Events

Auburn Tourism: For special events or to add a special event, go to www.auburntourism.com.

27th annual A Victorian Country Christmas: Dec. 3-7, Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Live entertainment, shopping, wine garden and family activities. More than than 500 one-of-a-kind stores. Admission is $11 for adults; $9 for seniors 62 and over and juniors 6-17. Children 5 and younger are free with an adult. Military personnel are $8 with ID. $2 discount coupons off the $11 adult admission price Wednesday-Friday will be available at: www.avictoriancountrychristmas.com. Parking is free at designated Washington State Fairgrounds parking lots.

Pictures with Santa Claus: Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 6, 936 Auburn Way S. Presented by Auburn Youth Resources. Be sure to bring your children, regardless of age, and their wish lists and take a free picture with Santa Claus. Free candy canes and hot chocolate. For more information, call 253-351-6059 or visit www.ayr4kids.org.

Santa Parade and Tree Lighting: 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Main Street, 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 Northeast. Pre-parade entertainment from 4-4:30 p.m. in front of City Hall, 25 W. Main St. Enjoy family-friendly train rides, hands-on ArtRageous activities, kettle corn and hot chocolate sales and pony rides (for a minimal fee). Strolling entertainment provided by Green River Jazz Voices and a special visit from Queen Elsa and Princess Anna, from 6:15 to 7 p.m. Leashed, licensed and well-behaved pets welcome at the Santa parade and tree lighting.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Doktor Kaboom, The Science of Santa: 1 p.m. Dec. 6, Auburn Avenue Theater, 10 Auburn Ave. The good doktor, working from the assumption that science and magic are the same thing, declares Mr. Claus the world’s greatest scientist and using basic physics attempts to recreate all of Santa’s wonders. Tickets $8. Call 253-931-3043 or order online for will call-only pickup at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Snack and Craft: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 6, Washington Elementary, 20 E St. NE. Families can create fun holiday gingerbread houses and ornaments. Pre-registration is $3-$4 or $5 at the door.

City of Algona Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Dec. 7, Waffle Park, 402 Warde St., Algona. Auburn Riverside High School vocal jazz to perform. Come see Santa and enjoy refreshments in the City Hall chambers after the tree lighting. Call 253-833-2897 for more information.

Wreaths Across America: 9-10 a.m. Dec. 13, Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St., Kent. Green River Composite Squadron honors those who have served. As a key partner in the nationwide Wreaths Across America program, CAP annually adorns memorials and veterans’ graves with evergreen wreaths to ensure the sacrifices of our nation’s soldiers are never forgotten. Your $15 donation places a wreath on the grave of a fallen hero this winter, and a portion of that gives back to our local squadron​. For more information, visit ww.grcscap.com/fundraising/waa

Tacoma RV Show: Jan. 15-18, Tacoma Dome, 2727 E. D St. Show hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday. Northwest RV dealers showcase the latest and most fuel-efficient motor homes, fifth-wheels, toy haulers and travel trailers. The 32st annual event is presented by the Boeing Employees Credit Union. Cost: $12 general admission, free to children 16 and under. Get $2 off discount coupons online at www.otshows.com.

Washington Sportsmen’s Show: Jan. 21-25, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, 110 Ninth Ave. SW. Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions include the “Cowboy Fast Draw” supervised shooting range for show-goers, presentations at the indoor “Steelhead River,” the “Northwest Tour of Big Game Animals” and “Head & Horns” competition, camp cooking, the Kid’s Free Trout Pond and other events. More than 150 free “how to” seminars presented by top experts in multiple theaters. Admission: adults $12; juniors (6-16) $5; children 5 and under are admitted free. $18 two-day passes available. Discount coupons, valid for $2 off adult admission Wednesday through Friday only, available at www.thesportshows.com and at participating Baxter Auto Parts and Les Schwab locations.

Benefits

“Toy ‘N’ Joy” drive: Nov. 16-Dec. 13, Bartell Drugs, 3902 A St. SE, Auburn. Bartell Drugs partners with the Salvation Army to provide holiday gifts for children in need by collecting new, unwrapped toys. Toy donations accepted at Bartell Drugs locations throughout King and Pierce counties. Options: • Choose a “gift request tag” from the “Toy ‘N’ Joy” display in the store and return the gift to the donation barrel with the tag affixed to it. • Donate new, unwrapped gifts appropriate for children up to 14 years-of-age. For more information, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

Girls Night Out to Benefit Children’s Hospital: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4, AgriShop/ACE Hardware, 308 W. Main St., Auburn. Live music, vendor booths, free goody bags, coupons, samples. Proceeds support Seattle Children’s Hospital. $12 ticket (suggested donation) includes three wine tastings and appetizers. Additional tastings at $2 each.

