Omni Grove Park Inn's 24th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition.

Gingerbread Dwellings & More Return

Sure there are houses, but you’ll also find gingerbread birds, books, burgers and tacos at the Omni Grove Park Inn’s 24th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition.

When To Go

The cookie creations, submitted by kids and adults, were judged before Thanksgiving, and will be on display Nov. 27 through Jan. 5 around the inn. Those not staying at the resort are welcome to take this sweet tour of homes Sundays after 3 pm, and Mondays through Thursdays.

Where To Park

Outdoor parking is $10, the garage is $15, and it’s $20 for the valet treatment. Once again, those fees will be donated to a variety of local charities.

• Nov. 27 – Dec. 1: Asheville City Schools Foundation
• Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Children First/Communities In Schools
• Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: United Way of Asheville and Buncombe Co.
• Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Homeward Bound
• Dec. 23 – Dec. 29: American Legion Baseball Post 70
• Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Meals on Wheels of Asheville and Buncombe Co.

Since the resort started the parking program started three years ago, it has raised nearly $200,000 for charities within the 828.

House Hunt

There are some competitions entries that are not at the Grove Park. Once again this year, a selection of gumdrop-coated structures will be on display in downtown Asheville at the Grove Arcade for its“Winter Wonderland” celebration, which also includes lavish decorations and visits with Santa.

You may also see the best of the best on ABC. It’s become a “Good Morning America” tradition to tape a segment highlighting the winners for the Christmas Day broadcast. The Omni Grove Park Inn’s pastry chefs carefully pack up the winners to ensure their safe arrival in Times Square.