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.
Entries for the 2025 Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be accepted starting July 25, 2025. Enter Here Gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are invited to compete for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes at the in-person competition in November 2025. Following the Competition, all entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Competition Key Dates:
- July 25, 2025: Official Rules and Entry Form released. Click Here To Enter.
- November 10, 2025: Required Entry Form due – your piece does not have to be final at this stage. Changes can be made until your Registration Day on November 15 or 16, 2025.
- November 15, 2025: Competition Registration Day for Child & Youth Divisions – all Gingerbread entries for Child & Youth competitors must be completed and brought to The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa for in-person registration. See Official Rules for entry registration times. Required Entry Description Summary forms due at time of registration.
- November 16, 2025: Competition Registration Day for Teen & Adult Divisions – all Gingerbread entries for Teen & Adult competitors must be completed and brought to The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa for in-person registration. See Official Rules for entry registration times. Required Entry Description Summary forms due at time of registration.
Competition Entry
The Competition’s judging and Awards Ceremony will commence on Monday, November 17, 2025, at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. Judging will be conducted in person and is closed to the public. The Awards Ceremony is reserved for contestants and their families only.
Enter Here
2025 Entry Description Summary Form
To see submissions from the 2024 Gingerbread Trail of Giving, click here to visit our 2024 Gingerbread Trail of Giving gallery.
Viewing The Display
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
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 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.
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.