15 Amazing Gingerbread Houses

Each year the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., holds the biggest gingerbread house competition in the country. Get ideas and inspiration to build your own confectionary creation from these award-winning designs.

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Photo By: Michael Oppenheim Photography ©Michael Oppenheim

There Was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe

The inside of this grand-prize-winning boot is outfitted with a triple-tier bunk bed, Christmas tree, ceiling fan, chandelier and rugs. Created by Ashley Howard of Winter Springs, Fla.

Treasure Box

These ornaments and mini trunk look so real it's hard to believe they're actually edible. Second place winner, Heather Lewis of Austell, Ga.

On a One-Horse Open Sleigh

These third-place winners did a miraculous job of capturing the wood-grain of the sled, the texture of the horse's coat and the likeness of the sleigh riders. Created by Barbara Evans and Mary Jo Dowling of Edelstein, Ill.

Village Bakery and Florist

The details in this French village scene are spectacular. Take a close look at the flower buckets, bread baskets, roof tile and lampposts. Top 10 winner, Michael Villella of New Kensington, Pa.

Red-Nose Flying Machine

This hybrid airplane and flying reindeer is well equipped for making a one-night trip around the globe. The holly-leaf propellers should keep it powered throughout the long flight. Top 10 winner, Tracy Navin of Franklin, Tenn.

Mother Goose Land

Momma Goose watches her kingdom from the top of her castle. In attendance are such luminaries as the King, Queen and Jack of Hearts, the cat with his fiddle, the moon-jumping cow, Humpty Dumpty and some blind mice. Top 10 winner, Glenda Tant of Lebanon, Tenn.

Minion Elves

The helpful minions from the movie Despicable Me have the Christmas spirit. They decorated Gru's house with holly and wreaths and now they're going to pull the sleighs. First place winner in teen category, Carly Owens from Swannanoa, N.C.

Love Is in the Air

Young or old, birds or dogs, everybody's got kissing fever at the florist of love. Top 10 winner in teen category, Elisabeth Somerville of Montreat, N.C.

A Figgy Pudding to Go, Please

Food trucks are all the rage, even in Christmas land. Top 10 winner in teen category, Lilli McFerrin of Black Mountain, N.C.

On the Ponderosa

You know it's a good Christmas when your cowboy boots are overflowing with gifts. Top 10 teen winner, Emily Spafford of Maryville, Tenn.

Joyeux Noel and Bonne Année

Merry Christmas and happy new year from the city of light (and love). Second place winner in teen category, Jula Navin of Franklin, Tenn.

Alice in Wonderland

“It's always tea time,” said the Hatter -- particularly if it is as sweet and scrumptious looking as this gathering. Top 10 winner in teen category, Taylor Gilmore of Greenback, Tenn.

Papa Smurf in a Walnut Canoe

Papa Smurf cruises down river to shop at the Smurf Market. Judging by the bountiful garden, it looks like the market has a lot of fresh produce to sell. Second place winner youth (9 to 12 year old) category, Carley Cantrell of Cookeville, Tenn.

Elves' Second Home

Do you know where Christmas elves live in the off-season? In cupcakes, of course. Top 10 winner in youth (9 to 12 year old) category, Evelyn Lewis of Austell, Ga.

Three Little Pigs

Santa still visits those who make poor choices in building materials. Top 10 winner in youth (9 to 12 year old) category, Amanda Spafford of Maryville, Tenn.

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