In November, gingerbread artists from across the country gathered at The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa in Asheville, North Carolina, for the return of one of the nation’s most beloved holiday traditions. After the competition was canceled in 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, this year’s event carried special significance. “This year was so important as we wanted the country to know that Asheville was OK and rebuilding better than ever after Hurricane Helene,” says John Cook, executive pastry chef of The Omni. “To see our gingerbread family return as well as so many new competitors this year really made it special.”

Now in its third decade, the National Gingerbread House Competition drew 235 entrants — from ambitious hobbyists to seasoned pastry chefs — representing 25 states. And while the display cases brimmed with imaginative, candy-crusted scenes, it was a whimsical village of tiny, crooked homes that stole the show.

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A winning world in miniature

Adult grand-prize winner Mary Hilsman of Concord, North Carolina, captured the judges’ attention with “The Tiny Gnome Builders,” a charming vignette where hardworking gnomes survey blueprints, plant gardens, and tend to their asymmetrical gingerbread houses. Each structure was meticulously decorated with shingled roofs, curling ivy, and perched birds, all rendered with striking delicacy.

Hilsman, who has no professional pastry training, describes her process as “trial and error” and credits much of her growth to four years of learning from other gingerbread artists. The sense of community, she says, is transformative.

“Once you enter this competition, the gingerbread community pulls you in, and they are so willing to help and share ideas,” Hilsman says. “We have Facebook groups where people will reach out and ask questions.”

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Her inspiration came from a Pinterest post featuring “a tiny rundown, lopsided cottage,” which prompted her to wonder, “Hey, I wonder if I can make that out of gingerbread?” From there, she built a world that reflected not just the image’s aesthetic but also her own life — including a gnome for each family member and Bubba the dog, a nod to her daughter’s Corgi.

Youth creativity on full display

Beyond the adult category, young bakers and school teams showcased impressive imagination. Hilsman says one of her favorite parts of returning each year is “seeing everyone’s brilliant creations, especially the children’s pieces.”

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This year’s standout youth winners included:

• Teen (13–17):Courtland High School of Spotsylvania, Virginia, for “Mosaic Stairway of Ginger,” a vibrant tower traversed by cheerful figures.
• Youth (9–12):Bailey Nadeau of Cary, North Carolina, for “Muddlefoot’s Mushroom Madness,” featuring a jolly toadstool surrounded by wee folk and animals enjoying cake.
• Child (5–8):Finley Doyle of Midlothian, Virginia, for “Grammy’s Kitchen,” a sweet, meta depiction of a gingerbread bake.

Special recognitions and new awards

In addition to category winners, judges issued several special honors. “Mosaic Stairway of Ginger” earned Best Use of Color, while Most Innovative Structure went to “The Gate House” by Etowah, North Carolina’s Vera Ward-Robinson. The People’s Choice: Best in Show was awarded to Merry Spafford of Loudon, Tennessee, for “Chrismice on Santa Watch,” starring cherub-cheeked mice seeking Saint Nick through a giant telescope.

Two new awards debuted this year:

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• Community Spiritcelebrating pieces that reflect cultural heritage or community storytelling, went to “The Rainbow Bridge” by Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins, a pair of competitors from Unionville, North Carolina.
• Rising Starrecognizing an exceptional first-year competitor, was awarded to Mindy Bandiera of Dallas for “The Village at Christmas.”

Behind the judging

Every gingerbread entry must be entirely edible and composed of at least 75% gingerbread. From there, judges evaluate each piece on appearance, creativity, difficulty, precision, and consistency. This year’s panel included returning judge Yolanda Gampp, celebrity cake artist, bestselling author, FOXCrime Scene Kitchenjudge, and cofounder of How to Cake It. She was joined by Cook, pastry sous chef Jae Park, pastry chef and educator Steven Stellingwerf, and chef-owner Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish.

How to see the display

The 2025 gingerbread display is open to the public through Sunday, January 4, 2026, with viewings available Monday through Thursday and after 6 p.m. on Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for hotel guests or visitors dining at one of the resort’s 11 restaurants.

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In addition to the competition entries, guests can explore the life-size Great Gingerbread House — modeled after the historic hotel itself — in the Great Hall; admire than 80 illuminated trees around the property; or relax beside the massive stone fireplaces with a seasonal Gingerbread Martini, housemade hot chocolate in a commemorative mug, or Grove’s Gingerbread Ale from nearby Highland Brewing.