The Omni Grove Park Inn is celebrating the holiday season at its 23^rd annual National Gingerbread House Competition — the largest of its kind in the country.

Taking place Nov. 16, the event features small and large decorative structures and artistic landscapes adorned in icing and peppermint. Each year, hundreds of contestants from around the country visit The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., for a chance to win more than $7,500 in cash and prizes.

Each gingerbread house is judged on overall appearance, originality and creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme and must be constructed entirely of edible materials, of which 75 percent must be gingerbread. The panel of judges represents nationally renowned food, arts and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by ABC’s Good Morning America, the Travel Channel and the Food Network.

This year, travelers interested in getting into the festive mood are offered the hotel’s Gingerbread Holiday special. Valid through Dec. 29, the deal includes overnight accommodations, breakfast, gingerbread cookies and overnight valet or garage parking for rates starting from $308 per night.

The hotel will display the edible gingerbread masterpieces from the National Gingerbread House Competition through the New Year, as well as feature 80 themed Christmas trees, thousands of twinkling lights and roaring fireplaces.