Gingerbread castles created by Seattle architecture firms, trade associations and Sheraton Hotel culinary staff are on display in the hotel lobby at 1400 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle through January 1. Visitors can vote for their favorite castle throughout the duration of the exhibit. The event is free, but donations to the Northwest Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are requested. More details and photos are here. While you are downtown, take the kids to the excellent Children’s Room at the downtown Seattle Public Library at 1000 Fourth Avenue and make a day of it. Don’t forget your library card and a bag to carry your books!