbread creations, take in the historic beauty of The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. From the enormous stone fireplaces in the Great Hall—big enough to hold 12-foot logs—to dozens of decorated trees and cozy rocking chairs, the Inn is a holiday experience all its own. Pair it with house-made hot chocolate, seasonal treats, or a special Highland Brewing collaboration craft beer for the perfect winter’s evening.
Gingerbread History: Did you know?
- Gingerbread was used by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians for ceremonial purposes.
- Gingerbread was brought to Europe in 992 by an Armenian monk, but it wasn’t until the 18th century that it was readily available.
- Gingerbread is a favorite food in many cultures, with variations appearing in Brazilian, Middle Eastern, European, Russian and American cooking.
- Gingerbread comes in many forms ranging from a light spice cake to dense bread. The harder German-style gingerbread is most commonly used to make gingerbread houses.
