Attraction of the Week: The National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn
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At one point or another, we have all probably attempted to create the perfect gingerbread house only to end up with a crumpled disaster. Unfortunately, the image of the perfect looking gingerbread house featured on those kits is far from reality, with it being near impossible to recreate. All those baking competition shows make it look really easy and fun. I’ll save the artistry to the pastry masters and enjoy viewing the finished creations. The most over-the-top themed gingerbread houses I have ever seen were at an event held annually at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.
This is by far my favorite holiday event in this region. I lived in the area for 2 years and looked forward to seeing the beautiful winning entries each year. I make a whole day out of it with brunch at the beautiful Blue Ridge Artisanal room, coffee by the beautiful lobby fireplace, a bit of holiday shopping, and then enjoying the most artful gingerbread houses which I could never in a million years make by myself.
WNC’s most beloved holiday tradition
2025 will mark the 25th anniversary of the famous tradition which still continues to wow guests from around the world. This long-running contest has been attracting top-knotch talent from around the country since its’ inception. World-renowned pastry chefs comprise the judging panel, handing out more than $25,000 in prizes based on a criteria of factors including uniqueness, difficulty, and precision. I came across this event randomly while dining at the property my first year living here. I was super impressed and made it a point to come back the following year.
My favorite house I’ve seen thus far is one dedicated to “A Christmas Story.” I have always loved this movie – way before it started airing 24/7 on TBS. I even toured the house in Cleveland! This is really creative with a lot of attention to detail.
I was also super impressed with this log cabin. Look at all the tiny details on the roof. I can only imagine how much patience and dedication went into this project.
Artistic themed masterpieces that are 100% edible
The really unique aspect of this gingerbread competition is that each house is truly unique. The majority of the displays are anything but standard, and the amount of creativity put into each individual design is truly left me astonished. Although it doesn’t always look the case, each house is 100% edible and made out of at least 75% gingerbread. The judges really must of had their work cut out for them choosing the top 10 in each category! I loved them all, so I am glad that I was not a judge.
2018 was a very impressive year, with winning creations ranging from an Alice in Wonderland teacup scene, to a cuckoo clock, to Monopoly game board.
The overall winner was a stunning creative interpretation of Santa’s workshop. Take a look below at this marvelous creation.
As you stroll around the grounds of the resort, you will see a section dedicated to the top 10 in 3 categories (Teen, Youth, and Adult). I have included pics of 10 of my favorites, not including the fabulous creations mentioned above. Although it was hard to narrow it down to just 10, these displays were both creative, difficult, and attractive.
Fabulous Christmas Decor
The Omni Grove Park resort really is stunning with majestic views of the Blue Ridge mountains in every direction. They also put up gorgeous Christmas decorations, both inside and outside the property. I love visiting just to take in the holiday cheer. What is so great about this hotel this time of year is that there is so much to do to justify a daytrip, evgen if you don’t want to fork over hundreds of dollars to stay. Dine at the buffet, enjoy a cocoa by the fireplace, shop at local boutiques, enjoy the Christmas trees, take holiday photos – lots to do to justify the parking fee.
Christmas is my favorite time of the years and I love all the gorgeous trees on-site. There has to be several dozen.
There are 2 massive stone fireplaces where you can sit and relax with a homemade Salted Hot Cocoa from a cute little stand made completely out of gingerbread. We have never tried the cocoa yet, but everyone seems to enjoy it. At 10 bucks a glass, let’s hope so!
Check out the size of this fireplace. And there are 2 of them. They have cozy rocking chairs set up by each. I usually order a coffee to go from the buffet and enjoy relaxing for a bit.
Parking Details
Viewing times/parking info: The public is invited to view the entries from November-December, although a $25 parking fee is required (more for valet). Check with the website for this year’s dates. Typically, the event starts around mid November and ends after Christmas. You can learn more about the competition on the Omni website.
Dining at the Omni
What else to do while you are here: Breakfast at the Blue Ridge Artisanal Buffet, which features stunning views of the mountains via floor-to-ceiling windows, is a nice accompaniment to a morning out at the resort. The buffet offers traditional breakfast foods as well as specialty selections like made-to-order omelets, fresh squeezed juices, a chia pudding bar & oatmeal bar, and even a doughnut bar!
Rooms at the resort are extremely pricey and sometimes more than $400 per night this time of year. As I mentioned earlier, you can always just plan a daytrip and enjoy other amenities to justify the drive.
There are a number of boutique shops with great Christmas decor to stroll around.
Overall, anyone who loves gingerbread houses should place a trip to this Omni high on their Christmas bucket list!
