Following the unforeseen impact of Hurricane Helene and cancellation of the 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition, The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is overjoyed to welcome back the National Gingerbread House Competition. For over three decades, this beloved tradition has filled our halls with creativity, holiday magic, and heartfelt craftsmanship, and we are thrilled to see the competition’s strong and triumphant return.
The resurgence of the National Gingerbread House Competition is more than just a comeback, it’s a testament to the strength, creativity, and unwavering spirit of our incredible gingerbread community.
The winners have been announced for The 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition! Click here to view this year’s winners.
Live Property Updates
Competition Entry
The 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in November 2026. Please check back; competition and display details are to be announced in Summer 2026.
How it all Began
It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation's most celebrated and competitive holiday events.
As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals, and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC's Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.
The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same - one of wonder, awe and delight.
Viewing The Display
Click Here For Live Parking Updates
The official 2025 Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and will continue through Sunday, January 4, 2026. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: November 27, December 7, 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. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted.
12 Days of Gingerbread
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa invites you to enjoy “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by showcasing this year’s incredible entries on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels from December 1 – 12, 2025, to spark Ginger-love for all during the happiest season of the year! This provides an in-person and virtual way for all to enjoy.
Holiday Parking Program
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $1.1 million dollars to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. From October 1, 2025, - January 4, 2026, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking: $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking: $30 for day parking & overnight guests
Bus and Oversized Vehicle Information & Parking
Due to limited oversized vehicle parking space, groups visiting the hotel must make advanced reservations. Reservations are based on availability and a reservation does not guarantee a spot. Reservations for viewing only are limited to one per day on select days Monday through Thursday with a 30-person max per reservation. Reservation requests will be accepted as of August 1, 2025.
This applies to buses, vans or any non-standard-sized vehicles that do not properly fit in a traditional parking space. Oversized vehicles that arrive without prior arrangements will be asked to return once proper arrangements have been made.
For liability purposes, vehicles will not be permitted to drop guests off and park outside of the resort. A parking space must be reserved, and the vehicle must remain on property for the duration of the visit.
Reservation Options
Reservation requests will be accepted as of August 1, 2025.
Submission of this form will initiate the reservation process but does not guarantee a reservation. Only an Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa issued parking pass serves as confirmation of your reservation and a signed dining agreement must be on file.
Oversized Vehicle Parking for Gingerbread Display Viewing Only - FULL
Thank you for your interest! Oversized vehicle parking is now fully reserved for the 2025 display dates.
Group Dining Reservations/Oversized Vehicle Parking Request Form
Available only November 18 – January 4, 2026.
2025 Holiday Season Oversized Vehicle Parking Request Form for Group Dining Reservations