National Gingerbread Competition: Make Asheville’s Grove Park Inn A Christmas Tradition For Your Family

Have you heard about the National Gingerbread Competition in Asheville, NC? Hansel and Gretel wouldn’t miss this Grove Park Inn Christmas extravaganza. It showcases dozens of gingerbread houses and holiday decorations galore! Luckily, you don’t have to worry about the waistline because this is a feast for the eyes, not the stomach.

The charming Grove Park Inn in Asheville is a seasonal delight you won’t want to miss this holiday season. And who knows, once inspired, maybe you’ll find yourself building a gingerbread house with the kiddos?

This article was originally published on Femme au foyer.

Looking for more great holiday fun in Asheville, NC? Don’t miss our Guide to Christmas in Asheville, NC. It is loaded with fun things to do from Asheville’s Christmas lights to free Santa photos!

The Annual Gingerbread Competition at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn

The famous gingerbread house competition at the Grove Park Inn is a favorite winter activity for families.

The 2026 viewing dates are Tuesday, November 17, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027. If you are not staying at the resort, you are invited to view the displays anytime after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime during regular resort hours Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays and the following dates: November 26, December 6, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations. During the Gingerbread season, display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Only registered resort pets are allowed, and no outside pets are permitted.

The gingerbread houses are as diverse as they are amazing; on our last visit, we saw everything from clock towers to sleighs to igloos to skate parks. Everything above the base must be made entirely of edible materials, and the main structure must be at least 75% gingerbread, but the ingenuity in construction is simply remarkable.

There are four entry categories: adult, teen, youth and child, and entries are judged on overall design and appearance, originality and creativity, use of color, precision and neatness, and consistency of theme.

There is no admission charge to view the display, but there is a fee to park. From October 1, 2026 through January 3, 2027, parking is $35 for self-parking or $45 for valet, and there is no complimentary parking during the fall and holiday season. The resort donates a portion of its parking proceeds to local non-profits through its Holiday Parking Partners Program.

For more information on the gingerbread competition visit the website, and make sure to keep a lookout for entries from the Upstate. In previous years, an entry from Greer placed second in the teen category, while a Greenville entry in the child category received an honorable mention.

Holiday Decorations at Omni Grove Park Inn

All decorated areas of the hotel may not be available to those who are not registered guests staying at the hotel.

As you walk through the hotel viewing the gingerbread competition winners, you’ll see more than a few Christmas trees decorated in all sorts of motifs. My boys’ favorite part of the visit was discovering the elaborate ornaments on these themed trees, deciding on their favorites, and planning which decorations we should have in our home. The giant Christmas tree in the lobby is a perfect place for a family photo, the entire Great Hall filled with the smell of the giant evergreen.

The enormous fire places in the Great Hall are adorned with wreaths, heat radiating out to warm those seated in the area.  One year, there was a gingerbread house in the hall, built by the pastry department. The ingredients included 50 pounds of egg whites, 440 pounds of powdered sugar, 220 pounds of red fondant and 400 pounds of bread flour!

Visitors could purchase hot beverages and gingerbread from the gingerbread house, and then settle into the giant rocking chairs near the fireplace with hot chocolate to enjoy the holiday bustle.  Spend a little more time than just a couple of minutes in the rocking chairs – sitting by a roaring fire in a relaxing chair is part of the mystique of the Inn that should not be glossed over.

The Grounds of Grove Park Inn

The original Grove Park Inn was built in 1913 and over the years has grown to encompass a golf course, spa, sports complex and 11 dining outlets: four full-service restaurants, a pool bar, a grab-and-go market, a spa café and four bars.

To truly appreciate the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains it is worth stepping out onto the veranda, or even descending down into the gardens and spa area. This descent via outdoor stone staircases is also a good use of the kids’ extra energy; ask them to take a photo of the Inn from the lowest level.

The view of the front of the hotel is also quite grand, and after imagining the long-ago sound of horse-drawn carriages rattling across the cobblestones you might want to take a short stroll. From the front of the hotel up to Sunset Mountain is a short hiking trail that is appropriate for all skill levels and ages that will let you work off whatever delectable you may have bought at the Inn, but will also let you appreciate the spectacular natural setting of the Grove Park Inn.

Then, as you set off on the drive home take a minute to determine whether you should enter next year’s Gingerbread Competition – or once more return as a spectator to this wonderful annual event.

Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Display FAQ

When can the public see the Grove Park Inn gingerbread houses in 2026?
The display runs Tuesday, November 17, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Non-guests can visit Sundays anytime after 6 PM and Monday through Thursday during regular resort hours, except holidays and November 26, December 6, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1.

Can we visit on a weekend?
Sunday evenings after 6 PM, yes. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations.

How much does parking cost?
From October 1, 2026 through January 3, 2027, parking is $35 for self-parking or $45 for valet. There is no complimentary parking during the fall and holiday season.

Can my kids enter the gingerbread competition?
Yes! Anyone 5 and older is eligible. Kids enter in the Child (ages 5-8), Youth (9-12) or Teen (13-17) categories. For 2026, entry forms are due November 9 and Child and Youth entries are registered in person on November 14. Check the official rules before you start baking.

Plan a trip of your own

Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804
800.438.5800