2024-2025 Gingerbread Trail of Giving Viewing: November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025
The National Gingerbread House Competition is a favorite Asheville holiday tradition that has taken place for over 30 years.
Held at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, this nationally-known competition and display features whimsical and elaborate handmade gingerbread houses of every size, shape, complexity and theme. You’ll find quaint rustic cabins, gumdrop-adorned castles and sugar spun landscapes that'll likely inspire your own gingerbread traditions.
POST-HURRICANE UPDATE: Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread Competition was cancelled. However, The Omni Grove Park Inn will keep the spirit of its treasured tradition alive through the Gingerbread Trail of Giving. For the first time, 40+ gingerbread artists will display their cookie and candy creations at local businesses throughout the Asheville community (See a complete list of participating locations here). Some houses will remain on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn, which will re-open for overnight visitation on Nov. 15. Gingerbread houses can be viewed from November 23, 2024 through January 5, 2025. Check out the Gingerbread Trail of Giving Map, below:
Contestants from all over the country submit their creations within four age categories - Adult, Teen, Youth and Child. All houses must be built entirely from edible materials and made of at least 75 percent gingerbread.
Even if you can't make it to Asheville this holiday season to see the entries in person, you'll have the opportunity to take part in the fun from home. The Omni Grove Park Inn will continue "The 12 Days of Gingerbread," by releasing an image of some of this year's top entries each day on its Facebook and Instagram channels (Dec. 1-12).
Holiday Lights and Decorations at The Omni Grove Park Inn
As you enjoy the Gingerbread creations, you'll notice The Omni Grove Park Inn and its Great Hall entrance way come alive with gorgeous decorations, music and the smells of evergreen, sugar and spice.
Make sure to see The Omni Grove Park Inn Gingerbread House modeled after the historic hotel.
The Great Hall’s enormous wreath-adorned stone fire places—large enough accommodate massive 12-foot logs—crackle and glow with welcomed warmth. Giant rocking chairs in front of these fireplaces make for a cozy spot to enjoy the season. Throughout the Inn there are dozens of lighted, decorated trees; the largest resides in the Great Hall.
Take the coziness to another level by purchasing a delicious house-made hot chocolate, a specialty craft brew in partnership with Highland Brewing, and sweet treats.
Experience the History of The Omni Grove Park Inn
If only the thick boulder-rock walls of The Omni Grove Park Inn could talk. What stories they would tell about the captains of industry, politicians, prize-winning authors, artists, and sports legends who have walked through its massive oak doors.
In the 21st century, the Inn stands as a prime example of the Arts and Crafts movement in America and to one man’s contribution to the “Golden Age of Asheville.” Just as in 1913, when the Inn officially opened, today’s visitors are drawn to its expansive exterior and breathtaking location overlooking Asheville and the ancient mountains that surround this vibrant southern city.
From its Arts and Crafts Roycroft furniture and accessories to displays of antique china and caricatures of its many famous guests, The Omni Grove Park Inn is overflowing with history.
If you go: 2024-2025 National Gingerbread House Competition
- PUBLIC VIEWING DATES: November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025
- During the time frame above, The Omni Grove Park Inn invites non-guests to view the display after 6 p.m. Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday (based on parking availability). On the following dates, the display will not be open to the public: December 8, 23 - 26 and December 30 - January 1.
- Only Registered Resort Pets are permitted. No outside pets are allowed at the display.
- HOLIDAY PARKING PROGRAM: Since 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn has donated a portion of each parking charge collected to a variety of local non-profit organizations. Total donations now exceed $1.1 million.
- Valet Parking | $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking | $30 for day parking & overnight guests
- INFORMATION HOTLINE: To reach the Gingerbread Hotline for the latest on all things Gingerbread, call (800) 413-5578.
Gingerbread History: 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.
