2026 Gingerbread Competition Opens In Asheville

The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa has opened entries for the 2026 National Gingerbread House Competition, scheduled for Nov. 16 in Asheville, North Carolina. Entries will be accepted through Nov. 9, with registration on Nov. 14 and 15. The 34th annual event will bring together bakers, artists and creators from across the country. The gingerbread display opens to guests Nov. 17 and remains on view through Jan. 3, 2027.

New Judges Join Panel

This year’s judging panel will include Sasha Aleksandra Nary, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-certified pastry chef, master confectionery artist and author of “Baking Magic,” alongside award-winning cookie artist Rabiha Sami.

Bethany Cobb, Director of Marketing at The Resort, said:

“Part of what makes this competition so special is that it reminds us to slow down and reconnect with the traditions we love. Competitors spend months bringing their visions to life, while families return year after year, making the display part of how they celebrate the season. In a world that’s increasingly digital, the competition continues to remind us that some of the most meaningful traditions are the ones we create by hand and share with others.”

A Longstanding Holiday Display

The competition began in 1992 as a small display created by local community members. Over the past 33 years, it has received thousands of entries from 26 states and brought more than 20,000 visitors to Asheville annually to see the display.

From October through December, the resort donates a portion of its parking proceeds to nonprofit organizations in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Since the program began in 2013, the hotel has contributed more than $1.4 million.

Viewing Dates Announced

Judging and the awards ceremony are reserved for contestants and their families. Visitors can see the official display at the resort from Nov. 17 through Jan. 3, 2027.

Bethany Cobb, Director of Marketing at The Resort, added:

“For many guests, visiting the Gingerbread display has become a nostalgic part of how they celebrate the season. Whether it’s their first visit or an annual tradition, there’s something magical about seeing hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread creations displayed against the timeless backdrop of the Resort, beautifully decorated for the holidays.”