The 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition has been canceled. However, to keep the spirit of the competition alive during Asheville’s recovery period, there will be a Gingerbread Trail of Giving where over 45 competitors will display their gingerbread creations for visitors and locals to view at the resort and local businesses starting Saturday, November 23 through Sunday, January 5. As you embark on this "sweet" trail throughout Asheville, you'll find the gingerbread creations at the following locations:
- Omni Grove Park Inn
- Grovewood Village
- Dancing Bear Toys
- Mast General Store
- Grove Arcade
- The S&W Market
- Woolworth Walk
- Wortham Center for the Performing Arts
- Sierra Nevada
- Hazel Twenty Boutique
- Highland Brewing (East Asheville)
- Horse + Hero
- Good Hot Fish
- Gallery Melange
- Bender Gallery
- Gallery Cor
- Mark Bettis Gallery
- Russell and Armstrong Gallery
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- The Cottage Collections
- Fired Up! Creative Lounge
- Element Tree Essentials
- Rocket Fizz Asheville
- Asheville Gallery of Art
- Curio
- Union
The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition's beginnings were a result of local members of the community coming together to celebrate the holiday season in 1992 by crafting gingerbread houses. More than two decades later this homegrown holiday get-together from the 90s has evolved into the nationally renowned competitive gingerbread house competition it is today.
The competition has had exposure on ABC's Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network and features popular food, arts, and media professionals as the judges. The 31st Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held in early November, while the official Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and will continue through Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Take some time to slow down with family and friends during the holiday season while viewing these inspiring Gingerbread house displays that are spread through the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The Gingerbread creations include displays from artists of all ages that range from traditional holiday-themed gingerbread houses to intricate, creative designs inspired by entrants' passions.
While there, don't forget to check out the life-size "Great Gingerbread House" modeled after the Grove Park Inn. This baking marvel serves as a drink station and serves up delicious hot cocoa and beer that can be enjoyed in front of the massive stone fireplaces!
Guests can drive up to the main entrance at The Omni Grove Park Inn and be assisted by a valet for $35 for day guests and $25 for overnight guests. Self-parking for day guests is $25 and $18 for overnight guests. A portion of the parking proceeds is donated to the community in support of local not-for-profit organizations.