Events
Auburn Tourism: For special events or to add a special event, go to www.auburntourism.com.
A Victorian Country Christmas: Dec. 2-6, Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 2-4; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 5; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Christmas shopping, entertainment, food, wine, treats, Santa’s Village, The Santa Tram and other family fun. Holiday Jubilee Theater and the Victorian Opry Theater features professional stage shows and concerts daily. Parking is free at designated fairgrounds parking lots. Gate admission: $12 adults; $10 seniors age 62 and older and juniors 6-17; military personnel $9 with ID. Children 5 and younger free with an adult. Gate admission is cash only. Group ticket sales available online at www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com.
Snack and Craft: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 5, Washington Elementary, 20 E St. NE. Opportunity for families to create fun holiday gingerbread houses and ornaments, a warm way to ring in the holidays and a yummy activity prior to the parade. Pre-registration is $3/$4 (resident/nonresident) or $5 at the door. www.auburnwa.gov
Santa Parade and Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5, downtown Auburn. A festive and fun children’s parade, followed by community caroling and the lighting of the City Hall Christmas Tree. Parade lineup begins at 4 p.m. on E Street NE. Pre-parade entertainment from 4-4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, 25 W. Main St.
Neely Mansion’s Farmhouse Christmas Celebration: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, 12303 SE Auburn-Black Diamond Road, Auburn. Tour the mansion decorated for the holidays. Visit new Swedish and Japanese American rooms. Enjoy light refreshments. Explore the gift shop and history room. Listen to traditional holiday music. Cost: $18 adults; $15 seniors; $10 for 10 and under. www.neelymansion.org.
Storytelling Festival: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 9, Rainbow Café, banquet room, 112 E. Main St. Tales of the season; creation legends; folk tales; Native American stories; and holiday stories. Admission: $10 at the door. For more information, contact Mary Ann Leberg, 253-520-4119 or rubydragonfly2@yahoo.com.
Wreaths Across America: 9 a.m. Dec. 12, Tahoma National Cemetery, main flag pole assembly area, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent.Holiday wreath-laying ceremony to honor and remember the nation’s veterans. Civil Air Patrol, veterans service organizations and citizens coordinating the event to honor veterans of each branch of the military, the Merchant Marine as well as prisoners of war and those still missing in action. Public is welcome. For more information, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
33rd annual Christmas Rush Fun Run: 9:50 a.m. Dec. 12, Hogan Park at Russell Road. Features a 10K run (starts at 9:50) and 5K run/walk (10 a.m.). Early entrance fee: $10 or $25 with a technical T-shirt before Dec. 4; week of race, fees are $20 or $35 with a technical T-shirt. Online registration available at Active.com. Registration forms also available at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores. Avoid the lines on race day; pick up shirts and bibs at RoadRunner Sports at Kent Station on Dec. 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. Race day registration and packet pick up is also available near the start/finish line at 8 a.m. For more information, call 253-856-5050.
Free screening: 7 p.m. Dec. 16, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. The City of Auburn commemorates National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day with a free screening of the documentary, “Storied Streets”. The film gives viewers a glimpse of the realities homeless experience each day. Free to the public.
Benefits
Sleep Train’s Toy Drive for Foster Kids and Secret Santa photo contest: Through Dec. 13. Donate new, unwrapped gifts at any Sleep Train. Snap a photo while you’re donating in store and share it on Instagram with #SleepTrainSecretSanta in the hashtag or upload to the contest Facebook page (Sleep Train). Most requested items include sporting equipment, art supplies, gift cards, action figures, baby dolls and electronics.
Bus Barn Bonanza: 9 a.m. Dec. 5, on the first Saturdays of the month, 615 15th St. SW. Auburn School District Transportation Department, 615 15th St. SW. Join as a vendor, a shopper or a looker. Arts, crafts, food, Seahawk gifts, yard sale items and more. Proceeds from vendor fees at $10 a table space go to the Senior Scholarship Foundation. Bus Barn Bonanza is a nonprofit organization. Any business or individuals interested in matching its makings or would like to be a vendor, please call 253-227-7789.
