2015 National Gingerbread House Competition Dates in Asheville NC

2015 National Gingerbread Competition Dates and Times in Asheville NC

While some visit the mountains of North Carolina in autumn to enjoy the spectacular display of motley-colored leaves, visitors may find that all is not lost after the last leaf settles to the ground. The Omni Grove Park Inn is hosting its 23rd National Gingerbread House competition; visitors are invited to browse the entries November 18, 2015 through January 3, 2016 Sunday afternoons through Thursdays (9 a.m. through 9 p.m.), except holidays. 

Visitors do not have to purchase overnight accommodations; however, a $10 parking fee is charged for guests who come only to view the gingerbread pieces. Half of parking fee proceeds is donated to several local non-profit charities. Those traveling in vehicles that seat more than 15 passengers should call 1-800-438-0050, ext. 1281 to make special arrangements for parking.

The gingerbread creations are made of entirely edible materials with at least 75% of the entry being gingerbread. Judging is based on appearance, creativity, difficulty, precision, and consistency of theme with age groups including child, youth, teen, and adult. Maps are available at the lobby desk; most entries are located on the main floor. A few entries will be on display at the Grove Arcade, located in downtown Asheville. See some previous entries for the competition on this YouTube video.

Those in the area might also consider touring Biltmore Estate and the NC Arboretum Light Show.

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2013 Dates for National Gingerbread Competition Display at Omni Grove Park Inn

Dates and Times for 2013 National Gingerbread Competition at Grove Park Inn Asheville, NC

Those who love detail will likely be intrigued by the National Gingerbread exhibits in the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. People travel from miles around to see these amazing works of art during the Christmas season.

The display will be available from November 20, 2013 to January 2, 2014 at any time for Inn guests. The exhibit is available for those who are not guests of the Grove Park Inn on Sunday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. each week, excluding any holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. Admission is free; however, there is a $10/car parking fee.

Most of the displays are found in the main lobby. Pick up a map at the lobby information desk to ensure seeing all the displays and some of the 80 decorated trees in the hotel. This excursion might take the family off the normally beaten Christmas path and into a fun time remembered for years to come.

Want to take a sneak peak? Find several pictures of the 2013 entries, including some of the winning entries in various age categories at the Omni Grove Park Inn web page. Exquisite is the word that comes to my mind as I look at these gingerbread creations. The details are quite impressive, and even the younger age categories display amazing talent.

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