For the Reporter
The City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation presents a full holiday lineup, beginning Saturday with its traditional Santa Parade along Main Street and lighting of the Christmas tree on the City Hall Plaza.
The public can enjoy:
• Holiday Snack & Craft: Families and children can join the Parks Staff in creating holiday gingerbread houses and ornaments from 2 to 4 p.m. at Washington Elementary, 20 E St.NE. The pre-registration entry fee is $3 for residents, $4 for non-residents. Day-of-event registration entry fee is $5. So staff can be properly prepared, it is recommended to pre-register prior to attending.
• Santa Parade: On Main Street, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Community caroling, tree lighting and a synchronized light show follows at City Hall, 25 W. Main St.
For those that want to join in the parade, report to the lineup area (E Street NE and Main Street) at 4 p.m. Registration is required, and participants are asked to review the parade rules and regulations. Both can be found at auburnwa.gov/events. The Auburn Elites from Pioneer Elementary will provide parade spectators with a pre-parade treat – filling Main Street in front of City Hall with entertainment.
Also …
• Gingerbread House Contest: New this year. Free and open to all. Ten entries will be on display at the Auburn Community & Event Center, 910 Ninth St. SE, from Nov. 29 until noon, Dec. 10. Stop by and vote on your favorite display. A winner will be announced on Dec. 10 and will be awarded a prize. Fairway Independent Mortgage of Auburn is sponsoring the contest
• Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert: The 133rd Washington Army National Guard performs holiday classics and all the favorites of the season at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 Fourth St. NE. Tickets are free with a food donation but required and can be picked up in advance at the Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec Office, 910 Ninth St. SE.
• Breakfast with Santa: St. Nick will be especially busy on Saturday, Dec. 8 for every child’s favorite breakfast event. Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec hosts two seatings at 8:30 amd 11 a.m. at the Community and Events Center. Cost is $7 for residents of Auburn and $9 for those living outside the city ($8/$10 for adults). The event features a special breakfast served by Santa’s elves, musical entertainment and a special visit from Santa. Pre-registration is required.
• Parents’ Night Out: Available at the Les Gove Gym on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 10 p.m. For parents looking for some “kid-free” time for a night out, or to do some last-minute shopping. Gym to make room for games, crafts, a bouncy house, a pizza dinner and more kid-approved fun.
• “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical:” On the Auburn Ave Theater stage. Music for all ages. Performed by the Auburn Community Players, bring the family down for a buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic. Performances are 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15, with 2 o’clock matinees on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16. Tickets are available at the Parks Office, online at auburnwa.gov/arts or at the box office one-hour prior to the show.
• Santa visits the Indoor Playground at the gymnasium at Les Gove Park from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 7. It’s a great photo option for young ones
• The White River Valley Museum hosts a holiday-themed Late Play Date on Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The free program is perfect for kids age 3-12 and features holiday-themed crafts and activities with an international flair. Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap a picture of your kiddos with Santa Squatch in the Town Square exhibit. Late Play Date is a drop-in program and no registration is required. For more information, please contact the White River Valley Museum at 253-288-7433 or wrvmuseum.org.
For more information on Auburn’s holiday events, call Parks, Arts & Rec at 253-931-3043.
