Auburn to light up the holiday season

Santa Parade, tree lighting set for downtown on Saturday

December 1, 2017 11:25 am
Santa Claus has Grace Orr light the switch to turn on the lights of the Christmas tree in the City Hall Plaza during last year’s ceremony. Auburn’s holiday festivities return Saturday, with a snack-and-craft activity and the annual Santa Parade on Main Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. Following the parade, there’ll be community caroling, the annual Tree Lighting and a synchronized light show in the City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

The City of Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation offers a wide range of holiday activities.

Auburn festivities kick off on Saturday with a snack-and-craft activity and the annual Santa Parade on Main Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. Following the parade, community caroling, the tree lighting and a synchronized light show follows at Auburn 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.

Prior to the parade, families can enjoy the returning Holiday Snack & Craft activity from 2 to 4 p.m. at Washington Elementary, 20 E St. NE. Participants can join the parks staff in creating holiday gingerbread houses and ornaments. The pre-registration entry fee is $3 for residents, $4 for non-residents and $5 on the day of the event.

The popular Red, White & Blue Holiday Concert performs at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Auburn Performing Art Center, 702 Fourth St. NE. The 133D Washington Army National Guard will perform holiday classics and all the favorites of the season. Tickets are free with food donation but required and can be picked up in advance at the Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation Office.

Santa will be especially busy on Saturday, Dec. 9 for every child’s favorite breakfast event. Auburn Parks, Arts & Rec hosts a Breakfast with Santa at the Auburn Community and Events Center, 910 Ninth St. SE. There will be two seatings for breakfast: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Cost is $6 for residents of Auburn, $8 for those living outside the city ($7/$9 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.

If parents are looking for some “kid-free” time for a night out, or to do some last-minute shopping, send them to the holiday-inspired Parents’ Night Out at the Les Gove Gym on Saturday, Dec. 16 , from 5 to 10 p.m., and includes games, crafts, a bouncy house, a pizza dinner and more kid-approved fun!

The Auburn Ave Theater presents “Scrooge, The Musical,” performed by the Auburn Community Players. Performances are 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, with 2 o’clock matinees on Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets are available at the parks office, online at auburnwa.gov/arts or at the box office one-hour prior to the show.

“The Elves and the Toymaker” is 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Auburn Ave.

Santa will make a special visit to the Indoor Playground at the gymnasium at Les Gove Park, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 8. Entry to the playground is $2 per child and, for an additional $2 per photo, you can get your picture taken with Santa.

Stop by the White River Valley Museum on Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m., for a holiday-themed Late Play Date. The free program is for kids age 3-12 and features holiday-themed crafts and activities with an international flair. Late Play Date is a drop-in program and no registration is required. For more information, contact the museum at 253-288-7433 or wrvmuseum.org.

For more information on Auburn’s holiday events, contact the Parks, Arts & Rec at 253-931-3043. Parade application, rules and a parade map are posted on the City of Auburn’s website, auburnwa.gov/events.