For more than three decades, The National Gingerbread House Competition™ at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has transformed the holiday season in Asheville into something truly extraordinary. What began in 1992 as a small community event has grown into America's most celebrated gingerbread competition, attracting talented bakers, pastry artists, architects, and families from across the country.
Whether you're dreaming of entering this year's competition or planning a festive getaway to experience the breathtaking Gingerbread Display, there's never been a better time to become part of this cherished holiday tradition. Click here to learn more.
A Holiday Tradition Unlike Any Other
Every November, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa welcomes hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread creations that showcase remarkable imagination, artistry, and engineering. From whimsical cottages and storybook castles to intricate architectural masterpieces, each entry is crafted entirely from edible materials and judged on originality, difficulty, precision, and overall appearance.
Following the judging, the spectacular Gingerbread Display remains on exhibit throughout the holiday season, delighting thousands of visitors who travel to Asheville each year to experience one of the country's most beloved Christmas traditions.
Guests of all ages are captivated by the creativity on display, making it one of the most memorable holiday experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Welcoming Two World-Class Judges
The 2026 competition welcomes two internationally recognized culinary artists to the judging panel.
Sasha Aleksandra Nary, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-certified pastry chef, master confectionery artist, and author of Baking Magic, is celebrated worldwide for blending classic European pastry traditions with contemporary sugar artistry.
Joining her is Rabiha Sami, an award-winning cookie artist, computer engineer, and former Ivy League professor who gained national recognition on Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge. Renowned for her gravity-defying cakes and intricate structural cookie creations, Rabiha brings exceptional technical precision and artistic expertise to the competition.
Together, these accomplished judges add exciting new perspectives while ensuring every creation—from elaborate structural designs to the smallest hand-painted detail—is evaluated with the highest level of craftsmanship and care.
The Competition Continues Its Beloved Tradition
While welcoming new expertise to the judging panel, the National Gingerbread House Competition will continue in its classic format, preserving the integrity and traditions competitors have come to know and love.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor pursuing the grand prize or entering for the very first time, this competition offers an opportunity to showcase your creativity on one of the nation's most prestigious holiday stages.
Bakers of All Ages Are Invited to Enter
One of the most special aspects of the National Gingerbread House Competition is that it welcomes participants of every age and experience level.
Baking encourages creativity while teaching valuable skills including reading, mathematics, science, patience, focus, and teamwork. It's an activity that brings families together while inspiring the next generation of artists and bakers. Competitors have the opportunity to earn:
- • Cash prizes
- • National recognition
- • Bragging rights
- • Prestigious Chef Nicholas Lodge Awards
- • Special awards including Best Use of Color, Most Unique Ingredient, and additional creative categories
Whether you're an accomplished pastry professional, hobby baker, student, or family creating together, your imagination is welcome here.
Plan Your Holiday Visit to Grove Park
After exploring the National Gingerbread House Competition Display, immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. Discover more than 80 beautifully decorated Christmas trees throughout the resort, marvel at a life-size gingerbread house, and warm up beside our iconic massive stone fireplaces with a signature cup of hot cocoa. It's the perfect setting to celebrate the season and create unforgettable holiday memories in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Join the 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition
The 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition judging and Awards Ceremony will take place on Monday, November 16, 2026, at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Whether you're entering your own edible masterpiece or planning to marvel at the incredible creations on display, we invite you to experience the wonder, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit that have made this event a national tradition for more than 30 years.
Learn more about the competition, view official rules, and submit your entry today.
