Each holiday season, Asheville becomes home to one of the most celebrated gingerbread competitions in the country, a tradition that transforms sugar, spice, and imagination into works of art.
Hosted at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa, the National Gingerbread House Competition returns in November 2026, drawing competitors and visitors from across the United States to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a display unlike anything else in the Southeast.
If you're planning a holiday visit to Asheville, here’s everything you need to know for 2026.
How can you see the National Gingerbread House Competition?
The display is open to the public from November 17 through January 3, on a set schedule
The display is free to view and open to the public, but not every day.
Non-guests can walk through Mondays to Thursdays anytime during resort hours, and Sundays after 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and visitors with confirmed dining reservations.
The display is closed to the public on select holiday dates, so check the resort's calendar before you go.
Weekday mornings are the easiest time to visit
Access depends on parking availability, and the resort can turn visitors away once it hits capacity, which happens most around Christmas week.
A weekday morning, especially early in the season or just after Thanksgiving, is the smoothest way in.
Walk the Great Hall and adjacent spaces to admire hundreds of creations, from classic winter cottages to architectural marvels made entirely from edible materials.
Parking is $30 to $40, and it supports local nonprofits
Self-parking is $30 and valet is $40 for both day visitors and overnight guests.
Since 2013, the resort has donated a portion of each parking charge to local nonprofits, now exceeding $1.1 million. For the latest updates, call the hotline at (800) 413-5778.
What else can you do at the Omni Grove Park Inn during the holidays?
A 1913 landmark of Appalachian architecture sets the scene
Massive stone fireplaces big enough for 12-foot logs, sweeping mountain views, and the historic Great Hall provide a dramatic backdrop for the competition.
Garland, lights, and seasonal menus transform the resort
Garland-lined stone archways, twinkling lights throughout the property, seasonal dining, and festive décor turn the display into an immersive holiday experience.
House-made hot chocolate and a Highland Brewing collaboration round out the evening
Pair the gingerbread creations with dozens of decorated trees, cozy rocking chairs, seasonal treats, or a special Highland Brewing collaboration craft beer.
How does the National Gingerbread House Competition work?
Every entry is at least 75 percent gingerbread across four age categories
Expect everything from rustic cabins to candy-encrusted castles and sugar-spun landscapes, all built from edible materials. Contestants compete in Adult, Teen, Youth, and Child categories, and the top three in each take home prizes, with some winners also receiving Omni vacation packages.
Two new judges join the 2026 panel
Pastry chef and "Baking Magic" author Sasha Aleksandra Nary and cookie artist Rabiha Sami of "Christmas Cookie Challenge" round out this year's judging.
Gingerbread Facts: 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.