Auburn Food Bank fundraiser, KozyLite grand opening: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 5, Les Gove Park Multipurpose Building, 1040 Deals Way SE, Auburn. Each nonperishable food donation receives a free raffle ticket. Drawings throughout the event. Christmas carols sung by the Children of Christmas. Sample holiday cookies and cocoa or hot cider. Shop for gifts. All food collected and a percentage of all proceeds donated to the food bank. 253-332-5139.

Keep Our Kids Safe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 6-7, Auburn Mountainview High School parking lot, 28900 124th Ave. SE, off 132nd. Auburn Mountainview High School Booster Club’s clothing and textile drive. Clothing (used, new, stained, torn, single socks, etc), shoes (any condition), towels, blankets, purses, bags, pillows, stuffed animals, and small household items (must be working) will be accepted. Bring them bagged or boxed. Donations support the the school’s 2015 Grad Night. For more information, email Tracy Arnold at 2015amhs@comcast.net.

Battle of the Badges: 9 a.m. Dec. 6, Auburn Memorial Stadium, 801 Fourth St. NE. Auburn Police Department vs. the Valley Professional Firefighters in charity flag football game. Admission is a nonperishable food donation, with all donations going to the Auburn Food Bank and the Pacific Community Center to help families in need. T-shirts will be available for purchase during the game.

Photos with Santa Paws: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6, 13, Auburn Valley Humane Society, 4910 A St. SE. Bring the family pet, dog, cat, guinea pig, 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 $15 donation, receive a holiday card, photo and a digital version of the photo. For a $30 donation, receive a holiday card, photo, digital version and a 2015 AVHS Pet Calendar. Raising funds for homeless, lost and abandoned animals in the community. For more information, call 253-249-7849 or visit www.auburnvalleyhs.org.

Auburn Mountainview Annual Winter Bazaar: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 6, Auburn Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave. SE. Large variety of vendors with items and food for sale. Raising money for school activities, clubs and sports opportunities. www.amhsbooster.org

Victorian Farmhouse Christmas at the Neely Mansion: 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. Dec. 6; noon, 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Neely Mansion, 12303 Auburn-Black Diamond Road, off Highway 18. Tour the rooms, enjoy heirloom displays, the gift shop, costumed docents and the Cascade Foothills Choir. Adults: $18; $12 youth 12 and under. By advance registration only. Proceeds support the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the historic mansion. Call 253-850-2777.

The Bus Barn Bonanza: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 7. Held on the first Saturday of every month, February to June, October to December, Auburn School District Transportation Yard, 615 15th St. SW. Featuring arts and crafts from local artists and business people. Free to the public. A $10 vendor fee supports the Auburn High School seniors scholarship fund. For more information, visit www.busbarnbonanza.com.

Barbers Against Hunger Coat and Food Drive: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 21, Auburn Valley Barbershop, 316 E. Main St., and Salon Edwards, 29100 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. Donation and coats go to families in need. For more information, call the Auburn barbershop at 253-939-7262, or the Federal Way barbershop at 253-941-8845.

New Year’s 2k/5k Fun Run and Walk: 10 a.m. Jan. 1, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE. Walk or run the scenic cart paths of the country club. Leashed pets welcome. Coffee, hot cocoa and snacks provided. Warm, dry buildings will be open for gathering and watching. Net proceeds donated to the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Lakewood. Cost: $20 for 2K and under 18; $25 for 5K and over 18. Registration available at the country club’s front desk or online at Active.com.

Cascade Regional Blood Center drives:  8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 5, Mountainview High School, 28900 124th Ave. SE, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 6, Albertsons, 4010  A St. SE, Auburn; 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 9-10, Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Road. For more information, call 1-877-242-5663 or visit www.crbs.net/home.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 11, GSA, 400 15th St. SW. 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 16, Zones, Inc., 1102 15th St. SW; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 18, Auburn City Hill, 25 W. Main St.; 9-11 a.m., noon-3 p.m. Dec. 23, MultiCare Auburn Medical Center, mobile at 2nd Street entrance, Plaza 1, 202 N. Division St. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

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.

Auburn Alzheimer’s Association Support Group: Noon-1:30 p.m. first Tuesday of each month, Church of the Nazarene, 1225 29th St. SE, Room 15, Auburn. Caring for someone with memory loss? Group provides a place for caregivers to learn and gain support from others caring for a person with memory loss. Support groups also serve as an opportunity for participants to receive information on care management, available services, research and treatment options. Free. Contact group facilitator Val Brustad at 253-854-7658 for details.

