The Gingerbread Magic Returns: Inside Asheville’s Iconic National Gingerbread House Competition at The Grove Park Inn

If you’ve ever wondered what pure holiday magic looks like in Asheville, just follow the sweet scent of cinnamon and molasses up Sunset Mountain. That’s where The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa hosts one of the most charming traditions in the country — The National Gingerbread House Competition. And after an unexpected hiatus due to Hurricane Helene, this iconic event is finally back for 2025 and better than ever.

For locals, this is the moment we wait for every year. For visitors, it’s one of the top reasons people fall in love with living in Asheville — the creativity, the community, and the festive spirit that seems to wrap around the mountains like a warm holiday sweater.

Let’s dive into the magic.

A Sweet Slice of History

The National Gingerbread House Competition began more than 30 years ago as a small local contest… and quickly became a nationally celebrated holiday tradition. Bakers, artists, pastry chefs, and creative spirits from all over the country pack up their sugary masterpieces and head to Asheville each winter to compete.

The rules are simple but strict:

• All creations must be made of at least 75% gingerbread

• Every detail must be entirely edible

• Entries are divided into four age categories: Adult, Teen, Youth, and Child

But the results? Anything but simple.From delicate sugar-glass windows to candy-crafted architecture that looks like it belongs in a fairytale forest, each creation is a tiny, edible world of imagination. It’s Asheville’s version of the Olympics — if the Olympics smelled like gingerbread and made your inner child squeal.

The 2025 Comeback: Stronger, Sweeter, and Full of Heart

After 2024’s event was canceled due to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, the gingerbread community rallied stronger than ever. The return of the competition is more than a festive event — it’s a testament to the resilience, creativity, and community spirit that defines Asheville.

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa put it perfectly:“This isn’t just a comeback; it’s a celebration of strength, creativity, and the unwavering spirit of our gingerbread community.”

Entries for the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition are officially open, and creators from all over the country are already dreaming up this year’s masterpieces.

Can’t Make It to Asheville? Enjoy the Gingerbread Glow From Home

Even if you can’t be here in person (although Asheville is pretty irresistible this time of year), you can still enjoy the magic through “The 12 Days of Gingerbread.”

From December 1–12, 2025, Grove Park Inn will showcase new entries every day on:

• Facebook: @omnigroveparkinn

• Instagram: @omnigrovepark

It’s the perfect way to experience some holiday joy from wherever you are — and a perfect reminder of why Asheville is such a special place to call home.

Public Viewing for 2025–2026

If you're lucky enough to be in Asheville this holiday season, here’s everything you need to know:

Viewing Dates

November 18, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Hours for Non-Guests

• After 6 p.m. Sundays

• Anytime Monday–Thursday, subject to parking availability

Closed to the Public On:

• November 27

• December 7

• December 23–26

• December 30–January 1

• All Fridays & Saturdays (reserved for hotel guests & confirmed dining reservations)

Pets

Only registered resort pets may enter — no outside pets during gingerbread season.

Holiday Parking Program: A Sweet Tradition of Giving Back

Since 2013, Grove Park Inn has donated a portion of each holiday season parking fee to local Asheville nonprofits — totaling over $1.1 million in donations to date.

Parking Rates

• Valet: $40

• Self-Parking: $30(for both day parking and overnight guests)

It’s one more reason Asheville locals love this tradition — it celebrates creativity and supports the community.

Why Asheville Locals Love This Event (And Why You Will, Too)

If you’re considering living in Asheville — or you already do — the Gingerbread Competition is one of those experiences that makes this town feel like something out of a storybook. The Blue Ridge Mountains + twinkling holiday lights + the craftsmanship of gingerbread artists from all over the country = peak holiday magic.

It’s one of the many reasons families choose Asheville for its culture…Couples choose it for its charm…And visitors eventually call it home.

It’s more than an event — it’s a reminder of what makes Asheville truly special.

Thinking About Visiting or Moving to Asheville? Don’t Miss This.

Whether you’re traveling for the holidays or looking for reasons to fall in love with Asheville (trust me — there are many), the National Gingerbread House Competition is one of the city’s crown-jewel experiences.

And with its triumphant return in 2025, this year is set to be unforgettable.

So grab a hot chocolate, soak in the mountain views, and get ready to be inspired — because in Asheville, even gingerbread houses come with heart.