The Annual National Gingerbread House Competition and Display in Asheville, North Carolina, has once again captured the imagination of holiday lovers across the United States. As of December 23, 2025, the event continued to draw large crowds to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, transforming the resort into a sugary showcase of artistry and tradition. Now in its 33rd year, the competition has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, evolving into one of the most anticipated seasonal attractions in the country.
First launched in the early 1990s as a modest local event, the gingerbread house competition has blossomed into a nationally recognized celebration of culinary craftsmanship. Each year, it attracts professional bakers, amateur enthusiasts, and aspiring culinary students from across the country who gather to test their skills and share their edible creations with the public. The rules are strict: entries must be composed of at least 75 percent gingerbread and be entirely edible. But within those parameters, creativity knows no bounds. From traditional holiday cottages to intricate fantasy castles, from pop-culture-inspired scenes to detailed recreations of historical landmarks, the range and complexity of the gingerbread structures on display have become increasingly elaborate.
This year’s competition held added significance, marking a festive return after the 2024 event was canceled due to Hurricane Helene’s disruption in the region. The cancellation left a noticeable void in Asheville’s holiday season, but the 2025 revival was met with enthusiasm from locals and visitors alike. For many families, the gingerbread display is more than just a visual treat—it’s a tradition. Parents who once visited as children now return with their own kids, sharing the experience and marveling at how the event has evolved. For some participants, especially repeat competitors, the event is the culmination of months of planning, baking, and decorating.
Crowds have flooded into Asheville since mid-November to see this year’s entries. Tourists fill the halls of the Grove Park Inn, carefully navigating the grand public spaces lined with glass cases displaying the gingerbread masterpieces. Many guests spend hours photographing the displays, admiring the fine details, and speculating on the effort it must have taken to engineer such delicate, edible sculptures. The resort has reserved specific days and hours for public viewing, with weekday visits often providing more room to appreciate the intricate displays.
Outside the resort, the economic ripple effect is tangible. Local shops, restaurants, and hotels have seen a noticeable uptick in activity thanks to the influx of visitors drawn by the competition. Asheville’s vibrant downtown has embraced the holiday spirit, with festive decorations, seasonal markets, and themed culinary offerings that complement the gingerbread display. For the city, the competition not only boosts tourism during the holiday season but also reinforces its reputation as a hub for creativity, hospitality, and family-friendly celebration.
In addition to in-person festivities, the competition extended its reach through digital platforms. Organizers revived the “12 Days of Gingerbread” social media campaign, highlighting standout entries each day and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of the design and judging process. This online initiative has made the event accessible to those unable to travel, allowing the public to experience the artistry and festive atmosphere from afar. The digital spotlight has also helped elevate some of the bakers, many of whom gain new followers and media attention thanks to their innovative designs.
The judging panel for the competition includes culinary experts, pastry chefs, and design professionals who evaluate entries on appearance, originality, difficulty, and adherence to the rules. Prizes are awarded across several age categories, including adult, teen, youth, and child divisions. In addition to cash awards, winners often receive national recognition, professional opportunities, and invitations to showcase their work in future exhibitions.
But for most participants, the real reward lies in the joy of creation and the chance to be part of a cherished holiday tradition. Behind every gingerbread house is a story—of late-night baking sessions, of trial and error with sugar glass or royal icing, of family members pitching in to bring a shared vision to life. In many ways, the competition reflects the season itself: a celebration of community, creativity, perseverance, and joy.
As the 2025 competition approaches its final days before closing in early January, it remains a highlight of the American holiday calendar. The sweet smell of gingerbread lingers in the halls of the Grove Park Inn, while the awe and wonder on visitors’ faces remind all who attend why this event has endured and flourished. More than just a showcase of baking talent, the National Gingerbread House Competition is a living testament to the enduring power of tradition, imagination, and the simple pleasure of sharing something beautiful with others during the most festive time of the year.
