Join the National Gingerbread House Competition at Omni Grove Park Inn
‘Tis the season and there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina!
After a virtual 2020, The National Gingerbread House Competition is returning, up close and personal. Everyone is excited to see the elaborate display of gingerbread houses starting on Sunday, November 28th through Sunday, January 2nd!
Fun Fact: Gingerbread houses originated in Germany during the 16th Century. They became popular after the publication of Hansel and Gretel in 1812.
This marks the 29th year of the largest competition of its kind (it’s the largest one in the country). What began as a small group of community members has grown into the “Olympics of Gingerbread!” Morning news shows on NBC and ABC, along with the Travel Channel and The Food Network have made the Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition part of their holiday broadcasts.
My family is looking forward to kicking off the Christmas season at the mystical mountain palace. Non-guests can view displays after 3pm on Sunday and anytime Monday – Thursday. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday mornings are reserved for registered resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations (excluded dates December 23-25; 29-Jan 1). Speaking as someone who couldn’t keep the roof from sliding off the Walmart do-it-yourself kit, I stand amazed at the artistry of these contestants!
Fun Fact: The largest gingerbread house in the world is 60 feet by 42 feet with a calorie count of 35,823,400.
Creative competitors need to have preliminary entry forms submitted by Monday, November 8th. Please note, designs do not have to be near completion at this time. An entry description, photo, and video are due Monday, November 15th (think of this as a behind-the-scenes of your work in progress). All submissions must be completed and arrive by Sunday, November 21. A gingerbread triage will be stocked in case you don’t drive as well as you bake! You can enter here.
The first round of judging will be virtual. Second round judging will be conducted in the Grand Ballroom at the Omni Grove Park Inn, followed by an awards ceremony for contestants and their families.
The 12 Days of Gingerbread is the perfect alternative for fans not comfortable with the up close and personal. The Top 12 finalists will be introduced, one per day, on Facebook and Instagram from December 1-12.
There’s no complimentary parking at Omni Grove Park Inn during the holiday season. Valet parking for day guests is $35 and $25 for overnight. Self-parking is $25 for day guests and $18 for overnight. Part of the proceeds for parking is donated to local non-profit organizations in the community.
A family holiday tradition for thousands, the Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition has been “baking spirits bright” for years.
Run, Run as fast as you can… you want to catch this holiday tradition!
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