Auburn Mountainview Winter Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5, Auburn Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave. SE. Raising money for school clubs and teams. Large variety of vendors and holiday shopping items. Free admission. $20 vendor fee. Food available for sale. www.amhsbooster.org.
Photos with Santa Paws: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, Auburn Valley Humane Society Animal Shelter, 4910 A St. SE. Bring the family pet, dog, cat, rabbit to have their photo taken with Santa Paws. Dogs must be on a leash or other pets in a carrier. Get a special photo with Santa Paws for a $10 donation. Receive a special holiday card with the photo plus a toy and treats for your pet. For a $20 donation, receive a holiday card, photo, digital images on a bone-shaped flash drive for your use. For a $35 donation, receive a holiday card, photo, digital images on flash drive and a 2016 AVHS Pet Photo Calendar. Help us raise funds for homeless, lost and abandoned animals in the community. Call 253-249-7849 or visit us at www.auburnvalleyhs.org.
Health
Bloodworks Northwest drives: 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9, Zones Inc.,1102 15th St. SW; 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 16, GSA Auburn, 400 15th St. SW; noon-1 p.m., 2-6 p.m. Dec. 22, Multicare Auburn Medical Center, 202 N. Division St. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.
Alzheimer’s Association Auburn Caregiver Support Group: Noon-1:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Church of the Nazarene, 1225 29th St SE, Room 15. Caring for someone with memory loss? Do you need information and support? Alzheimer’s Association family caregiver support groups provide a consistent and caring place for people to learn, share and gain emotional support from others who are also on a unique journey of providing care to a person with memory loss. For information, call Val Brustad, 253-854-7658.
Mary Bridge Children’s Center for Childhood Safety: Car safety seat inspection on the first Wednesday of each month at MultiCare Auburn Urgent Care, 202 Cross St. SE, Auburn. Please call 253-403-1417 to schedule an appointment.
Living Tobacco-free Weekly Free Support Group: 6 p.m. Wednesdays, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, second floor, Heart Care Center classroom, 202 N. Division St. Free one-hour weekly support group meeting open to adults and teens wanting to quit tobacco, newly quit, struggling with relapse or helping a friend quit tobacco. For more information, contact Heidi Henson at 253-223-7538 or hhenson@seattleymca.org.
Patient and Caregiver Cancer Support Group: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, MultiCare Regional Cancer Center, 121 N. Division St., No. 100, Auburn. Gilda’s on the Go in partnership with the cancer center offer support group for patients and caregivers. You may drop in to this professionally facilitated group. No matter where you are being treated, or have been treated, for cancer, this group is free and open to you. Please join us. www.gildasclubseattle.org
Southeast King County Parkinson’s Disease support group: Meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m., St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. SE, Covington. Group’s monthly lunches are on the first Tuesday of the month at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE, Auburn. For more information, contact Stephanie Lawson at 206-579-5206.
Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll free the Gamblers Anonymous Hotline 1-855-222-5542. Visit www.gawashington.org or www.gamblersanonymous.org for additional information.
Volunteers
Auburn Valley Humane Society: 6-8 p.m., third Wednesdays of the month; 10 a.m.-noon, third Saturdays of the month, AVHS shelter, 4910 A St. SE, Auburn. Volunteer orientation and trainings. Stop by the shelter or AVHS thrift store, 1123 E. Main St., to pick up a volunteer application or download one from auburnvalleyhs.org and bring it to the orientation. You may register to attend anyone of the sessions in the future by emailing slavigne@auburnvalleyhs.org. For more information, call 253-249-7849 or visit auburnvalleyhs.org.
Clubs
Striped Water Poets: Meets every Tuesday, 7- 9 p.m., at Auburn City Hall, 25 W. Main St. A roundtable critique and welcoming of new poets.
Auburn Noon Lions: Meets Tuesdays, noon, Longhorn Barbecue, 635 C St. SW. $12 for lunch, $5 for dessert and beverage. For more information, contact Ed Butler at 253-929-9358 or edbutler0314@gmail.com.
