Competition & Viewing Information
The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™
Entries for the 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ are now being accepted.
Enter Here
Gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are invited to compete for a piece of $40,000 in cash and prizes at the in-person competition in November 2024. Following the Competition, all entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn throughout the holiday season.
Competition Key Dates
July 25, 2024 | Official Rules and Entry Form Released
ENTER HERE
November 11, 2024 | Required Entry Form Due
Your piece does not have to be final at this stage. Changes can be made up until Registration Day on November 16, 2024, for Child and Youth categories, and November 17, 2024, for Teen and Adult categories.
2024 National Gingerbread House Competition | Entry Form
November 16 & 17, 2024 | Competition Registration Days
All Gingerbread entries must be completed and brought to The Omni Grove Park Inn for in-person registration. Required Entry Description Summary forms due at time of registration.
Saturday, November 16, 2024 | Child and Youth Category Registration | 1 PM - 5 PM
Sunday, November 17, 2024 | Teen and Adult Category Registration | 8 AM - 1 PM
November 18, 2024 | Awards Ceremony
The Competition’s judging and Awards Ceremony will commence on Monday, November 18 at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public.
Before the Awards Ceremony, competitors will choose a winner for the People’s Choice: Best In Show award. Registered competitors or team captains will have a limited amount of time to vote on their favorite entry and determine one winner across all four categories.
Competition Entry
The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition will be held on the weekend of November 16-18, 2024.
2024 National Gingerbread House Competition | Entry Form
2024 National Gingerbread House Competition | Entry Description Summary
The Competition’s judging will take place over two days and Awards Ceremony will commence on Monday, November 18 at The Omni Grove Park Inn. Judging will be conducted in-person and is closed to the public. The Awards Ceremony is reserved for contestants and their families only. Three to five optional supplemental photos can be submitted at time of registration, printed and in-person only, and are encouraged as they help show off skills or techniques used when crafting your piece. Video content submissions of any kind will not be accepted.
12 Days of Gingerbread
For those who may not travel this season, the hotel will continue, “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by presenting one of the Top 12 finalists, per day, on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels from December 1 - 12, 2024 to spark Ginger-love for all during the happiest season of the year. This provides an in-person and virtual way for all to enjoy.
Viewing the Display
The official 2024 Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and will continue through Sunday, January 5, 2025. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 8, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1. All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations.
During the Gingerbread season, display access is subject to hotel capacity, including pedestrian traffic. Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing. Please note that only Registered Resort Pets will be permitted. No outside pets will be allowed.
Holiday Parking Program
Since the inception of the Holiday Parking Partner program in 2013, we have been honored to contribute over $1.1 million dollars to not-for-profit partners in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property. Starting October 1, 2024, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking | $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking | $30 for day parking & overnight guests
How it all Began
It all began with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members in 1992 as another way to celebrate the holiday season with no plans to continue the following year. There was no possible way to know that more than two decades later The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ would be one of the nation's most celebrated and competitive holiday events.
As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Our panel of judges represents nationally renowned food and media professionals, and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by NBC’s TODAY Show, ABC's Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network.
The Gingerbread Display has grown in more than just entries; it has become a true family holiday tradition. From the very young to the very young at heart, the reaction to this magical experience is the same - one of wonder, awe and delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition?
The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™ will be held on November 18, 2024, with an awards ceremony following in the Grand Ballroom. Competition judging is closed to the public. The awards ceremony is reserved for contestants and their families only.
Can I enter the National Gingerbread House Competition?
Yes, anyone 5+ is eligible to enter the National Gingerbread House Competition. We encourage enthusiasts and bakers at all skill levels to participate! Enter here by filling out the 2024 Competitor Entry Form.
How do I enter the 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition?
To enter the 2024 National Gingerbread House Competition, click the link found here and fill out the form. Please print and fill out the 2024 Entry Description Summary Form, in addition to the entry form.
Does Omni Grove Park Inn provide any resources for getting started?
Yes! The Omni Grove Park Inn provides some resources for competitors to get started with the competition.
Gingerbread Recipe Cards
Gingerbread House Blueprint
Gingerbread Piping Practice Sheet
When will the public be able to view the Gingerbread House display?
The official 2024 Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, and will continue through Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability and excluding holidays and the following dates: December 8, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1.
All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and those that have confirmed dining reservations.
Do I need to reserve oversized parking during the Gingerbread House display?
Yes, due to limited oversized vehicle parking space, groups visiting the hotel must make advanced reservations. Reservations will be opening on August 1, 2024.
Can I view the 2023 National Gingerbread House Competition winners?
Yes! To see the top winners from the 2023 Competition, click here to visit our 12 Days of Gingerbread gallery.
When will the oversized parking reservations open for the Gingerbread House display?
Reservation requests will be open as of August 1, 2024.
Is parking available to view the Gingerbread House display?
Gingerbread House display access is subject to hotel capacity. Guests not staying at the Resort are invited to view the display after 6 PM on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability.
Before travelling to the property, visit our Facebook page to verify display access is open for public viewing.
Starting October 1, 2024, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking | $40 for day parking & overnight guests
- Self-Parking | $30 for day parking & overnight guests