The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is thrilled to welcome two extraordinary culinary masters, Sasha Aleksandra Nary and Rabiha Sami, to the National Gingerbread House Competition judging panel.
Sasha Nary, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris certified pastry chef, master confectionary artist, and author of Baking Magic, is globally renowned for seamlessly fusing classic European heritage with modern sugar art.
Joining her is Rabiha Sami, an award-winning cookie artist, computer engineer, and former Ivy League professor who shot to national fame on Food Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge. Known for her mind-bending, gravity-defying bespoke cakes and intricate 3D structural cookie designs, Rabiha brings an elite level of mathematical precision to baking.
Together, their unique perspectives ensure that every submission—from complex structural engineering to the finest hand-painted details—is evaluated with the highest level of technical appreciation.
The addition of these two phenomenal judges marks a vibrant step forward, ensuring an incredibly inspiring, fair, and elevated experience for everyone involved. This year, the competition will follow in the same classic format as previous years, ensuring a trusted framework where creativity can truly shine.
Whether you're a seasoned competitor aiming for the grand prize or a first-time baker stepping onto our national stage, we invite you to be a part of this cherished holiday tradition. We cannot wait to celebrate the magic, structural innovation, and world-class artistry of gingerbread with you and our newly expanded judging panel this holiday season.
Entries for The 2026 Annual National Gingerbread House Competition are now being accepted! Enter Here. Gingerbread enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds are invited to compete for more than $40,000 in cash and prizes at the in-person competition in November 2026. Following the Competition, all entries will be on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa.
Competition Key Dates:
- July 22, 2026: Official Rules and Entry Form released. CLICK HERE TO ENTER.
- November 9, 2026: REQUIRED Entry Form due – your piece does not have to be final at this stage. Changes can be made until your Registration Day on November 14 or 15, 2026.
- November 14, 2026: Competition Registration Day for Child & Youth Divisions – all Gingerbread entries for Child & Youth competitors must be completed and brought to The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa for in-person registration. See OFFICAL RULES for entry registration times. REQUIRED Entry Description Summary forms due at time of registration.
- November 15, 2026: Competition Registration Day for Teen & Adult Divisions – all Gingerbread entries for Teen & Adult competitors must be completed and brought to The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa for in-person registration. See OFFICAL RULES for entry registration times. REQUIRED Entry Description Summary forms due at time of registration.
Competition Entry
The Competition’s judging and Awards Ceremony will commence on Monday, November 16, 2026, at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa. Judging will be conducted in person and is closed to the public. The Awards Ceremony is reserved for contestants and their families only.
2026 Entry Description Summary Form
To see winners from the 2025 Gingerbread Competition, click here to visit our 12 Days of Gingerbread gallery.
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 & Spa 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.
Viewing The Display
The official 2026 Gingerbread display begins on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, and will continue through Sunday, January 3, 2027. Guests are invited to view the display at the dates and times below:
- Sundays: Anytime after 6 PM
- Monday – Thursday: Anytime during regular resort hours
- Friday & Saturday: Reserved for registered resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations.
- Closed to the Public: Holidays and the following dates: November 26, December 6, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and January 1.
12 Days of Gingerbread
The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa invites you to enjoy “The 12 Days of Gingerbread” by showcasing this year’s incredible entries on the hotel’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels from December 1 – 12, 2026, 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.
Holiday Parking Program
The Holiday Parking Partners Program was established in 2013 as a way for the resort to give back to and support our community. Since its inception, the program has contributed more than $1.4 million to non-profit organizations in Western North Carolina. During the Fall & Holiday season, there is no complimentary parking on property.
From October 1, 2026, - January 3, 2027, parking rates are as follows:
- Valet Parking: $45 for day & overnight guests
- Self-Parking: $35 for day & overnight guests
Bus and Oversized Vehicle Information & Parking
Due to limited oversized vehicle parking space, groups visiting the hotel must make advanced reservations. Reservations are based on availability and a reservation does not guarantee a spot. Reservations are limited to one per day on select days Monday through Thursday with a 30-person max per reservation. Reservation requests will be accepted as of August 1, 2026.
This applies to buses, vans or any non-standard-sized vehicles that do not properly fit in a traditional parking space. Oversized vehicles that arrive without prior arrangements will be asked to return once proper arrangements have been made.
For liability purposes, vehicles will not be permitted to drop guests off and park outside of the resort. A parking space must be reserved, and the vehicle must remain on property for the duration of the visit.
Reservation Options: Reservation requests will be accepted as of August 1, 2026.
Submission of this form will initiate the reservation process but does not guarantee a reservation. Only an Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa issued parking pass serves as confirmation of your reservation and a signed dining agreement must be on file.
Oversized Vehicle Parking for Gingerbread Display Viewing Only
2026 Holiday Season Oversized Vehicle Parking Request - Gingerbread Display Viewing Only
Group Dining Reservations/Oversized Vehicle Parking Request Form
2026 Holiday Season Oversized Vehicle Parking Request - Group Dining Reservations
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