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.

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., fourth Wednesdays of the month; 10 a.m.-noon, fourth Saturdays of the month, AVHS shelter, 4910 A St. SE, Auburn. Volunteer orientation and trainings. Stop by the shelter to pick up a volunteer application or download one from www.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 www.auburnvalleyhs.org.

Faith

Zen Shin Meditation Service: 9-10 a.m. Sundays, White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way N. For more information, visit www.wrbt.org.

Christmas Eve Service: 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Dec. 24, Faith and Victory Church, 1302 A St. SE, Auburn. The 9 p.m. service provides child care for infants and toddlers (ages 4 and younger). The 11 p.m. service is without child care. Both services include lighting of the advent wreath, reading the Christmas story, lighting candles, worship songs, Christmas songs, prayer and fellowship. More information: faithandvictory.com/cpt_events/christmas-eve-service/

Clubs, programs

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, at the Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec Department, Les Gove Park, 910 Ninth St. SE.

Rotary Club of Auburn: Meets noon, Wednesdays, Auburn Golf Course, banquet room, 29630 Green River Road SE. For more information, visit www.auburnrotary.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. For more information, call 253-735-1751 or visit www.toastmasters.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.

Libraries

Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S. 253- 931-3018.  Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Spanish Story Times: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, 15, 22 and 29. Newborn to age 5 with adult. Have fun singing songs, telling stories, reading books, creating art and playing. Play & Learn is in English.

Afternoon Family Story Times: 1:45 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15. Ages 3 and older with adult.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 10 and 17. Ages newborn to 24 months with adult.

Toddler Story Time: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Ages 2 to 3 with adult.

Preschool Story Time: 11 a.m. Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Ages 3 to 7 with adult.

Super Saturday Family Story Time: 11 a.m. Dec. 6. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

A Christmas Carol Play: 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Presented by The Hampstead Stage Company. Ages 5 and older with adult. In this timeless tale by Charles Dickens the miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, learns the true meaning of the holiday through one night of visits from the spirits of the season.

Holiday Stuffed Animal Sleepover: 4 p.m. Dec. 19. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Bring your favorite stuffed friend for a song and dance fest before the animals stay overnight. Return Saturday for snacks and photos of what your friend did without you. Registration required for children.

Teddy Bear Tea: 10 a.m. Dec. 20. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Come for a Story Time and tea party and see what your stuffed animal friends did in the library the night before.

“The Polar Express” Movie Afternoon: 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Join us for a free screening of the delightful holiday film, “The Polar Express”, starring Tom Hanks and based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.

TEENS

Study Zone: 5-7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays. 3-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.

Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Play video games, snack, get online, hang out, study, or pick-up a good book.

Teen Writers’ Group: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 19. Meet other teen authors, share what you’ve been writing and have fun. Snacks will be served.

Teen Advisory Group: 3:30 p.m. Dec. 15. Have a say in what goes on at the library for teens, develop leadership skills, and earn community service hours.

Teen Book Club: 4 p.m. Dec. 16. “Terrier: The Legend of Beka Cooper” by Tamora Pierce

ADULTS

Genealogy Assistance: 1-3 p.m. Dec. 17. Volunteers from South King County Genealogical Society will be available to answer your questions.

English as a Second Language (ESL) : 6 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Dec. 10. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

Looking to sharpen your technology skills?:  If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-3018. • Internet Level 1 Taught in Spanish, 7 p.m. Dec. 8; • Computer Basics, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 10; • Microsoft Excel Level 1, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 15; • Microsoft Excel Level 2, 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tablets 101: 2 p.m. Dec. 12. 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.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 15, 18; 3-4 p.m. Dec. 20. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Holiday Harp Concert: 7 p.m. Dec. 15.  Presented by The Auburn Harp Ensemble. Come to the library and enjoy a soothing holiday experience. This local group of talented musicians will play classics and holiday favorites.

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Algona-Pacific Library, 225 Ellingson Road, Pacific. 253-833-3554. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Toddler Story Times: 10:15 a.m. Dec. 9. Ages 2 to 3 with adult.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Dec. 9. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.

Family Story Times: 10 a.m. Dec. 19. Held at the Pacific Community Center, 305 Milwaukee Ave., Pacific. All ages welcome, ages 6 and younger with adult.

