The 27th Annual Sheraton Grand Seattle Gingerbread Village benefiting JDRF Greater Northwest just wrapped up another successful holiday season thanks to thousands of visitors and donors.  The Sheraton Grand Seattle’s culinary team partnered with five local architecture firms and building associations, and five JDRF Elves to design, bake and build inventive gingerbread displays reflecting this year’s theme: #ElfLife.

After the Gingerbread Village Kick-Off in July, teams spent months planning, ordering supplies and hours constructing their gingerbread houses. The unveiling took place on November 22nd, in the Sheraton Grand Seattle lobby, with help from the Park Christian High School Choir, Jesse Jones of KIRO 7, sponsor Skanska, and a surprise visit from Santa and Buddy the Elf.

Each team took a different spin on our theme for the year, #ElfLife, by exploring a classic elf story. Our first team of MG2, Executive Pastry Chef Joleen Anderson and JDRF Elf Harper showed us how the Elves and the Shoemaker create magic in the night while the shoemaker sleeps. Their detailed, colorful creation wowed visitors!

Our second team of Bailly & Bailly, Executive Chef John Armstrong IV, and JDRF elf Preston took us into the infamous tree where their Cookie Elves bake up fantastical sweets. The bow on top of the tree alone weighed over 1,000lbs!

Our third team of 4D Architects, Banquet Chef Jay Sardeson, and JDRF Elf Nolan reveal the antics of The Elf on the Shelf, with wily, moving elves peeking in an out of their fantastical structure. Visitors were challenged to find the red and white elves in all their hiding places.

Our fourth team of Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties & Gelotte Hommas Drivdahl Architecture, Executive Sous Chef David Mestl, and JDRF Elf Emmerson took us to the magical North Pole to visit Santa’s Workshop! A multitude of elves (and some famous faces) helped Santa get ready for his big day!

Last but certainly not least, our fifth team of CallisonRTKL and Hargis Engineers, Chef Lee Baldyga, and JDRF Elf Sophie has us screaming, “SANTA! I KNOW HIM!” as we celebrated the holiday classic ELF the Movie. Their massive structure had lights timed with music to wow visitors.

When all was said and done, Sheraton Grand Seattle and JDRF raised $96,570 with the proceeds going towards research and advancements for Type 1 Diabetes. We would like to thank the local community for their ongoing support of such a beloved Seattle based event! It was an amazing year. If you would like to support our wonderful Gingerbread Village teams, you can still donate online or mail in a check made out to JDRF to 1215 4th Ave, Ste 1100 Seattle, WA 98161.