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See the sugary showstoppers that won this year’s National Gingerbread House Competition

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The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa welcomed back the National Gingerbread Competition this year after Hurricane Helene forced a cancellation in 2024. The celebrated holiday tradition returned stronger than ever, with 235 entries representing 25 states across the country—the most in the event’s history. Dating back to 1992, the competition attracts a mix of pastry professionals and spirited hobbyists who compete in four different age groups: Adult (18+), Teen (13–17), Youth (9–12), and Child (5–8).

To qualify, each structure must be entirely edible and made up of at least 75 percent gingerbread. This year’s panel of judges assessed entries based on overall appearance, originality, creativity, difficulty, precision, and consistency of theme.

Gingerbread displays are on view throughout the Omni Grove Park Inn until January 4. Non-guests can visit the property to view displays anytime Monday through Thursday, or after 6 p.m. on Sundays. While there, don’t miss the resort’s own whimsical creation: a life-sized gingerbread house cafe, built in the historic hotel’s likeness, that serves homemade hot chocolate and other sweet treats. 

“The Tiny Gnome Builders” by Mary Hulsman, a resident of Concord, North Carolina, was the Grand Prize Winner for 2025

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Heather Nadeau of Cary, North Carolina, brought home second place in the Adult category for “The Birch Mouse Burrow,” which utilized quinoa as the tree’s leaves

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Michael Villella traveled to the competition from New York, New York, snagging third place for his creation, “Wassail Break”

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

“Mosaic Stairway of Ginger” was the first-place winner in the Teen category. Made by students from Courtland High School in Spotsylvania, Virginia, the piece was also awarded for the Best Use of Color.

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Emma Rhinehart from Columbia, Tennessee, won third place for her Masters-inspired structure, “The Green Jacket & Red Suit.” It also won Best Use of Sprinkles award.

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Bailey Nadeau celebrated a win alongside her mother, Heather, for “Muddlefoot’s Mushroom Madness,” which received the first-place prize in the Youth category

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Navarra Fritz from Barnardsville, North Carolina, received a third-place win in the Youth category for her “Caterpillar in the Chrysalis”

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

First place in the Child category went to Finley Doyle from Midlothian, Virginia, for “Grammy’s Kitchen”

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

“I Spy a Gingerbread Candy Factory” by Callie Caldwell of Mooresville, North Carolina, received the second-place award in the Child category

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

A kindergarten class from Black Mountain, North Carolina, received third place in the Child category for “A Christmas Wagon”

Courtesy The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

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Brady Nash

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