For a real treat, see the amazing display of the National Gingerbread House Competition at Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville. More than 300 uniquely designed gingerbread houses will be on display. Viewing of the entries to the National Gingerbread House Competition is free for non-guests of the hotel! Your only cost could be valet parking (which is worth the expense since most parking is in big parking garages and you can easily get turned around in the sprawling hotel). In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. If you are staying overnight or dining in one of Grove Parks restaurants, you may view gingerbread houses at anytime.

You can also see 35 of the houses displayed at the historic Grove Arcade downtown, open seven days a week (free). Contestants from across the country will bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit.

Groups traveling by bus or passenger van must make parking reservations prior to arrival. Please note that these groups must have dining or lodging reservations or will be charged a parking fee. Large vehicle parking reservations are available only by calling 1-800-438-0050, Ext. #1281.

The National Gingerbread House Competition awards ceremony is open to the public at no charge for admission. Following the four hour competition, the resort’s visual design team will be spending the following days placing more than 325 entries in specially crafted holiday scenes.

The grand prize winning entry and selected other winners will be removed from the display during the week of December 18 as the resort transports them to New York City for its 12th straight appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Special maps will be available for resort guests and visitors so they can see where each of the displays is located throughout the Resort. The youth, teen and adult top ten winners will be located on the lobby levels of the Sammons and Vanderbilt wings.

Curious about entering? See the 2008 Entry Form for an idea of rules & deadlines for 2009.