Gingerbread rocket ships launch downtown

Lots of holiday traditions were put on hold during the pandemic. Now, at least one is returning: The Gingerbread Village at the downtown Sheraton Grand Seattle.

Driving the news: The 2022 Gingerbread Village opened to the public on Tuesday, featuring four elaborate space-themed displays made of gingerbread, frosting and colorful sweets.

• The theme, Buzzing Back, is a riff off of this year's popular "Buzz Lightyear" film.
• While the exhibit is free to visit, people are invited to make a donation as a way of voting for whichever design they like best.
• Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Northwest Chapter. (Children from the foundation also helped to brainstorm and create the designs.)

By the numbers: This year's gingerbread structures required more than 800 pounds of gingerbread and over 250 pounds of royal icing to create, according to the Sheraton staff.

Details: The display will remain open through Jan. 1, 2023. Viewing hours are 9am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday, and 9am to 11pm Friday and Saturday.