From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Omni Grove Park Inn welcomed back the National Gingerbread House Competition after the popular holiday event was called off in 2024 because of Helene, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Nov. 17.

After judging took place on Nov 17, the public was invited — beginning Nov. 18 — to view the confectionery constructions.

Non-inn guests may visit the Omni Grove Park Inn to view the display anytime Monday through Thursday, or after 6 p.m. on Sundays. “Those viewing times run until Jan. 4, with only a handful of exceptions,” News 13 noted.

What’s more, the following are dates when the display is closed to those who are not staying at the inn: Nov. 27, Dec. 7, Dec. 23-26 and Dec. 30-Jan. 1.

Valet parking costs $40 for day parking and for overnight guests. Self-parking costs $30.

The hotel reportedly has donated more than $1.1 million to a variety of local nonprofit organizations from a portion of each parking charge collected since 2013.

Those who cannot make it to Asheville this holiday season to see the display in person will still have the opportunity to take part in the fun from home. 

From Dec. 1–12, the Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa will host “The 12 Days of Gingerbread,” showcasing this year’s entries on the hotel’s Facebook and Instagram.

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” that appeared after its story included the following assertions:

• Ihatemorons — “Outrageous parking costs are a guarantee to keep me from an event. It’s a shame a family cannot go and enjoy a Christmas event like this without being robbed. This is the new norm. Asheville is no exception.” 

 • TheOracle — “We already knew you were near poverty — no need to complain about it now and publicly.” 

• Ihatemorons — “Hahahahahaha! My accountant would find this equally as entertaining, especially coming from an adult still being supported by his parents. Now be a good boy and behave — or Santa may skip over you this Christmas.”

• NoOne23 — “Ridiculous what they are charging for parking then try to justify that by saying they donate to local charities. That said, it is quite obvious they do not want any locals being seen there. My family and I have gone for years and we have always had dinner and drinks. No longer will we support them or recommend anyone else does either. They forget locals spend money as well.”  

• Crescent41 — “Me, too. 15 years ago, food was expensive but at 99% perfection! Parking $40, plus $50 lunch....That’s just too much. This Chef is gone.”

• WNCBILL — “Note to Omni Hotels:

“To the local yocals you so throughly despise, the grand hotel you temporarily possess will ever be known as simply ‘The Grove Park.’

“P.S.  — Who ended up with all that beautiful Mission-style furniture that disappeared the moment you gougers took over?”

• NoOne23 — “I know someone that said they got some chairs at Habitat. If true, I am sure Omni was eager to take that tax deduction (probably at a well-inflated value at that).”

• NCIDdoesntmakeyoulocal — “Don’t they kick you out if they find out you’re local? My wife and I tried to talk with a thick Northern accent and treat people like trash the last time we went, but it got tiring.”