Holidays In NC

Gingerbread Displays Create Sweet Feasts for the Eyes

Forget “Hansel and Gretel.” For sheer enchantment, North Carolina’s gingerbread displays beat anything an old witch could concoct.

National Gingerbread Competition
Nov. 20-Jan. 2
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville
Now in its 20th year, the competition attracts hundreds of entries and thousands of visitors, who come to the historic Blue Ridge Mountain resort to admire the architecture and royal icing decor. Find details about the gingerbread display and guided tours here.

Gingerbread Lane
Dec. 13-25
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, Charlotte
This competition offers two independent categories for amateurs and beginners. The grand prize for both categories is an overnight stay with extras such as breakfast and spa treatments. The creations will be on public display Dec. 13-Dec. 25. Pay $1 to vote for your favorite gingerbread house and proceeds will benefit the Levine Children’s Hospital.  

Gingerbread in Chapel Hill
Dec. 1 - Jan. 2
At the Carolina Inn, the area’s culinary carpenters create a village of gingerbread houses that compete for prizes and honors. The display, which has been known to feature structures based on buildings in the community, runs Dec. 1 - Jan. 2 as part of the historic inn’s Twelve Days of Christmas celebration. 

On December 23, the inn will host a children's Gingerbread House Making Class. Each child is provided an apron, chef's hat and plenty of goodies for assembling and decorating their gingerbread house. The class is designed for children ages 5-12. 

Photo from The National Gingerbread House Competition™ Facebook page

added: December 1, 2011

updated: December 5, 2012