The designer behind 28 years of gingerbread village displays at the Sheraton Grand Hotel

For 28 years, Ben Mulder has brought holiday cheer to Seattle through his stunning gingerbread village displays at the Sheraton Grand Hotel. Inspired by his daughter’s battle with type 1 diabetes, Mulder has raised over a million dollars for research while crafting these delightful creations. Every year, he collaborates with a team of volunteers to design the display, which operates under a fresh theme; this year, the theme 'iconic destinations' includes impressive structures like the London Eye and Tower Bridge. Visitors can enjoy the display for free, although donations are encouraged to benefit Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Mulder takes immense pleasure in the reactions of onlookers, particularly children who marvel at the candy creations.

His dedication to this project has become a cherished holiday tradition for many families in the region. The display will be open until January 1, allowing visitors to experience the magic of the season. As Mulder prepares for retirement from his day job, he leaves a lasting legacy in the community through this beloved event.