Rotary Club of Auburn: Meets noon, Wednesdays, Auburn Golf Course, banquet room, 29630 Green River Road SE. Programs: For more information, visit www.auburnrotary.org.
Kiwanis Club of The Valley: Meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at Veterans Memorial Park, 411 St. NE, Auburn. For more information, visit www.kiwaniscluboftheauburnvalley.org
Auburn Morning Toastmasters: Meets every Thursday morning, 6:30-7:30, Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 25 Second St. NW. Learn the fine art of communication and public speaking in a friendly supportive atmosphere. Visitors are welcome.
Soroptimist International of Auburn: Meets Wednesdays at noon in the Rainier Room, Truitt Building, 102 W. Main St. Make reservations by emailng info@siauburn. For more information, visit www.siauburn.org
Save Our Fish, Auburn Chapter, Puget Sound Anglers: Meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month (except December), 6 p.m. Round Table Pizza, 4002 A St. SE. Learn fishing techniques and hot spots from guest speakers and chapter experts. For more information, visit www.saveourfish.org.
Green Valley/Lake Holm Association: 6:30 p.m. Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Drive. Meetings are on the last Wednesday of every month, except holidays. The association is an unincorporated area community service group formed by local citizens for the purpose of addressing common issues, safety measures and ideas for improvement. Featuring Capt. Scott Somers of the King County Sheriff’s Department speaking on rural personal and property protection, increasing traffic concerns, adapting Block Watch in rural areas and ways residents can support the precinct’s deputies. Refreshments served. For more information, contact gvlhassn@gmail.com.
Libraries
Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S. 253- 931-3018. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Newborn to age 5 with caregiver. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing.
Spanish Story Times: 7 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 and 17. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8. Ages newborn to 24 months with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, 17. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Preschool Story Times: 11:15 a.m. Dec. 10, 17. Ages 3 to 7 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Caspar Babypants, The Beatles Baby Concert: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Sing and dance along with one of the most popular children’s performers in the Northwest. This family concert features favorites from The Beatles.
Holiday Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Bring your favorite stuffed friend for a song and dance fest before the animals stay overnight. Return at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19 for snacks and photos of what your friend did without you. Registration required.
Sunday Movie Afternoon: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. “Elf”. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy this heartwarming comedy about a human raised by elves who goes to New York City in search of his birth father. Snacks will be provided.
TEENS
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 2, 9 and 16. Middle and high school ages. Play video games, snack, get online, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book.
Study Zone: 5-7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. When school is in session. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.
Teen Writers’ Group: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 and 11. Middle and high school ages. Meet other teen authors, share what you’ve been writing, improve your craft and have fun. Snacks will be served.
Teen Book Club: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15. “Buzz Kill” by Beth Fantaskey. High school ages.
ADULTS
English as a Second Language (ESL) Class Registration: 5:15 p.m. Dec. 14. To register for ESL classes: • please arrive on time; • registration will be first come, first serve; • space is limited; • allow 3 hours to complete registration; • bring picture ID; • please, no children. Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free. Classes are on 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.
Computer classes?: If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-3018. • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 9; • One-On-One Computer Help, 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19; • Microsoft Excel Level 2, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16.
Genealogy Assistance: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 16. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.
Third Thursday Afternoon Book Club: 2 p.m. Dec. 17. “The Great Santini” by Pat Conroy”.
Tablets 101: 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Learn how to use your new tablet. This class teaches the basics, how to turn off your device completely, wifi connection, security and app installation. All operating systems covered. Need to bring your own device.
Where are the Jobs? Job Searching Using the Library: 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8. At WorkSource, Auburn, 2707 I St. NE. A librarian will show you library resources that include: how to search for a job, how to create a resume and cover letter, find interview advice and find job preparation and training materials that will help you with your job search. And, it’s all free.
Better With Biographies Book Club: 11 a.m. Dec. 11. “Ghost Boy: The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body” by Martin Pistorius. Do you love reading biographies? Come for a lively discussion at the biography book group for adults! New members always welcome and copies of the book will be available at the library.
