The Sweet Return of a Beloved Holiday Tradition: National Gingerbread Competition
- Asheville B&B Association
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
Mark your calendars for November 18, 2025 – the triumphant return of the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn! After the heartbreaking cancellation of the 2024 competition due to Hurricane Helene, this year's 33rd annual event stands as a powerful symbol of Asheville's resilience and the unwavering spirit of our community. For over three decades, this beloved tradition has filled the halls with creativity, holiday magic, and heartfelt craftsmanship, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see its strong comeback.
This nationally recognized competition and display features whimsical and elaborate handmade gingerbread houses of every size, shape, complexity, and theme – from rustic cabins to candy-encrusted castles and sugar-spun landscapes, all built entirely from edible materials and made of at least 75 percent gingerbread. With more than $40,000 in cash and prizes at stake, competitors from across the United States pour their hearts and extraordinary talents into creating these edible masterpieces that will leave you absolutely enchanted.
Gingerbread Competition Heats Up
The competition itself takes place on November 17, 2025, with judging and an awards ceremony closed to competitors and their families only. However, the real magic begins on November 18 when all entries will be displayed throughout the resort, continuing through January 4, 2026. Non-guests are welcome to view the display after 6 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday (based on parking availability), though certain holiday dates will be reserved for resort guests only. For those who can't visit in person, the resort will showcase entries through their "12 Days of Gingerbread" tradition on Facebook and Instagram from December 1-12, 2025, bringing the gingerbread magic to viewers everywhere.
For our bed and breakfast guests, the National Gingerbread Competition offers the perfect addition to your holiday stay in Asheville. Combine your visit to this spectacular display with all the other magical holiday experiences our region offers – from Biltmore's Candlelight Christmas Evenings to Winter Lights at the Arboretum. Our member inns provide the ideal home base for exploring all these festive attractions, complete with gourmet breakfasts to fuel your adventures and innkeepers who can share insider tips for making the most of your gingerbread viewing experience.
Festive Favorites: Holiday Recipes from Our Innkeepers
Every holiday season, our innkeepers love swapping their favorite recipes – and let's be honest, it usually turns into a cookie exchange! But this year, we're mixing things up. Since many of you will be hosting friends and family this holiday season, we asked our innkeepers to share their go-to recipes that go beyond cookies. These crowd-pleasing dishes are perfect for entertaining a houseful of guests and have been tested time and again in our B&B kitchens.
Innkeeper Holiday Recipes for Your Table
The Yellowhouse Inn - Blueberry Crumb Cake
Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast - Spinach Ricotta Puff
Inn at Amaris Farms - Bacon Tomato Cups
Andon-Reid Inn Bed & Breakfast - Cheesy Turkey Sausage, Egg & Hash Brown Casserole
The Perfect Holiday Gift: Morning In The Mountains Cookbook
Looking for a thoughtful holiday gift that captures the essence of Asheville's renowned hospitality? Look no further than Morning In The Mountains, the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association's collection of cherished recipes from our talented innkeepers. This beautiful cookbook emerged from a delicious discovery – when our innkeepers set out to understand what keeps guests returning year after year, they found one universal truth: it all comes down to BREAKFAST!
More than just a recipe collection, Morning In The Mountains is your invitation to recreate the magic of a B&B breakfast in your own kitchen. Inside, you'll find the very recipes that have guests lingering over second cups of coffee and asking for just one more bite. From delightful seasonal fruit courses and satisfying savory dishes like quiche and shrimp and grits, to mouthwatering quick breads, fluffy pancakes, and indulgent homemade cookies and tortes – every recipe has been perfected in our member inns' kitchens and tested by thousands of delighted guests.
The cookbook is thoughtfully organized into sections, including Fruit, Savory, On The Side, Baked & Griddled, and Sweet, making it easy to plan everything from a simple weekend brunch to an elaborate holiday breakfast spread. Each recipe comes with the story of the inn that contributed it, giving you a taste of the unique personality and charm that makes each of our member properties special.
At just $25 when purchased at any of our member inns (or $30 online, including tax and shipping), Morning In The Mountains makes the perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or treat for the breakfast lover in your life. Give the gift of Asheville's legendary B&B hospitality this holiday season – because the best memories are made around the breakfast table, and now you can bring that mountain morning magic home with you.
Order your copy today and start creating unforgettable breakfast moments!
The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association is a collection of diverse Bed & Breakfasts located in Asheville, North Carolina, and the surrounding area. Check out our *Specials (updated monthly)
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