National Gingerbread Competition at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

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. Fortunately, you can view amazing gingerbread creations from talented artists via the National Gingerbread Competition, held annually at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.

WNC’s most beloved holiday tradition

Now in its 28th year, the magnificent National Gingerbread Competition still continues to wow guests from around the world. This long-running tradition has been attracting top-knotch talent from around the country since its’ inception. World-renown 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.

Fans of the classic A Christmas Story will love this one!

A Christmas Story gingerbread house at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

This log cabin is truly amazing!

Log cabin gingerbread house at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Winning selections from the National Gingerbread Competition in Asheville, NC

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 astonishing. Although it doesn’t always look the case, each house is 100% edible and made out of at least 75% gingerbread. All the houses are so wonderful – the judges really must of had their work cut out for them choosing the top 10 in each category!

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.

Alice in Wonderland gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Cuckoo clock gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Monopoly board game gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

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). Here are my 10 favorites across all categories, not including the fabulous creations mentioned above, which are nothing short of amazing as well. Although it was hard to narrow it down to just 10, these displays were both creative, difficult, and aesthetically pleasing to my eye.

Reindeers playing poker gingerbread at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Atlantis gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Japanese garden gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Amazing gingerbread house at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Grand Budapest hotel gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Pirate ship gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
General Store gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Cookie dough batter gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Pueblo gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
Mountain lodge gingerbread creation at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

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.

Great Christmas photo opp at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Christmas tree inside the lobby of the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Beautiful Christmas tree outside the Omni Park Grove resort in Asheville, North Carolina
Pretty Christmas decor at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina
Cute Christmas decor at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

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. This decadent hot chocolate has been voted one of the best in the country – at 10 bucks a glass, let’s hope so!

Massive fireplace at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

Parking Details

Viewing times/parking info: The public is invited to view the entries the entire month of December, although a $25 parking fee is required.

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!

Breakfast buffet at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina
The buffet at the Omni Park Grove Inn in Asheville, NC
Beautiful views from the Blue Ridge Artisanal dining room at the Omni Park Grove

Rooms at the resort are extremely pricey (not the best value IMO), and thus, it is probably a better value to simply view the houses, enjoy a hot cocoa by the fire, and enjoy a nice breakfast.

There are a number of boutique shops with great Christmas decor to stroll around.

Christmas  shop at the Omni Park Grove in Asheville, North Carolina

Overall, anyone who loves gingerbread houses should place a trip to the Omni Grove Park high on their Christmas bucket list!

**Check out my full guide of things to do in Asheville