Sign Up for ORCA LIFT’s Reduced Fares: 12:30-2 p.m. Dec. 11. Presented by Multi-Service Center. Drop in to register for ORCA LIFT, a new, reduced fare on Metro buses, Sound Transit Link light rail and more. Income-qualified riders, ages 19 and older, can save 50 percent or more. To see if you qualify, check www.orcalift.com or call Multi-Service Center at 253-838-6810. Please bring ID and income verification documents.
Never Enough Nonfiction Book Club: 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Do you love reading nonfiction? This month we will be discussing northwest history. Choose your own book in the 979.5 section. New members always welcome!
Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 1 p.m. Dec. 18. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.
Opera Preview,The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: 7 p.m. Dec. 29. Free lecture, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts.
Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Toddler Story Time: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 8. Ages 2 to 3 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Dec. 8. Ages 3 to 5 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Family Story Time: 10 a.m. Dec. 4. At the Pacific Community Center, 305 Milwaukee Blvd., Pacific. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Spanish Story Times: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 and 14. At the Pacific Community Center, 305 Milwaukee Ave., Pacific. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.
Fingerplay Extravaganza: 11 a.m. Dec. 15. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Join your fabulous Children’s Librarians as they show off some of their favorite Story Time rhymes, songs and finger plays. Discover a wealth of ideas that you can use at home to develop Early Literacy skills, and direct the librarians as they film their performances for use on the library website.
TEENS
Study Zone: 4-6 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.
Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 3, 10, 17. Middle and high school ages. Play video games, snack, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book.
Lego Mindstorms: 4 p.m. Dec. 14. Ages 9 to 13. Build and program a robot using Lego Mindstorms. In the two-hour workshop, students work with others to master the programming of basic movements using Lego Mindstorms robotics kits. No experience necessary.
Woodworking Basics for Teens: 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Ages 12 to 18. Get experience building with real tools! Learn to safely use a variety of hand tools and construction materials to build a wooden box with a lid. Keep for yourself or give as a gift.
ADULTS
English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration is 5 p.m. Dec. 10. Learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free. To register for ESL classes: please arrive on time; registration will be first come, first serve; space is limited; allow 3 hours to complete registration; bring picture ID; please, no children.
Algona-Pacific Page Turners Book Club: 7 p.m. Dec. 16. “Attachments” by Rainbow Rowell. Share your love of books and connect with fellow readers. Copies of this title have been reserved for participants and are available for check out at the library. New members are always welcome.
Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 2 p.m. Dec. 28. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.
Muckleshoot Library, 39917 Auburn-Enumclaw Road SE., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:
PROGRAMS
Looking to sharpen your technology skills?: If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-6779.
Network
3No Networking: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. 3No Networking is a casual weekly get-together set aside for members of the business community to drop in and get to know each other. The mixer rotates among Auburn venues. The series is made possible by a partnership between IPZ No. 15 Auburn, the City of Auburn Office of Economic Development, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Downtown Association. For more information, contact Doug Lein, IPZ administrator, at 253-804-3101. For a full schedule, visit www.3noNetworking.com.
Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Business Insider Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. $25/members; $35/non-members (includes lunch). Register online through the chamber.
Seniors
Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE. 253-931-3016 or www.auburnwa.gov. Senior activities include:
• Senior Coffee Hours with the Mayor and Councilmembers: 10-11 a.m. the second Thursday of the month.
• Lunch: Monday-Friday, Salad bar begins at 11:30, Main meal is served at noon. Cost: $3 donation for ages 60 and over, $6 for those younger than 60.
• Movie Screenings: Wednesdays, 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. 50 cents suggested donation for refreshments.
• Monday Supper Club: 4:45-6 p.m. One Monday a month. Call 253-931-3016 for date and menu. Cost: $6 for all ages.
• Meals on Wheels: Senior services’ program offers home-delivered meals to home-bound seniors. For more information, call the center at 253-931-3016.
PROGRAMS
Volunteer opportunities: The center’s meals-on-wheels and respite programs need help to provide services to seniors. Please call 253-288-7441 or 253-931-3016, if interested.