Super Saturday Family Story Time: 11 a.m. Dec. 13. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

A Holiday Tale of Poetry and Magic Show: 2 p.m. Dec. 13. Presented by Thomas H. Pruiksma. Ages 3 and older with adult. Enjoy a holiday tale that combines original poetry with magic to tell a story about harvest-time, family and the sharing of food.

DIY, Create: 4 p.m. Dec. 15. Ages 8 to 12. Spend an hour crafting with duct tape or string and nails. Let’s see what you can create. Please register.

Storybook Science: 11 a.m. Dec. 16. Ages 3 to 6 with adult. The Big Bad Wolf and the Scientific Method collide as we investigate which materials stand up best against huffing and puffing, and whether that third little pig was really as wise as the story implies. Then build simple houses using straws, sticks, and bricks, and test them to find out which ones are strong. Please register.

Legos at the Library: 2 p.m. Dec. 22.  Ages 5 to 11, ages 7 and younger with adult. Have some fun building with LEGOs. Create around the theme or build what you like. You bring the ideas and we will supply the Legos.

TEENS

Teen Zone: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 4, 11. Play video games, snack, get online, hang out, study, or pick up a good book.

Study Zone: 4-6 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors.

Art of CalligraphyL 3:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Ages 10 to 18. Take a journey around the world and learn the art of lettering through calligraphy. Practice writing your name using black letter, roman or italic lettering style and create your own custom art piece.

ADULTS

Computer Class: Registration required. Please sign up at the Information Desk or call 253-833-3554. • Microsoft Excel Level 2, 3 p.m. Nov. 17.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL): 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 11. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 11 a.m.-noon, Dec. 10. Get started with KCLS eBooks, Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Algona-Pacific Page Turners: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10. “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown.

Algona-Pacific Library 20th Anniversary Open House: All day, Dec. 13. Join us for the celebration. The event will feature a story time in the morning, presentations by local dignitaries at 1:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon magic show and music from the Auburn Harp Ensemble.

Chocolate Holiday Gift Making for Teens and Adults: 4 p.m. Dec. 18. Ages 11 and older. Join pastry chef Laurie Pfalzer to learn how to make chocolate gifts for the holidays. Discover how to make dark chocolate ganache which we will turn into beautiful, hand-rolled truffles. You will also learn to make dark chocolate and candy cane bark, white chocolate popcorn and caramel corn with dark chocolate drizzle. At the end of class you will package your gifts and take them home to give or enjoy.

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Muckleshoot Library, 39917 Auburn-Enumclaw Road SE., Auburn. 253-931-6779. Library events include:

ADULTS

Looking to sharpen your technology skills?:  If you’re interested in attending a computer class, please call 253-931-6779.

Handmade Chocolates for the Holidays: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Join pastry chef Laurie Pfalzer of Pastry Craft to learn how to make chocolate gifts for the holidays. Free

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: • First Thursday of the month – Oddfellas Pub & Eatery, 102 W. Main St.; • second Thursday – Auburn Wine & Caviar Company, 2402 A St. SE; • third Thursday – Station Bistro, 110 Second St. SW, Suite 125; • fourth Thursday – Zola’s Café, 402 E. Main St. Suite 120. 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.

Auburn Area Chamber “Connecting for Success” Breakfast:  8-9 a.m., the first Wednesday of every month, Auburn Area Chamber Board Room, 25 Second St NW, Auburn.  Sponsored by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce.    253-833-0700.

Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the third Tuesday of every month, Emerald Downs, Emerald Room (fourth floor), 2300 Emerald Downs Drive.  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

Breakfast with Santa: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. seatings, Dec. 13. Cost: $5 for Auburn residents, $7 for those living outside the city ($6/$8 for adults). Featuring a special breakfast served by Santa’s elves, musical entertainment and a special visit from Santa. Pre-registration required. Call 253-931-3043 or visit www.auburnwa.gov/play

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 also serves clients on the second and fourth Tuesday, from 10 to 3. 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.

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.

AveKids, Doktor Kaboom The Science of Santa: 1 p.m. Dec. 6. Holiday show in which the good Doktor, working from the assumption that science and magic are the same thing, declares Mr. Claus the world’s greatest scientist and using basic physics attempts to recreate all of Santa’s wonders. Tickets: $8.

A Darren Motamedy Christmas: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Darren Motamedy is a smooth jazz saxophonist who has performed throughout the world and now resides in Las Vegas. His albums have reached the top 10 smooth jazz indie projects, and he has performed with top jazz artists nationally. Tickets: $20 regular; $18 student/senior.

An Inspirational Christmas With Elvis: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Join Danny Vernon as he presents classic Elvis along with some great traditional Christmas selections as well. Tickets: $20 regular; $18 student/senior.

