Feeling creative this holiday season? Want to put your dessert decoration skills to the test? Now, you can! These two North Carolina gingerbread house decorating contests will show you just where you stack up against the competition. First, check out the national show to get inspired with some of the most amazing gingerbread homes you’ll ever see. Then, put your ideas and your skills to the test at the local Clayton show!
The Grove Park Inn 27th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition™
Viewing dates: November 20, 2019 – January 4, 2020
Viewing location: Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC
More Details: If you want to see some really amazing (like, true works of art) gingerbread structures, you’ll want to put the Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™ on your holiday radar. All the entries are constructed of edible material… but eating them will probably be the last thing on your mind as you stroll past intricate works of elegant moulding, rough-hewn bark shingles, ornate carvings, and even flourishing trees.
Contest Specifics
Sorry builder/decorator hopefuls; the contest entry deadline closed November 8 this year… but there’s always next year (or the Clayton Gingerbread House Contest)! And you can definitely still be a part of the overall experience. Judging takes place on November 18, and homes are judged based on five criteria:
- Overall appearance
- Originality and creativity
- Difficulty
- Precision
- Consistency of theme
Visitor Details
You have two options for visiting the exhibit. As a guest of the Omni hotel, you’re welcome to browse at any time. Non-guests are invited to step inside at less busy times—Sundays after 3pm, and Monday – Thursday anytime, starting November 20. The exhibit is closed to outside visitors during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays.
Other Perks of the Omni Grove Park Inn
After taking a tour through some of the most amazing gingerbread houses you’ll likely ever see, head over to the hotel’s Grand Lobby to grab a drink by the gorgeous stone fireplace, or sit down to dinner at one of Omni’s four restaurants (advance reservations definitely recommended).
The Clayton Gingerbread Dream House Contest
Register by: November 20, 2019
Entry due: November 25, 2019
Location: The Clayton Center
The Details: We’re so proud and excited to present the Clayton Gingerbread Dream House Contest at The Clayton Center! Open to all Johnston County residents, the Dream House Contest pits the greatest (local) creative minds against each other in a friendly and fun competition.
There are three categories for entrants—Youth (17 and under), Adult (18 and over), and Professional (chefs, bakers, caterers, and artists).
Contest Specifics
Applications for the contest are due November 20, and completed gingerbread houses will be dropped off at The Clayton Center by November 25. Judging follows on the 26th. Then, the exhibit is open to the public from November 26 through December 23.
Contest Rules
Of course there are a few contest stipulations! We want to make sure everyone’s playing by the rules to ensure a fair and friendly competition. For example:
- Homes must be constructed of entirely edible materials—75% of which must be gingerbread.
- Homes cannot exceed 18” x 18” x 18”.
- There’s a 20-entry contest cap, so get your applications in ASAP!
For a full list of rules and details, please see our Contest Information page.
Hurry! The Contest is Capped at 20
The Clayton Gingerbread Dream Home Contest is capped at 20 entries, so you’ll definitely want to submit your application as soon as possible! For more information and specifics, visit our Contest Details page.
The contest is sponsored by our team, The Tina Barletta Team, in partnership with The Clayton Center and Clayton Visual Arts. We hope you’ll compete or at least come and take a tour through this year’s entries!
Thinking of Joining the Johnston County Community?
Are you thinking of relocating to or buying a home in the Johnston County area? The Tina Barletta Team is here to help! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the perfect home in just the right location.