Auburn Respite: Nonprofit adult day care program serving the community needs volunteers to help its senior participants. The group meets weekly at the center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. The program allows caregivers to enjoy a worry-free day off while the participant enjoys socialization, companionship and lunch. For more information, contact program director Sheila Pankratz at 253-875-9163.
MEAL EVENT PROGRAMS
The following meal events cost $3 for ages 60 and older, $6 for under 60. Pre-purchase tickets at the front desk.
Santa Breakfast: Seatings at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Dec. 12. Pancake breakfast and great entertainment. Children $5/$7, adults $6/$8
Christmas Dinner: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 17.
New Year’s Eve Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
Pacific Algona Senior Center, 100 Third Ave SE, Pacific, 253-929-1153.
Serving seniors: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No annual fee. Monday free lunch, Tuesday-Friday lunch provided by Catholic Community Services. Senior bus trips to local stores and events. Crafts and card making.
Entertainment
AUBURN AVENUE THEATER
Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. Call Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec at 253-931-3043, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.
The Elves and The Toymaker: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, It’s the holiday season and a Toymaker and his wife have been working day and night to get toys ready to give to boys and girls everywhere, but the elves discover that all the toys have disappeared. In true StoryBook Theater fashion, this holiday musical will delight audiences young and old, and remind everyone that the spirit of giving is truly the greatest gift of all. Tickets: $8.
V. Contreras: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. A classically trained vocalist and long-time jazz aficionado, V. (Victoria Wimer Contreras) has won the hearts of Seattle with her rich, soulful voice as a featured vocalist with Seattle Rock Orchestra, Patsy Cline’s Sweet Dreams tribute, McDonald’s commercials and the National Anthem at Mariners and Seahawks games. Perhaps the most unique aspect is that no one in Seattle has heard her original compositions ever – until now. Tickets: $17 regular; $15 students, seniors.
An Inspirational Christmas With Elvis: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Elvis Presley’s voice, soul and presence would always cut through the deepest of scratched RCA records. With a devout passion, Danny would sing and dance along with the King’s music trusting that one day he would be recapturing his own “Illusion of Elvis” show on stage. Join Danny has he presents classic Elvis along with some great traditional Christmas selections as well.Tickets: $23 regular; $20 students, seniors.
The Gothard Sisters: 2 p.m. Dec. 13. The Gothard Sisters, winners of Best New Irish Artists in the sixth annual Irish Music Awards, present a magical and family-friendly Celtic Christmas. Both ancient, timeless Christmas carols and newer favorites combine with thrilling Irish dancing and fast fiddle tunes, plus storytelling. Tickets: $23 regular; $20 students, seniors.
Taproot Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Two performances by Taproot Theater. Hark the Harold: “There’s no way they’d give me a mission that important!” Harold is not the brightest angel in the heavenly host, and Harold’s enthusiastic shenanigans are really trying the patience of his new partner, Gabriel. Watch how the Nativity unfolds from a hilarious, heavenly perspective. (45 minutes). It’s A Wonderful Improvised Life: Using It’s a Wonderful Life as a guide, creator Danny Walter has put together a play that four of Taproot’s improvisers make unique by soliciting key story elements from audience members. Come and make history while having a blast and enjoying a night full of laughs. (60 minutes). Tickets: $17 regular; $15 students, seniors.
Ted Vigil Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Ted Vigil is a singer, songwriter and John Denver tribute artist extraordinaire. He has wowed crowds, sells out theaters nationwide and has played twice for John Denver’s own “Windstar Foundation” in Aspen, Colo. Joining him on stage are a group of professional musicians and the very talented singer Amanda Bacon. Join us as Ted performs many of the hits of John Denver’s and celebrates the season with several Christmas songs. Tickets: $20 regular; $18 students, seniors.