Christmas with The Gothard Sisters: 2 p.m. Dec. 14. The Gothard Sisters are a dynamic all-female Irish music and dance group from the Pacific Northwest. Tickets: $20 regular; $18 student/senior.

Ted Vigil Christmas Show: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19. Singer, songwriter and John Denver tribute artist extraordinaire. Tickets: $20 regular; $18 student/senior.

AveKids, The Elves & the Toymaker: 4 p.m. Dec. 20. StoryBook Theater presents holiday musical. Tickets: $8.

AUBURN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

2014-15 Concert season: Performances at the Theater at Auburn Mountainview, 28900 124th Ave. SE, Auburn. ASO announces its 18th season of programs in its temporary home while the Auburn Performing Arts Center is being renovated. Concert lineup: • A Very Merry Valentine: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 15; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 15. • A Grand Tour of Europe: 7:30 p.m. April 25, 26; 2:30 p.m. April 26. Season and single tickets available. Reserved season ticket seats $95 adults, $75 seniors. Reserved single ticket seats $34 adults, $27 seniors, $10 students. To purchase, call 253-887-7777 or purchase online at www.auburnsymphony.org.

ELSEWHERE

“A Christmas Carol”: 10 a.m. Dec. 7, Lifegate Church, 307 E. Main St. Adapted and directed by Nathan Jeffrey. Presented by Taproot Theatre. Free

Red, White and Blue Holiday Concert: 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Green River Community College, Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Annual holiday favorite mixes it up this year with a temporary new location and a new sound. The 133rd National Guard will not be performing as part of this year’s concert due to deployment overseas. Tickets are free, but required for admission and will be available for pick-up at the Parks, Arts & Recreation Building, 910 Ninth St. SE, beginning Nov. 1.  Limit six per family.

“Oliver!”: 7 p.m. Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; 3 p.m. Dec. 13, 14, 20, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Heavier Than Air Family Theatre presents the award-winning musical that vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever popular story of the orphaned boy who asked for more. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. For more information, call 253-833-9111, ext. 2400, or visit www.heavierthanair.com.

Ring Out, Wild Bells: 3 p.m. Dec. 13, Kent United Methodist Church, 11010 SE 248th St. Rainier Youth Choirs’ annual holiday concert and a “cookie mingle” that follows. Tickets: advance $12 adults; $10 seniors/students; $5 children under 12 (at door $15/$12/$7). For more information, call 253-315-3125, email info@rainieryouthchoirs.org or visit www.RainierYouthChoirs.org.

Music at The Station Bistro: 6-9 p.m., Bistro, 110 Second St. SW, Suite 125, Auburn.

Zola’s Cafe: Live music every Friday, 7-9 p.m., 402 E. Main St., Suite 120. Open mic on the last Wednesday of the month. For information, contact Sonia Kessler at the cafe at 253-333-9652.

Poetry

Poetry at The Station Bistro: 7-10 p.m., first Wednesdays of each month, Bistro, 110 Second St. SW, Suite 125, Auburn. Poets featured at the open mic venue. Presented by The Station Bistro, the Northwest Renaissance, Auburn Striped Water Poets. Open to poets of every age and skill level. • Dec. 3 program: A holiday celebration, seasonal poetry, music, bells. For more information, contact mcbreenpost@aol.com.

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 three leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 4 through college).  Call 253-347-0180 to schedule an audition.  For more information, visit  www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

Dance

Children’s Dance Theater Open House:  Visit www.auburnchildrensdancetheater.com or call 253-887-8937 for program information. Located at 122 W. Main St. (entrance in back)

Auburn Dance Academy:  Visit www.auburndanceacademy.com or call 253-833-1891 for program information.  The academy is located at 1811 Howard Road, Suite 100.

Auburn Dance & Music Center: Visit www.auburndancecenter.com or call 253-833-6773 for program information. The center is located at 306 Auburn Ave.

Surrendered School of the Arts: Visit www.surrenderedschool.com or call 253-474-4881 for program information.  Classes are on Tuesdays at Lifegate Auburn Foursquare Church, 307 E. Main St.

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.

EXHIBITS

Small Works Big Presents, The Gift of Art: Nov. 19-Dec. 14. A juried show and sale of contemporary arts and crafts of deliciously small dimensions. Supported by the City of Auburn Arts Commission.

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.

The Auburn Valley Creative Arts Gallery: 222 E Main St. E, Auburn. The group has monthly meetings and art demonstrations which are open to the public. To learn more, visit auburnvalleycreativearts.com.