ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828NewsNow) — All of the 2026 National Gingerbread Competition entries are now finalized, and staff at the Grove Park Inn & Spa are ready to welcome back the 34th annual holiday event.
The judging for the competition is now just days away.
Bethany Cobb, Director of Marketing for the competition, told 828NewsNow on Nov. 10, the day after the entry deadline, that there are once again entries from all across the United States and other places abroad.
“We have competitors joining us from across the country, including Idaho, Minnesota, Ohio, New York and Texas, as well as Guatemala. We’ll be announcing the competitor who traveled the farthest during the awards ceremony,” she said.
Photo by Grove Park Inn & Spa
Photo by Grove Park Inn & Spa
Photo by Grove Park Inn & Spa
Judging will be held in a closed session on Monday, Nov. 16, with contestants and their families, followed by the awards ceremony later that evening. The awards ceremony is closed to the public, the Grove Park Inn & Spa said.
Following the announcement of the winners, the public viewing of the gingerbread works of art will be from Nov. 17 through Jan. 3. Viewing for the public will be available as follows:
- Sundays: Any time after 6 p.m.
- Monday–Thursday: Anytime during regular resort hours
- Fridays and Saturdays: Reserved for registered resort guests and those with confirmed dining reservations.
- Closed to the public: Holidays and the following dates: Nov. 26, Dec. 6, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Jan. 1.
Cobb said the ages of competitors for this year’s event range from 5 to 76.
“It’s always wonderful to see such a wide range of ages participating in the competition,” she said.
The competition is welcoming two new judges this year: Sasha Aleksandra Nary, who is a Le Cordon Bleu Paris-certified pastry chef and author of Baking Magic, and also Rabiha Sami, who is an award-winning cookie artist who has appeared on Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge.
Last year’s grand prize winner was Mary Hulsman of Concord. Her creation featured tiny gnomes building houses and was titled “Tiny Gnome Builders.”
“Even after more than three decades, one of the best parts of this tradition is seeing how competitors continue to surprise us with their creativity. Each year brings something different, and we’re looking forward to seeing the designs and details that make this year’s entries unique,” Cobb said.
More information about the contest, viewing and parking at Grove Park Inn & Spa is available at the resort’s website.