The Science of Santa Claus, Doktor Kaboom: 2 p.m. Dec. 20. Your child’s favorite doctor returns to the Auburn Avenue Theater for one unforgettable afternoon of Santa themed science, at the Doktor Kaboom holiday show. The good Doktor, working from the assumption that science and magic are the same thing, declares Mr. Claus the world’s greatest scientist and will use basic physics attempts to recreate all of Santa’s wonders.Tickets: $10.
ELSEWHERE
Rainier Youth Choirs concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 5, Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Bella Voce (singers in grades 4-6) directed by Brad Wills, and Colla Voce (singers in grades 6-8) directed by Leora Schwitters preview their holiday songs in preparation for RYC’s main event, The World for Christmas, which will include all six ensembles at 3 p.m. Dec. 12 at Kent United Methodist Church. Tickets are available for purchase at www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.
Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 6, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 702 4th St. NE. Free community concert performed by the 133rd Army Band of the Washington National Guard. Tickets are free, but required for admission and are available for pickup at the Parks, Arts & Recreation Administration Building, 2840 Riverwalk Drive SE, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 9th St. SE, Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. or Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Limit six per family. Donations of nonperishable food are being collected during ticket pickup with all donations being delivered to the Auburn Food Bank.
Home for the Holidays: Nutcracker, Messiah, & More: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Auburn Performing Arts Center, 206 E St. NE. Leif Bjaland guest conducts the Auburn Symphony Orchestra’s popular and family-friendly holiday symphonic concert, featuring festive, familiar works. Handel, “The Messiah” (selections); Tchaikovsky, “The Nutcracker” (selections); Prokofiev Troika; Leroy Anderson, “Sleigh Ride”, “Christmas Festival”. Federal Way Chorale joins the symphony. Reserved seats: $35 adults, $28 seniors; $10 students. Parking is free. Call 253-887-7777 or purchase online at auburnsymphony.org.
“Mary Poppins”: 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, Green River College Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre Co. presents classic story. For the first time in the community theatre’s 40 year history, cast members will literally soar to new heights in this high flying musical. For ticket information, call 253-833-9111 x2400 or visit heavierthanair.com.
A World for Christmas concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 12, Kent United Methodist Church, 1101 SE 248th St. Rainier Youth Choirs’ ninth annual holiday concert features all six choirs with dozens of old and new holiday selections, including a sampling of its February concert’s special guest band, Erwilian. Alumni are invited to join the choir on perennial favorites, “Carol of the Bells”, and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. RSVP to info@rainieryouthchoirs.org. Admission: $5-$12 in advance; $7-$15 at the door. www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.
Rainier Chorale Holiday Treasures: 7:30-9 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St, Kent. Featuring familiar songs and carols, including “The Shepherds’ Chorus” from Amahl and the Night Visitors, and a contemporary arrangement of “In Dulci Jubilo” by Matthew Culloton. Also performing will be the jazz quartet, Voices4. Advance ticket prices: $18 general admission; $16 for seniors, students; $12 for 11 and under. Additional $2 will be charged for tickets at the door. www.rainierchorale.org
Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Live music and wine tasting on the first Saturday of each month, 7-9 p.m. For information, contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.
Poetry
Poets at the Rainbow Café: 7-9 p.m. Dec. 7, 112 E. Main St. Free to the public. Coffee, pancakes and conversation follow readings. It is an open mic opportunity. The public is invited.
Music
Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley. MVYSO boasts a playing group for every level, from beginning strings to string ensemble. For more information, call 425-358-1640 or visit www.mvyso.org.
Rainier Youth Choirs: RYC has four leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 2 through 14). Call 253-315-3125 to schedule an audition. For more information, visit www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.
Museums
WHITE RIVER VALLEY MUSEUM
Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and the first Thursday 6-8 p.m. Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children. Children 2 years of age or younger are free. Free admission on the first Thursday and third Sunday of the month. For more information, visit www.wrvmuseum.org or call 253-288-7439.
PROGRAMS
Holiday Tea: 12:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Join a festive holiday tea in the Museum’s Town Square exhibit. Reserve your cup soon. $15 per person. For more information and to register, visit wrvmuseum.org
Galleries
Auburn City Hall: Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free. 253-931-3043 or www.auburnwa.gov.
